Hide and Seek

| 5 |

I find myself on my back staring up at the bright blue sky wondering how I got here.

Oh, right. That.

Even though Jeff's large charcoal wolf braced for impact, my momentum still propelled us over the edge and we tumbled down the hill in a tangle of legs and tails. I relish in the silence, taking a moment to catch my breath and hopefully get a hold on my temper. Suddenly an giant wolf-shaped shadow looms over me, blocking out the sun.

If I could roll my eyes I would, but instead I huff out an annoyed snort and roll out from beneath him. Standing and shaking out my coat, I angle my body so we're once again facing off. In a clear attempt at intimidation, Jeff takes a step forward and lets out a low rumbling growl. Never one to jump at ceding to excessive displays of power, I mirror his movement with a growl that rivals his hoping to prove he doesn't intimidate me.

By the way his dark gold eyes flash I can tell he really wants  to be able to mentally communicate with me, but since we aren't in the same pack and he continues to deny the mate claim, that isn't an option. Even if his voice was in my head, I'd block him out because my wolf and I have some long overdue business to hash out with him and I don't need his sweet talk and evasive answers getting in the way.

Never taking my eyes off of him, I put a few feet in between us and once again move into a defensive position waiting for him to make the next move. Since I've been back within the same territory lines as him, I've been torn between the need to punch him or kiss him (but mostly punch him) every time our eyes meet- never mind when he opens his damn mouth.

I know if I were anyone else he wouldn't hesitate to put me in my place, especially after I initiated the fight, but being his mate- whether he admits it or not- protects me from his wrath.

Blowing out an impatient breath I push down the urge to start pacing as I wait, trying to both anticipate his next move and at the same time ignore the way his stare sears deep beneath my skin like lasers warming my bloodstream.

He doesn't lunge. He doesn't attack, stalk, or growl. He sits back on his haunches, eyes never leaving mine, and tilts his head to the side in a way that makes it difficult to tell whether I confuse or amuse him. Annoyed by his lack of 'proper' reaction, I toss my head and stomp my paw, feeling like an angry teen throwing a tantrum. If he wasn't entertained before, he most certainly is now.

He wants to laugh? I'll give him something to laugh about. He thinks I'm just playing around? I can play games too. I'll show him what I think of his rejection and his bipolar behavior at the wedding. What I think about him saying-

Oomph.

Jeff's warm solid body collides with mine in a burst of fur, claws, and teeth. His don't aim to break skin like mine do. Every swipe of my paw is met with one of his. I snarl, frustrated that I can't seem to get in at least one good blow. It feels like he's toying with me, humoring my futile attempts at inflicting even half the pain he's put my heart through.

My average wolf is no match for one of his size and rank, but despite the obvious mismatch I ache to make him feel what I feel, even just a little. Blinded by my emotional need for revenge, I attack again and again until suddenly my legs get knocked out from under me.

Once again I find myself on my back, chest heaving with loss of breath. Only this time a heavy body presses mine into the ground. As soon as I open my eyes, they lock onto his. No longer amused, Jeff looks a little annoyed, a little angry, and if his darkening stare is any indication- a little aroused.

This isn't the first time I've found myself beneath him today, but this time feels different. Our breathes mix. His scent surrounds me, consumes my senses. I try to take shallower breathes to get control over my body and to move out from under him, but my wolf has other ideas.