However, it seemed I might get the opportunity after all as a large chocolate-brown-and-khaki wolf swooped in out of nowhere and began urging me to run faster.
I knew who it was in an instant. I’d just seen his large, muscular form leading the group a moment ago.
It was Alpha Caelan.
He nuzzled the side of my neck, yipping playfully at me as he jumped around. I cocked my head at him, not sure what he was trying to tell me. We weren’t in the same pack, so we didn’t share a mind-link.
Why is he acting like this? He looks like a pup that’s trying to play. Wait, is that what’s happening? Why would he choose me?
He nipped lightly at my heels, encouraging me to race. I barked back, circling him before taking off through the trees at top speed.
I’ve never raced for fun before! I’ve only ever run like this in training or as a form of punishment. This is so much better! I wonder how fast he can go.
I pushed myself to my limit, forcing the alpha to chase me. I knew that he could probably catch me if he tried, but he stayed behind, happily darting through the trees and jumping over boulders as he raced after me.
For the first time in a long time, I was actually enjoying myself. I was having so much fun that I completely forgot about my responsibility to protect Sunny, leaving her and the rest of the group far behind.
We reached the waterfalls long before everyone else, both of us skidding to a stop just before the riverbank.
I dropped my bag, panting hard as I turned toward Alpha Caelan. That was the kind of run I had been hoping for.
He wore a wolfy grin, his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth as his chest heaved. I couldn’t help but mirror it with my own smile. Forgetting myself for a moment, I glanced up.
Suddenly, that wonderful scent, the one that I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about since the night of the welcome party, filled my senses.French vanilla coffee with just a hint of masculine musk.
I stared at him in complete shock. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind about who it belonged to now.
It was Alpha Caelan’s scent.
He stepped forward, and I trembled, an electric hum in my veins as he neared. Everything about him called out to my wolf’s instincts. I wanted, no I needed, to look him in the eyes, but I fought the desire.
This is crazy. He’s not the first male that I’ve ever spent time with.I shook myself, my heart hammering for a second reason as I finally glanced away.Though admittedly, he’s the most attractive one by far. Why am I reacting to him like this?
I didn’t have a chance to ponder on it for long as everyone else finally caught up. Their presence washed over us like a bucket of ice water, dousing whatever heat had been brewing in an instant.
I ducked away, taking the opportunity to find a private place to shift. I pulled on my bathing suit and cover up as I chastised myself for letting down my guard.
He’s an alpha. I can’t allow myself to behave like that around him. I’m here to help Sunny. I can’t forget my orders.
I started back, stopping short as I realized my mistake. I had looked at him. Not directly, but he had definitely seen my eyes. They were impossible to miss.
Oh Goddess! What have I done?
Group Date
SHADE
I was still worrying about it as I joined the group at the water’s edge. The view was breathtaking, just as I had hoped it would be. It almost made me forget about the huge mistake I’d just made. Almost.
A large pool had formed beneath the falls, its calm waters the perfect place for lounging. The water glittered in the sunlight, beckoning us to jump right in.
“What do you think?” Taffy’s bubbly voice asked from beside me.
“It’s really pretty,” I offered.
“Come on,” she bid as she wandered toward the pool. “Let’s get in.”
I followed her, peeling off my coverup as I stepped into the refreshing water. A sharp crack rang out, and I jumped, dropping into a defensive stance as I glanced in the direction of the sound.
