Considering that I was waiting to die at the hands of the demon before me, I was surprisingly calm and unafraid. In all honesty I was angry. I wasn't ready to give in yet. Wincing with the effort, I rolled to my hands and knees and pushed myself to my feet, standing proudly before him. His eyebrows rose slightly, expectantly and I scowled and clenched my fists at my side. I wasn't a demon but I had enough power and intelligence that I wasn't exactly a normal human.

"How dare you stand before me in such a manner?" He asked in a soft monotone. His gaze traveled down my form, disapprovingly.

I bristled under that look. "You are no master of mine. I healed you, saved you from the wolf. Continue on your business and leave me to mine, Demon. I am nothing to you."

"You really believe that?" He stepped closer to me and my ridged stance faltered. What did he mean by that? I just wanted to be left alone. I didn't need the attention. Wounded pride made me bold. I turned and started for the river. My leg throbbed when I put my weight on it but I limped on. A hand wrapped around my good arm, halting me in my tracks. Terror enraged me and I yelped and wrenched out of his grip. When I jumped back away from him my leg went out and I buckled to the ground.

"Don't touch me! Just go away." He paid me no heed and strode forward. I cringed and shouted, "Dammit, I was trying to help you. I helped you. Why do I deserve to die?" The sound of cold steel sliding out of a sheath stopped my heart and I tensed, choking for air. Drawing energy from the massive willow trees around me, asking for their assistance, I made one final attempt to live. Looking up boldly into the eyes of the demon posed to strike, I sent a command to the massive tree. A few of the long skinny hanging branches braded together and wove around his wrist.

The demon looked at the vines in surprise and then turned back to me. There were fiery daggers in his furious gaze when his eyes rested on me again. My heart stopped in terror. It was hopeless. This heartless man was going to end my existence. With a sigh I released my command on the tree and rose to a kneeling position. "Just make it quick then."

I was trembling. My breath was shallow and ragged. It raked my pride to be so weak but I had no other option. "What makes you think you are going to die?" He asked in a quiet tone.

I looked up, way up, to his face so high above me. The surprise was evident I was sure. "You're holding a long, sharp weapon in a ready stance. I don't know what else you would want from me. I didn't mean to offend you or be disrespectful. I'm just not used to having to give up."

He sighed and shrugged, returning the weapon to its plain sheath at his waist. "What kind of beast do you believe me to be? I would not be so undignified as to leave anyone who saved my life in a state like yours."

I scowled and rose defiantly to my feet. "I do not desire your assistance. I want to be left alone."

The demon didn't reply and made no move to leave. I didn't realize how tense I had become waiting for his response. It came and I jumped. "You are an unusual human." I glanced nervously to see him staring steadily. Behind the cold steel gaze, he was thinking.

Shakily I responded, "I'm not human. I'm not a demon but I am definitely not a human."

"What are you?" His baritone rumbled out, emotionlessly.

My shoulders drooped wearily but I met his gaze boldly. "I am a creature not even worthy of being accepted into human society. I am shunned by all species including my own. I am a Skinwalker. I shift into whichever mortal creature I choose." Years of rejection and loneliness tore into me. With a deep breath, I pushed the pain aside. "Your reputation will not be faulted. Please, just leave me to my existence."

The demon was quiet for a while. "You long to be accepted. You don't want to be left alone. I can hear it in your voice. Travel with me."

Again, I was shocked by his unexpectedness. He made me nervous. I didn't know what to expect from him. He was correct, though. The desire to be accepted by at least one other creature on the planet came on so strong it took my breath away. Denial shoved away my hope and I frowned sadly. "Why? Just because I'm an animal doesn't mean I'm some pet."

"A companion? Not all demons are evil all the time. Some of us even have feelings." I heard a touch of loneliness in his tone when he spoke.

I was confused for a second until it dawned on me. "You are alone as well. I thought demons preferred it that way." He shook his head slowly. I sighed. "Can you promise me you're not gonna beat me or kill me?"

He held out a hand to me and I jumped. "Mutual companions. Do you have a name?"

I took his smooth hand, shakily. "Oriah."

"Luca." He replied quietly.