The Hunt

32

"Now you just need to wait 30 minutes, and then wash your hair." I turned the gloves I had been wearing inside-out and tossed them in the bathroom trash can.

Jimin stood up, towel still draped around his bare shoulders, and took a step toward me. His eyes were smoldering and I was feeling slightly panicked. "What should we do to pass the time?"

I froze. He'd been saying some rather flirtatious things while I worked the dye through his hair. I had managed to laugh most of it off, but he was starting to get to me.

I never should have challenged him. I am not mentally prepared for this!

He reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. My skin burned and tingled where his fingers lightly grazed my neck.

Nope, nope. Nope!

Jimin took a step closer and placed his hands on my shoulders. Without warning, he spun me around and guided me out of the bathroom and to the bed.

"Sit."

Too flustered to be offended by his command, I did as I was told and sat down on the edge of the bed. Jimin grabbed his desk chair and wheeled it over until he was sitting directly in front of me. His knees on either side of my own, trapping me in place.

His dark eyes roamed over my face, and he wore an overly serious expression.

"I need to ask you something, and would appreciate an honest answer." He paused for me to acknowledge his request. I nodded in compliance.

He sighed and reached up to run his hand through his hair. I swatted his hand away to stop him before he made a terrible mistake.

"Thanks," he muttered. Jimin squared his shoulders and took one of my hands in his to make sure he had my full attention. Of course, this was unnecessary as he was sitting about one foot in front of me. Shirtless. I wasn't looking anywhere else.

"When was the last time you changed?"

"It's been 26 months." I replied.

I watched a wave of different emotions washed over Jimin's face. Shock. Confusion. Sadness. Disbelief. Anger.

Jimin dropped my hand, then balled his own hands into tight fists as his eyes changed from their usual dark brown to a shimmering gold.

"Seriously?" He asked through clenched teeth. Jimin took several deep breaths, and relaxed his hands enough to grip onto the arms of the chair he was sitting in. "You know your wolf senses would be stronger if you changed into your wolf form occasionally, right?"

"I know." I said quietly.

Jimin inhaled deeply before exhaling slowly, clenching and un-clenching his fists.

"Is that how you managed to suppress your scent? By not changing for two years?"

I nodded. "That's a big part of it. I also avoid being around other hybrids, and wear pheromone perfume."

Jimin leaned closer and took my hands in his.

"I know you don't want to, and I get it. But, I think we should go for a run tonight." He paused, his eyes searching my face before he continued. "Your tracking senses are very strong already. Imagine how much stronger they would be after a run as a wolf."

I understood where he was coming from, and he was correct. I would be stronger if I were to change into my wolf form. Of course, there were negatives to changing as well. My distinct hybrid scent would be much, much stronger, and would allow others to track me down easily.

"But," I tried to think of an excuse, any possible reason not to change. "It's a school night."