“I have an idea,” Poppy said. “A bunch of omegas are hunting for prey in the forest, but I don't think that's right. Remember how the first challenge was about water? I think this one is, too. We should try fishing in the stream.”
“We?” Alaric interjected. “I wasn't aware this was a group activity.”
Poppy's ears flattened as he glared at Alaric. Which was unusual because Poppy never glared at anybody. What was up with him lately?
“We've helped each other in challenges before," Poppy pointed out.
Alaric sniffed and turned to leave. “Suit yourselves. I'm not about to get my hands dirty for a challenge I have no possibility of winning. If you need me, I'll be tanning on the beach.”
“Forget him,” Poppy insisted. “We can do this together.”
It was rare to see him so determined, so I didn't want to turn down his offer, though I still didn't understand his uncharacteristic ambition.
“Sure, Pops, if that's what you want,” I said.
He nodded, relieved, then hunkered down by the stream about ten feet away. “You start there, I'll start here, and we'll meet in the middle.”
“Okay.”
Poppy instantly got to work. His eyes scanned the rushing water, his paw at the ready to catch a fish.
I stared into the stream. The flow calmed me. I could've shut my eyes and listened to the peaceful running water until I fell asleep.
But it wasn't the time or place for that. I wanted to try my best to win the challenge on my own terms, no matter what Alaric said. If Cobalt chose me as the winner, I'd be happy.
If he didn't, then…
My skin prickled with unease. Actually, I didn'twantto think about Cobalt picking a different winner.
I kneeled at the edge of the stream in human form, my fingers curling into the earth. Unlike Alaric, I didn't care if I got dirty, especially if it resulted in another shower session with Cobalt.
Ugh, I couldn't think about that stuff right now. Getting a boner was not conducive to fishing.
“I got one!” Poppy cried, his voice muffled by a big fish clenched in his jaws.
He looked ecstatic, but the fish had other ideas. It thrashed for dear life, slapping Poppy’s muzzle with its tail until it broke free. Poppy yelped as the fish disappeared back into the stream.
“Catch it, Muzo!” he cried.
Even if I wanted to catch the fish, it was too late. The aquatic escapee sped past me and my clumsy human hands, disappearing downstream.
Poppy ran over to me with a crease in his brows. “Why did you let it go? It might've helped you win.”
I shook my head. “Thanks, Pops, but I want to do this on my own. I’m gonna prove to Alaric that I can win fair and square.”
Poppy’s ears flattened. He looked uncomfortable, like he was struggling not to argue with me.
“What’s up with you lately?” I asked. “You’ve been acting weird since we got here.”
Poppy’s pelt prickled. “No, I haven’t.”
“Uh, yeah, you have.”
He licked the fur on his chest distractedly. “A-anyway, we shouldn’t waste time. I’m gonna catch another fish.”
“And give it to me?” I accused.
Poppy’s eyes widened like saucers. “No!”
