Free Imminence by Jennifer Loiske Page B

the moment they had laid eyes on each other. Clarissa might not have realized it herself, but the hunt would be easy for Adam because his prey had already surrendered.
    “Mother,” Clarissa said hesitantly, “Do you believe it’s possible to fall in love with someone so quickly? I don’t even know him, but it feels like my whole being has always waited for him. If he asked me to go with him, I’d go without a moment’s doubt,” Clarissa lifted her head and regarded me with a stubborn look in her eyes.
    “I don’t see him as a wolf, I see him as a man. Do you understand? I’m scared to death of him but I still want to be with him, to follow him wherever he wants to go,” Her voice softened and a dreamy expression illuminated her face.
    “I don’t care what he is and I don’t care what you are. You’re my mother and if Adam is anything like you, I’d only be proud to be with him.”
    Oh, my God! I would have to be very careful now.
    “Clarissa, do you realize what you’re saying? That man is extremely dangerous. I can’t forbid you to go near him because I know you won’t obey me, but I wish with all my heart he understands enough to leave you alone. Gunward certainly won’t let him come here again,” I got up and stared at Clarissa in disbelief. “What if Adam decides to take the shape of a wolf permanently? Would you follow him to the North even if you couldn’t have him as a human? What if he gets angry with you and loses control? He’s capable of ripping your throat open within seconds and tearing you to shreds!” I shouted.
    Did she really not understand? I let out a grunt and forced myself to sit down again. I knew shouting wouldn't help now. I silently counted to ten.
    “He’s not a pet you can scratch and cuddle when you feel like it. He’s a wild wolf, do you understand? A wolf, not a human being! Clarissa, you have to listen to me carefully and try to forget him. You don’t even know what love is! Please promise me you’ll stay away from him,” I said with extreme patience.
    “Who’s Gunward? That man whose arms you melted in? I’m sure Dad wouldn’t like you falling into another man’s embrace, and why would Adam do as this Gunward says? Adam is certainly much stronger than Gunward and if Adam wants to be with me, I don’t think anyone can stop him.”
    “Clarissa!” I exclaimed, frustrated.
    How could I make my teenage daughter understand the gravity of the situation? In the soft candlelight, the terrors of the night were beginning to fade out of memory, and Clarissa had evidently already painted a romantic mental picture of a gorgeous young man with whom she now thought herself in love. But Adam could not be trifled with. He would not be like other young men and if stricken by jealousy, he might do something truly appalling. Moreover, Clarissa didn’t realize Adam wanted her for himself for the rest of his life. She wouldn’t be able to date him for a few months and then decide she didn’t want a relationship. I felt like tearing my hair!
    “Don’t you even have anything to say about the fact that I’m a wolf?” I shrieked quietly.
    “Gunward and I are very old shape shifter wolves and although I’ve lived for a long time as a human, I can transform into a wolf in seconds. Doesn’t that honestly bother you at all?” My face reflected absolute desperation and I hoped Clarissa would be at least a little more frightened, understanding that all I had told her was true.
    Clarissa shrugged negligently. I knew she itched to tell her friends about the night’s events. For once she would have something really exciting to tell. Her thoughts wandered far from me and she could hardly wait to show off her new, handsome almost boyfriend. The others would die of jealousy. I had to stop her.
    “You have to swear to me you won’t tell anyone what has happened tonight or who I am. Can you do that?” I looked sternly at Clarissa.
    Clarissa regarded me for a long while, but then