Riverside Rogues

Chapter 4

Riverside Rogues

Chapter 4

It was slowly that I woke up, then, not realising that I'd fallen asleep, groaned. When did that happen? Hearing a soft, almost mute twittering, I opened my eyes, to either morning or evening. The soft smells of dampening, and the stronger scent of forestry. Thick pine bristles, damp earth... 

Him. It smelt like he'd only recently disappeared, so basically, I could tell I was on the verge of exploding into frustration related tears.  It's only when they actually appeared that I then realised I'd returned to my human side. 

Blushing at how bare I was, I pulled the blanket that had been tucked around me, even tighter against my skin. Why, why did I do that in my sleep? How stupid am I ? Oh my god? Had he seen me? 

W-where even was he? He just vanished, again? 

The slow pace of the travelling river interrupted my thoughts, if I were any dumber I'd go swimming and wait. Since I'm smart, I realised I was going to have to just go. Then there's me thinking I'd just found him again.

" Good morning " 

I froze. I'm meant to reply now aren't I ? But how? What should I say? His scent was so strong, my eyes watered, and then I cried. For no exact reason, I guess my utter surprise of his return might be key. 

Hiding behind the blanket, I wiped my eyes, and scowled. Dramatic much? Stop it ! Stop ! His black eyes looked back at me, like the night had sat there for the day, casting a dark shadow over me, wait. 

Blinking away my tears, his palm held against my face, his thumb gently directing the tears away. While I stared, at his face, I couldn't get over it. Mine. 

If my usual attitude had been on I would have slapped away his hand, but my palms were sweating and I wasn't exactly any closer to finding my words. I just stared. He was so much older than me, I could tell. He was broad, muscular, my eyes wandered freely over his shirtless chest. 

Then he pulled me up to sit on his knee, so I sat, and shuddered. " I'm sorry " He whispered, making me try and fit the apologie to a reason, I couldn't manage it, and twisted towards him and just clung on. Quiet is my usual state, but I still can't put myself into talking mode.

" A-are you from that pack then ? " 

" Yeah, I am . . . You're travelling with those rogues aren't you ? "

" That's right "

Silence quickly took place. muting out everything else. Being a wolf was so much easier, why couldn't that be the way. " I am sorry about all this, I just, don't think I can get over  how young you are. " 

So, I'm not the only one thinking that am I ? Tutting, I rolled my eyes. " And there was me thinking that I had finally turned into an adult, oh the shame. " Actually, that was quite annoying,I still look like a baby faced girl. Scowling slightly, I then decided that I wasn't happy and felt extremely uncomfortable. Why? Because I was the one without clothes. " Why do I have to be the vulnerable one all the time ?" 

That seems to be my only fault, I'm female and naturally submissive, even more so towards this guy.I still don't know his name, another fault. With a red face, he stood, taking me to my feet too, He handed me a floral print rag type thing which I soon realised was a dress. " Sorry, I forgot. "

I'm sure you did, my wolf growled coyly, while I silently took her said piece in and out of my mind quickly. Shoving my mate to turn around, I don't care if he would have seen, I don't want him seeing again ! 

Rubbing the back of his neck nervously, I couldn't help but notice how cute he looked when he blushed. If not for being me, I would have squeezed his cheeks." I didnt know your size or anything, and well, I didn't know, any other sizes, so, I just stole this from my sister... " 

Spinning him around forcefully, I guessed he didn't take my shove as a hint, his shoulders sagged. Flapping around until I'd managed to put the thing on, I didn't know how to ask him to turn around without it sounding weird. So I grabbed his arm, then chose to not let go in the end. 

When he didn't make me let go, I stepped over and rest against his side. It didn't pan out as comfortably as I wanted, but, how can you exactly picture your mate as someone who's as old as your dad. Or... " How old are you ? "

A childish stroppy look made his face drop. " Thirty eight. " 

So, he's as old as my dad, that's slightly awkward. You know what, push that aside, push it right aside. Move on, and start with the basic introductory questions. " What's your name ?" 

His face brightened again, as if surprised I'd react differently. Wellm I would, If I wasn't so clueless when it came to ... Him " Maverick " 

" I'm Ava. " 

" I know who you are... " My lips upturned slightly, I wasn't sure why that made me happy, but I guess it did. " Also that you're brother's probably worried about you too. Does he know you're okay? " 

Nodding quickly, I knotted my fingers together. " Yeah, I told him I was safe... When you arrived... "

" Well, it seems I've gained some undeserving trust. " 

" Maybe. " 

" Well, in that case, would you mind if I were to escort you ?"

Escort ? Wait, he's offering to escort me? That makes it sounds posh. " Do you just mean walk with me? "

" That's exactly what I mean. " Maverick smiled, " Just so I know you're safe. "

I furrowed my eyebrows, so I was going to lose him again. Too good to be true? Is that the right phrase to use ? Growling, I didn't like him saying that I wasn't safe. I am perfectly capable of caring for myself, no, I will not take that. I could go by myself ! Prove him so wrong !

... I would do that.

" I'm always safe ! "

He threw me a dry look. " You ran straight into our territory, that isn't a good way of introducing yourself to me? "

" Neither is blinding me and running away !" I yelled, that, is now where my anger decides to jump out. Great. Just great ! Even though he moved away hurt, my hands held on tightly to shoulders, and refused to let go, even when I was having my feet dragging awkwardly... " I'M SORRY !"

" No, no, it's fine, that's ... That's my fault. I'm sorry. I was scared. so, so, scared. You were how old? You were more or less a cub when I first saw you... If I'd have just come out and brought up the subject I would have been classed as a... Creep."

" Uh, I guess that's true... It's still sort of true... " 

" I know " 

On that note, I began to realise that I could not think of a way that could not make anything less awkward. Even if I said I was no longer a child, that would still, kinda, be weird. Plus, Maluke would probably attack him for the whole situation that would be questioned and ... I have his scent all over me, so Maluke's going to say something about it. I'm surprised he hasn't invaded my head already, he usually would have.

" Ava, may I still walk you back to your pack ?"

" They're not really, a pack... But sure. "

Thinking about it, it would be nice to have some new company. Okay, I hate company, but your mate's different. They can just, be there, and make you... Happier. 

" Why are you travelling with them ? You guys don't have a pack to go to ? " He asked, his eyes weirdly flickering around for a second. I then realised why people tend to become scared of me. That's really creepy. 

" Maverick. I'd rather not talk about that. It's a long ... and, difficult, thing to go through."