Wolf shifters! Who doesn’t love them? I’m assuming if you love shifters in general, then you also love them wolves. What makes them so appealing?
- The hierarchy of the pack. It may not be entirely based on the real world. In fact, I’ve read a couple of articles (here’s one) that say the whole “alpha” thing is wrong…apologies to anyone whose dreams this might crush, but I’ve chosen to keep going with the alpha designations because it’s great for fiction! Having a pecking order is great for added conflict.
- Relating to #1, that alpha–a lot of us like a tough, commanding hero (who is, of course, also sweet and tender and caring). It’s the whole deal. He bosses the pack around, but he’s also a protector and caregiver. HAWT.
- The “band of brothers” trope. This isn’t specific to wolf shifters (in fact, now that I think of it, few of these are…hmm). But I love me some groups of guys who joke around with each other. They make fun of each other and play practical jokes, and it’s a blast.
- Okay, I’m going for something wolf-specific here: their coats. So lovely. They come in so many different shades, with different patterns. Truly beautiful.
- Those intelligent eyes. I mean, wolves are smart. It isn’t hard to imagine where the werewolf myth came from, when you look at the eyes of a wolf.
When did I first fall in love with wolves? Jean Craighead George’s book, Julie of the Wolves. I read that many times as a girl. I’ve thought of reading it again as an adult, but I’m so scared it won’t live up to the pedestal I put it on as a child!
Then, fast-forward many years, and I started reading Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld books, starting with Bitten. Actually, I think I started with Stolen, not realizing it was a series, and then I had to go back. Either way, she got me very interested in shapeshifters. And from there, I started writing stories featuring these sexy beasts. 🙂
How about you? What do you love about wolves and wolf shifters?