The Lion’s Cross Species Baby

Annie looked around. Chloe, in her lion form, had climbed the drapes to the top and was tiptoeing across the rod holding them up. Chloe roared at her mother, a cute baby lion roar that was more adorable than threatening. As Leah rushed over, Annie put her hand over her mouth to quiet the laughter escaping, although unsuccessfully. Jenny added to the general melee and racket by barking at Leah as she tried to reach her daughter.

As Annie watched, Chloe shifted into her human form and immediately lost her precarious balance. Leah caught her easily, put her on the ground, and began lecturing her about how dangerous her behavior was. Chloe sniffled twice, then opened her mouth and wailed in protest. Jenny, sensing her best friend’s distress, began to howl.

Annie shouted over the noise, “I’ll probably die of a heart attack here faster than something happening to me in Brazil.”

Leah glared and pointed a finger at her as she lifted her daughter in her other arm. “You’ll be so bored in the middle of the forest with no Chloe to keep you on your toes.”

Annie pretended to consider. “You’re probably right. But my ears will be grateful.”

Leah stuck her tongue out at Annie, and Chloe mimicked her. Annie threw her head back and laughed so loudly even Jenny stopped whining. Annie stepped closer to Leah and Chloe and playfully flicked Chloe’s nose. “Why don’t you and I go play for a bit, cutie? I think your mom needs a rest.”

Chloe stretched her arms out to Annie. Leah gratefully released her. “Where are you going to take her?”

“I promised her we’d shift together and play tonight. Instead, we’ll go now and you can take a nap.”

“A nap?” Leah asked, confused. “I can’t really remember what that is.”

Annie laughed again. “We’ll go outside. But don’t worry, Mom. Between Jenny and me, we should be able to keep her safe.” As Annie hauled the girl out the door, she called back, “You’re just lucky she isn’t a bird of some sort when she shifts. You’d never be able to keep her under control.”

“She’d be in a giant bird cage,” Leah called as she marched to her bedroom. “And don’t think I’m kidding!” She snapped her door closed.

Annie nuzzled Chloe’s neck, smiling. “Don’t worry. She used to make threats like that at me, and she never followed through.”

As soon as she stepped outside, she put Chloe on the ground and shed her clothes. She shifted into her owl form and perched on the step closest to Chloe, who squealed with delight and pet her head. Jenny sniffed her as if she didn’t recognize her, something she’d done since they’d brought her home. Annie hooted at her, then at Chloe, who shifted and shot off the porch. Annie soared up into the air, flying low and keeping a close eye on Chloe’s tan form.

*****

Two days later, Mark, Leah, and Chloe drove Annie to the airport. Annie’s nerves were on fire. She had traveled before and knew her way around the airport, but she’d never gone alone. Her family walked her to the security check point to say good bye.

Leah held her in a hug for a long time. When she pulled back, she had tears in her eyes. “I know it’s only for a month, but I am going to miss you so much.”

“I’ll miss you, too, Leah.”

“Call when you land, and email as often as possible,” Leah ordered.

Annie had explained to Leah that emailing wouldn’t be possible all that often; she would literally be in the middle of a forest. She had no idea how often excursions to town happened, but two weeks had passed between emails from Cooper. And forget about phone calls.

“I’ll do my best,” she promised, hugging Leah again. She turned to Mark. “Thanks again for helping me.”

“If you thank me one more time, I’m going to tear up your ticket,” Mark told her as he slung an arm around her shoulders for a quick squeeze. “Just be careful.” He pulled her away from Leah. “I know it’s going to be nearly impossible to send a message once you’re there, but try your best to send at least three while you’re gone. Otherwise, Leah will drive me completely nuts!”

Annie laughed. “I’ll find a way, I promise. I know how she can be. And she’s even worse now that she’s a mom.”

“Worse about what?” Leah asked, eyebrow raised.

“Nothing,” Annie and Mark said together, innocent smiles plastered on their faces.

With a smirk, Mark hugged his wife with one arm and grabbed the escaping Chloe. “Chloe and I are going to see the planes so you two can have a minute to yourselves. Annie, be careful, be safe.”

Annie kissed Chloe once more on the lips and cheek, nuzzling her. “Good bye, sweet Chloe. Kiss Jenny for me.” Chloe nodded her understanding and patted Annie’s cheek. She babble to Mark about planes, and they moved off. Annie shook her head. “I swear, sometimes she acts like she’s five and sometimes she acts her age.”

The pair of women watched Mark walk away with his daughter in his arms. Leah smiled. “Yes, for a one-year-old, she’s quite advanced, but that’s normal for a halfie.”

“That word again,” Annie laughed.

Leah’s face was serious when she spoke again. “Annie, I’m serious. Please be careful. You don’t know what it’s like in South America. All the drugs and cartels and murders.”

“Leah, it’s not 1975. Pablo Escobar has long since passed,” Annie giggled.

“You don’t think a million others have taken his place. And besides, he was in Columbia, not Brazil. You don’t know who is in charge there!”

“Leah, you watch too many movies and documentaries and whatever. I’m going to Brazil as a history major, not a DEA agent. I’ll be fine. Please stop worrying before you have an aneurysm,” Annie said.

Leah took a deep breath. “You’re right. I’m being a little silly.” Leah pulled Annie into a hug. “I love you so much, Annie. You are my sister, even if we aren’t blood.”

Annie blinked rapidly to clear the tears threatening to fall. “Dammit, Leah. I didn’t want to cry.”