The Wolf That Saved Me

Chapter 20: A New Sense of Freedom

**There's some spiciness in this chapter, not super heavy, but you've been warned lol.**

NATALIE KANE

Running felt exhilarating. I was faster, stronger, more powerful than I had ever been in my life. As angry as I was at Cody for basically taking away my freedom, I felt a new sense of freedom in my wolf. My paws pounded on the dirt floor, kicking up dust as I weaved in and out of trees, the coolness of the air hitting my body as I picked up speed. Dodging low hanging branches and jumping over obstacles with so little effort, my agility fascinated me. I no longer had the desire to leave pack lands, I just wanted to keep running, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of the nature that surrounded me. It was all so amazing.

After a while, I found myself back at the waterfall, the argument still fresh in my mind, but Cody was no longer there. I felt a little guilty for going off on him the way that I did. Though I was still upset about the circumstances and it was true, I didn't ask for any of this, it's not as if he asked for it either. This wasn't his fault, but I had blamed him for it, and if I had to guess, I would bet that Alpha Jason was the one responsible for my recent "grounding".

I stared out at the glistening water, it looked so refreshing and I had done a lot of running. Without so much as a second thought, I leapt right in, making a huge splash. My body was instantly cooled as the cold water engulfed me. It was invigorating.

CODY HARVILLE

I could not find Natalie anywhere. I had been searching the grounds high and low for hours to no avail. Fuck. All different kinds of scenarios played in my head, and every single one of them had a terrible outcome.

As a last ditch effort, I decided to check back where things started one more time, I felt like something was pulling me there. I let out a sigh of relief as I discovered her swimming and splashing around in the lake. She looked strong and majestic, but at the same time playful, like she was enjoying herself out there. I was in awe of her. She hadn't seemed to notice me. Taking my chances, I blindly dove in to join her.

She whipped her head around and our eyes locked. I swam up behind her and draped my paws over her shoulders, resting my head next to hers. A low growl erupted from my throat as she closed her eyes. "So I take it you're no longer mad at me?"

Suddenly, Natalie shifted back into human form, turning around to face me. She has a scowl on her face. I quickly shifted back as well, meeting her gaze.

"I'm furious, Cody." She tried so hard to keep a straight face, but failed miserably as she broke out into laughter.

I laughed along with her, pulling her in close to me. Feeling her body against mine sent tingles through me everywhere, I couldn't hold back. I crashed my lips into hers, knotting my fingers in her hair.

Instinctively, she wrapped her legs around my waist and parted her lips, allowing me better access.

I kissed her with such an urgency, a primal hunger, I needed her in every way possible. I pulled her head to the side, leaving a trail of hot, wet kisses all up and down her neck, licking and nipping at her soft skin. She let out a breathy sigh, biting her lip. A hungry growl left my lips as my teeth were just barely grazing the spot above her collarbone. I wanted to mark her so badly, to make her mine, but I resisted the urge. Now was not the right time, Natalie was not accustomed to being a wolf and I didn't want to take advantage, I wanted her consent.