Fox Ensnared

Part 16

Payton POV

The darkness feels peaceful, devoid of painful memories or any need for revenge. Death's cold embrace is comforting, though something faintly tries to pull me back, just out of reach.

A touch.

A voice.

The voice sounds so sad.

The touch is familiar.

First, the feelings come back. My lungs burn, and my body screams. I am still shrouded in darkness. I try but fail to open my eyes. They are too heavy. A shiver wrecks my body violently.

Warmth chases away the cold. The smell of mint flows over me like a blanket.

I know that smell...

"Owen," I whispered as I struggled to open my eyes. Through the blur, I saw dark eyes filled with tears and heard the sounds of relieved sobs.

"Owen," I speak firmly. Suddenly, my conscience comes rushing back.

"Be still, my love. Don't say a word. I am here for you, always."

I am aware of being lifted against a warm chest. My vision is obscured by darkness. I manage to ask, "Where are we headed?"

"To a safe place," Owen responds, holding me tenderly as he begins to run. He runs until he is drenched in sweat, and his breathing becomes labored.

"Owen, stop. No one is following us, plus I need to pee. All this jostling isn't helping."

Thankful, he listens as he lowers me down, his arms linger around my waist, and his eyes dart back in forth through the dark forest. I take a step back, and he begrudgingly lets me go.

"It's okay," I reassure him before disappearing to relieve myself. When I come back, he is still on high alert. It must be my exhaustion, but I start giggling. "So serious!"

Owen doesn't smile. He slides down a leans back against a tree, his head cradled in his hands. The giggle stops, and I walk over, stopping before him. He looks up and wraps his arms around my legs.

"I was so scared that I lost you. I love you, Payton. There is no me without you. Whatever you are doing, we do it together from now on. Promise me."

It would be so easy to make that promise but impossible to keep. I cup his face and lean down to kiss his nose. Then I do what I always do I lie.

"I promise."

I hold Owen as we both relax under the stars. It's quiet. All the animals were bedded down for the night. An owl hoots above us, making Owen jump. I snicker and can't help but tease him.

"This is the longest I've seen you outside and at night too. I have never known a wolf shifter who hates the outdoors as much as you. It is sacrilegious." He snorts and stands, bringing me with him.

"I promised Jasper that I'd return in the morning, with or without you, but I knew deep down it was impossible," he says, kissing my lips. My heart swells with joy, yet my soul yearns for my mate.

Owen and I shift into our animal forms before we get to the academy. Neither one of us wanted to walk into school naked. The pain in my chest tells me Riven is waiting. I am nervous about seeing him and Jasper. I know they will be furious with me. Then there is the small problem I have yet to tell Owen about the mate bond. I had the perfect chance when we were alone in the forest, but I couldn't bring myself to devastate him like that, not after all I had already put him through.

As soon as we enter the school, I see Riven waiting at the gate, his body tense. He walks toward me and scopes my fox up into his arms. "Thank god, you are alright." He whispers into my ear. I squirm, uncomfortable being held in my animal form. He loses his hold, and I jump down.

Riven and Owen are having some silent communication. Not liking me left out of the loop and stood on my hind legs and nipped Riven's finger. He jerks his hand away and laughs.

"Come on; Jasper is waiting. Don't worry; I have clothes for both of you in his office."

I take my time changing, knowing Jasper will be cross.