Page 45 of Beginning Fate

“When was the last time you went swimming?” I asked.

She snorted. “What?”

“Swimming. You know, in the water.”

“I'm a wolf. I don't swim.”

“Never?”

“No.”

I pursed my lips. “I think we're going to have to fix that.”

“You're crazy. I don't even own a swimsuit.”

Grinning, I stepped back and let myself look at her in appreciation. “It is most definitely not a requirement.”

“I can't.”

“You can. It's relaxing and fun.”

“And naked.”

I let my hand trail down her side. “I've already seen you naked,” I reminded her.

“Denny. This is ridiculous. Aren't you mad at me or something?”

“For what?”

She looked at me with this adorable look of frustration.

“Nah. I could never be mad about that,” I told her honestly. “And I don’t ever want you to do something you aren’t completely comfortable with.”

“Like swimming?”

“No that doesn't count. You have to at least give it a try.”

“I tried this, and it didn't work out so well.”

“Yet,” I stubbornly said. “We just moved too quickly. All these added mating hormones doesn't help things, but I can behave. Scout’s Honor.”

“Were you a Boy Scout, Denny?”

“Nope. Now get dressed. I have a plan. It does involve you naked, but unfortunately, you're in a human hotel and they frown upon such things. So for now, clothes would be a good start.”

Much to my surprise, she actually listened and got dressed.

I followed her lead and found my own clothes to get dressed and then we left her hotel. I kept telling myself this wasa good thing, because if I'd stayed locked away in that hotel with her a second longer, I wasn't confident I wouldn't try to kiss her again—and more.

I was still uncomfortable in my need for her, but I tried not to think about it. Every brush, every look, and every time she reached out and touched me just made it all the worse. My body seemed to respond to her every breath. For now, it was just something I was going to have to get used to. With any luck the lake would be cold enough to help calm things down a bit.

This time when we got into her car, I took the wheel. Lauren seemed like a bit of a control freak, but maybe that was just with Kylie because she didn't argue at all. I drove us straight to the doghouse which I knew was as good a place to park as any.

There was only a small section of the lake visible from campus. Most unknowing students hung out on the grassy hill leading down to it. The rest of us knew there were far better places to go with just a short hike.

Lauren followed my lead without question right up until we hit the edge of the woods. She froze.

“What's wrong?”

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