Music of Souls

"I don't know… what if I got out somehow? I don't want to risk hurting you."

"I could have a car waiting by the back door. If it started to seem like you could escape, I would take off."

"What if I trash the room, not to mention the house? I think it's too dangerous."

"Do you really think you could break out of here?"

Elisabeth scanned the room again. "Probably not, but I don't think it's worth the risk. I'll only be gone overnight."

Jackson fell silent for a moment then met her gaze. "I want to see you as a wolf. I have all these visions in my head. I want to know for better or for worse what the reality is. You asked me to accept what you are. I need to know what that is if I am to accept it."

"If I hurt you, I couldn't live with myself."

Jackson held her close. "You won't. I'll be careful. Besides, we don't even know if you'll want to hurt me. Maybe the wolf you will be as enamored by me as the human you."

She chuckled, "Sarah and Connor would have to leave."

"Already covered, they'll go to our ski house in Vermont overnight." Jackson led her to sit on the sofa.

She curled her legs under herself, and put her head on his shoulder. "We need to think about this a while before making a decision."

"All right."

Elisabeth pointed to the corner. "Why are all those art supplies over there?"

"I bought them when I thought you would be spending some time down here. I guess we should take them to your studio."

"There's enough stuff there to start a whole new studio."

"Hey, that's a great idea. Why don't we turn the bedroom next to my music room into a studio for you? It has the bay window, great natural light. What do you think?"

"I think you would need to ask Sarah."

"Oh, please. She'll be thrilled."

"I don't know, it kind of feels like I would be moving in."

"I'm not saying you should sell your house, just have another studio here."

"Let's see what Sarah has to say first."

"Fine, but I guarantee she'll be on board." They headed upstairs. "What do you feel like for dinner?"

"Wasn't there some chili left over?" She asked.

"Yeah, I think so."

"Let's see if there's enough for two."

"That's all right, I don't feel like eating."

Elisabeth pursed her lips. "What's it like to not have to eat?

"Well, technically I have to eat, just not food." He held up his blood cocktail.