He stepped forward and, without hesitation, rested a hand gently on the wolf’s thick fur. In the blink of an eye, the scenery shifted.
They landed in a grove that shimmered with divine energy. Trees with bark like polished bronze and leaves of the deepest green surrounded them. The air carried the scent of myrrh and pine, and sunlight filtered through the high canopy, brightening everything with a tinge of gold. A cool breeze danced through the underbrush, and somewhere nearby, a brook trickled softly over smooth stones.
The wolf’s ears twitched. This…was better.
“Let’s see how fast you can go,” Apollo said, a cocky edge in his voice.
But before the words were even fully out of his mouth, the wolf launched forward, a brown blur streaking through the golden woods. Its howl rang out like laughter caught in the wind.
“No fair!” he shouted behind it, already giving chase.
The wolf raced through the divine forest, its paws barely touching the ground. It wove between the shining trunks and leapt over roots and glowing streams, fully alive in the way only a run could offer. It could sense Apollo far behind, struggling to close the distance.
Then, suddenly, the god was beside it—his divine speed catching up in a burst of solar energy.
The wolf growled playfully and slammed its shoulder into him.
Apollo let out a startled, delighted laugh. “Oh, it’s likethat,huh?”
The wolf took off again, tail high, paws pounding the soft forest floor. The wind raced past, filled with wild scents and the thrill of freedom. This—this—was what it missed.
And then—arms. Strong, warm, divine arms wrapped around it.
Apollo tackled the wolf mid-stride, and they tumbled into the brush in a blur of fur and laughter. Leaves scattered around them like confetti. The wolf whined, squirming in protest, but he just held on, laughing.
“I’ve got you—”
The moment his grip loosened, the wolf wiggled free and shot off again, kicking up moss and dirt.
It glanced back, eyes gleaming with amusement, and let out another bark that sounded far too much like a laugh.
But then—there he was.
Apollo stood right in front of the wolf’s path, arms crossed, a smug grin on his face.
The wolf skidded to a stop and growled, hackles raising in mock irritation.He’s using his powers,it grumbled.
In its mind, Geri laughed.I think it’s time you let him be with his mate.
The wolf gave a dramatic huff, then sighed. With one graceful leap, it shifted mid-air, fur giving way to skin, muscle, and bone reshaping in a flash of light.
Geri collided into Apollo’s chest with full force, laughing as they tumbled to the ground for the second time that day.
Apollo’s arms instinctively caught her. “I was wondering how long I’d have to wait to have you back,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.
She answered by kissing him.
It was warm and lingering, full of affection and fire, like the sun dipping low over a snowy horizon—soft, golden, and alive with promise. His lips moved against hers with a certainty that melted every last bit of resistance she’d ever harbored. Her fingers curled against his chest, and he pulled her in tighter, like he never wanted to let go.
When they finally broke apart, she was breathless, but smiling.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered.
“Definitely not,” he agreed, his voice low, full of heat—and then he kissed her again, deeper this time, like the moment had been waiting for them all day.
When they finally pulled back, she studied his face, heart pounding. “Am I reading this right?” she asked, her voice husky.
“Yes,” he said without hesitation, fingers brushing along her jaw. “You’re reading it exactly right.”
