Our Wild Mate *Teaser*

9 - Sweet Rewards

Nadia

Afternoon sun makes the water ripples sparkle, giving the river a diamond look. The granite cliff face behind the falls combined with thick forests has always made this feel like my sanctuary.

I've lost count of how many hours I've spent here, swimming and relaxing under the stars. My nostalgia draws me into the cool, fresh water, but I know a secret.

I swim out towards the waterfall and move towards the granite side with a large crack along it. Gradually, the water warms as the hot spring water mixes with the icy river.

No longer needing my fur, I shift and find the perfect temperature. As the warm water cascades over my wary muscles, I work to wash the grime from the hunt off.

A silly smile slips on my lips, replaying how flawless our hunt went. Logan didn't try to shield me or do it alone. We worked together like a well-oiled team... like equals.

I stand up with my back to shore and rinse my hair under the falls, keeping my waist underwater. A splash in the distance behind me reminds me I am not alone and sends me into deeper water.

Logan wades into the river, barely waist-high, giving me a tantalizing view. His build may be slightly smaller than his brothers, but there's no doubt about his strength. Well-defined muscles ripple with every step, almost hypnotically.

I can't stop myself from shamelessly checking him out, from his broad shoulders over his chiselled chest with a little dark chest hair that draws my attention down to his abs and lower.

As my gaze hits the water, I force myself to look up, instantly regretting it. Logan's gaze is fixed on mine, studying me as I study him. His eyes are a darker shade of green, though they sparkle with amusement.

I turn back to the falls to hide my blush, feeling my pulse throb.

He's just a man... I've seen men before!

"I've never met a female who likes cold water," he muses. A shiver runs up my spine at his husky tone.

"And you still haven't. There's a hot spring that mixes here. The water doesn't freeze even in the coldest winters." I barely recognize my breathy voice, silently cursing myself for being flustered.

"So it does." I spin around in surprise, hearing him so close behind me.

I stay frozen in place, eyes locked on his as I struggle to think of something to say. All I can focus on is his scent and proximity, unsure if he's too close or not close enough.

As if sensing my turmoil, he shifts gears and takes the lead. "You were incredible out there, you know?"

"Oh," I murmur, feeling my cheeks heat once more. "You were hard to keep up with yourself."

His gaze intensifies as he furrows his brows like he's trying to solve some great mystery. "I've never met anyone like you."

My body heats, but my mind starts to race. Neither agrees with each other. "Listen, Logan-"

He moves with such speed I don't have time to react, cupping the back of my neck with his hand before brushing his lips gently against mine.

The kiss is so soft and chaste that I'm still processing what happened long after it's over. My body pulses under his touch, waking up a desire I didn't know existed.

Logan watches me, frozen in place with sadness in his eyes.

"I-I... why?" I stammer at a total loss.

He flashes me a bashful smile and shrugs. "I had to try... I didn't want to look back at this moment and kick myself for missing out on a chance to kiss you."