Taber by Aliyah Burke and Taige Crenshaw Page B

their sympathy. They had all grown close to Kali too and loved animals as much as she did. When she was out of view, Lainey started to run to the Jeep to get to Taber’s to see for herself they were alive. The sensation that was becoming familiar filled her then the next moment she was at the lake behind Taber’s house. Before she could speak, a sound she knew so well cut her off. Kali burst out of the foliage at a full run and leapt at her. Lainey wasn’t even afraid—she was so happy to see her. She opened her arms and the cat hit her in the chest and they fell to the ground. Kali nuzzled her neck, sniffing her. Lainey laughed, joy filling her at seeing her alive and well. Some instinct made her look to her left. Lainey’s breath caught as she viewed the regal white tiger sitting silently beside where she and Kali lay. Kali moved back and Lainey sat up and reached out a hand to Zoey. The cat pushed into her hand then tried to climb in her lap.
    “You’re too big for my lap.” She petted the cat, settling it by her side.
    It laid its head against her left leg and Kali rested her head against her right one. Lainey petted the animals, marvelling that they were fine after what she had seen. The day slowly receded as they sat beside the lake. When it was dark the outside lights came on and illuminated the area. A rustling sound in the brush caught Lainey’s attention. Her eyes widened as a small golden snake flowed out of the trees. She wasn’t afraid, because the lynx and tiger didn’t stir from their position. The closer the gold snake came the larger it became, until it towered over them. It rose, spreading its sides, watching them from golden eyes.
    “Taber?” Lainey said tentatively, recognising the gaze.
    A golden mist covered the reptile then flowed away rapidly. Taber rolled his shoulders as he strode towards her wearing the same clothing he had been earlier.
    “You can be a huge ass snake too. What other animals can you be? How about a tiger?”
    Taber changed into one. He cocked his head to the side. Lainey glanced at Zoey by her side, then back at Taber in white tiger form.
    “I prefer this form when I run.” Taber’s voice came out of the mouth of the animal before her.
    Lainey blinked then laughed. “That’s just freaky hearing your voice from the way you’re looking now.” She gestured.
    “Any other animals you want me to become?” The tiger lay on the grass before her.
    Lainey thought about it then started calling out names. He changed into each effortlessly. She moved from between the lynx and tiger to him. Lainey sat beside the cave lion—the shape he was in now and petted his back.
    “Taber,” she said softly.
    The fur flowed away and she was touching bare skin. Taber rolled over, putting his hand behind his head. Lainey looked down his beautiful body.
    “I love you, Lainey.”
    She jerked her head up at his softly spoken words. The truth was there in his eyes and on his face.
    “I know that it’ll take you time to feel the same bu—”
    She cut him off. “Shut the hell up, Taber.”
     
    Taber did as she bid, his heart pounding. He wanted her to be by his side forever but knew her accepting it so soon was too much to hope for.
    “You’ve been pushing me since we met. Moving me into your house. Making me immortal like you all are.”
    Taber was surprised she knew. He studied her and she didn’t seem upset about it.
    Lainey pulled down her shirt, showing him the image that looked like a tattoo, just above her breast. “A female and male cave lion. I couldn’t figure out what the matching golden snake and white tiger was for but now I get it. They are all man and woman. Ying for the yang.”
    “Yes, I think first and foremost like a cave lion. But the white tiger and snake are sides of me too and my favourite animal to change to.” Taber traced over where his own tattoo was now visible on his chest.
    Until now, he’d not let it show and before he left, he’d given her a