The Shadow Alpha

Chapter 23: The Moment

Chapter 23: The Moment

River

            We leave the waterfall, shifting and then shaking ourselves off, trying to lessen the amount of drying time.

            I couldn't believe how close I was to saying it...To telling her. Everything was perfect, the moment was so right, yet when it came down to it I just couldn't. The words were right there, begging to be said, and yet...The fear of rejection, the fear of seeing her face fall as she realizes she herself doesn't feel the same way.

            I know we're mates; I know the bond we share is so unique and special and that there is almost zero chance Holly would turn me away, but it was still too much. The thought of losing her as a result of confessing my feelings too soon was crippling. I couldn't say it, because saying it would make it more real and that also means the potential of being hurt is more real too.

            I'm careful not to let my thoughts wander to this whole realization that I'm in love with Holly as we take on our wolf forms. I know there are hardly any walls between us mentally when we're tethered through our mind-link.

            Instead, we track and hunt together, both of us hungry and in need of a meal to tide us over. We follow the scent of a doe through the trees, stalking silently as we close in. The deer is oblivious, grazing and shuffling its way along through the grass. She's a small doe, but the perfect size for both of us to get our helping to feel satisfied.

            With silent communication, Holly and I position ourselves on either side of the doe, cutting off any chance of escape. I crouch down low, trying to use the tall August grass to my advantage. Holly is across from me, on the other side, and although I cannot see her, I know she's closing in too.

            In a silent, tense moment, we watch as the doe perks her head up, her ears swiveling like satellite dishes, listening for any sign of danger. She can likely sense she isn't alone anymore—it's a primal instinct all animals have, that gut feeling that something has shifted in the air and space around you.

            Steady.

            I say to Holly, both of us slowing our breathing, trying to remain as silent and unmoving as possible. If she detects us now, she could make a break for it and be out of our reach before we get close enough.

This is the deciding moment.

            Now!

            I urge, and in unison we both spring up and leap toward the doe, closing the space remaining between us.

            Holly beats me there, her position behind a large boulder putting her slightly closer than me. She leaps over the rock, sailing through the air, pouncing on the doe and pinning it before it even has the chance to realize an attack is underway. With a definitive snap Holly crushes the doe's neck between her powerful jaws, and the deer falls limp immediately: a precise and clean kill.

            Wow, colour me impressed.

            I say as I approach, seeing blood staining Holly's white muzzle. Her lip curls back, revealing her razor-sharp teeth, a version of a lopsided smile.

            I still have a few surprises up my sleeve, you know. After all, all a woman has are her secrets.

            Holly's voice teases me, and I bark out a laugh in response.

            Touché.

            We dive into our meal, tearing and ripping the pelt away to get to the hearty flesh beneath. We eat for what feels like several hours, although we actually make quick work of the animal. When we're done both of us are laying down, licking our paws and jowls for whatever is left.