Feral Hearts

Chapter 18

Natania took a page out of Leah's book. If the wolf was going to cheat, then Natania would as well. Bailing on her final class of the day, Biology, she sniffed out the trail that Leah took to get home and waited. When the girl emerged from class, Natania barked a greeting, raised an eyebrow, and sprinted in the direction of Leah's home.

She didn't have a finish line in mind, but as she heard Leah crashing around behind her a few moments later, she looked for a fallen log on the path. It took another three minutes to find one without changing her trajectory. Natania leapt onto it, barely keeping her balance, and turned to face Leah as she raced into sight.

The wolf didn't slow as she approached and Natania twitched nervously. Was she going to insist it wasn't a long enough race? Before she'd even finished the thought, the blue wolf leapt, crashing into Natania and bowling her over. Natania was so surprised she didn't fight against Leah's hold as the girl pinned her down.

A deep rumbling laugh rose up in Leah's chest and Natania tilted her head curiously. "Yes," Leah rumbled, amusement burning across their bond.

Still pinned, Natania raised an eyebrow. "Er, you'll be my second?"

Teeth chomped down on Natania's nose and she yipped in pain. On reflex she twisted and rolled, knocking the blue wolf off her and getting to her feet. "What was that for?"

Leah didn't look fazed, still holding onto that aura of amusement. The wolf licked Natania's nose then looked over her shoulder, not meeting her gaze. "I wouldn't be opposed to a movie, or something," Leah murmured, ducking her head slightly in embarrassment.

"A movie?" Natania echoed. It took a moment for the thought to process and she flushed, pelt growing hot. "Okay."

"Nothing scary," Leah said, voice suddenly serious. "I mean it."

Natania laughed and brushed against Leah's flank. "Okay. So was that a no on being the second then?"

Leah shoved her roughly, snapping her teeth a few inches from Natania and ran off towards her house. "Idiot," she called over her shoulder.

Natania grinned after her, but didn't follow, unsure of what the expectation was. Leah popped back into view a few minutes later, a slight bounce in her step. "Are you coming?"

Blinking, Natania said, "oh, you meant now?"

"Yes," Leah replied, taking a hesitant step forward, head lowered slightly and ears twitching. "Unless you're busy." A momentary flash of hurt in her gaze had Natania up and running past her.

"Let's go then!" Natania butted her shoulder as she passed. This time Leah caught up to her easily and Natania wondered for a moment if she had let her win. It didn't matter, she decided, enjoying the feeling of running side by side.

Natania's chest rumbled with a contented purr, more feline than wolf.

They slowed to a stop as they approached Leah's house. "Your house or mine?" Natania asked.

Leah frowned, feet kneading the earth as she considered. "My parents are home. Is your father home?"

Natania raised her head up, staring at the sky. "I don't think so." Since the battle her father had been spending more and more time with Ezra. He likely wouldn't be home until dark.

"Yours then," Leah said with finality. They altered their course and trudged towards Natania's home in the middle of town.

Nervousness tinged the air as they got closer to Natania's home. She pressed her nose into Leah's ruff. "Why are you so nervous?"

"Is he home?" is all she replied.

Natania sniffed the air, her father's scent was stale. "No." She leapt onto the porch and nosed her way through the dog door. Leah padded behind her more cautiously.