Page 67 of Wolf's Whisper

Aspen narrowed his eyes and let out a hum. "Maybe."

"Maybe? What is that even supposed to mean?"

"You'll see." He grinned, going back to his silent demeanor. Following a small trail, he descended down to the water, his hand stroking the leaves of the plants. His dark mood apparently lifted. Not that I could complain. I much preferred lighthearted and cheeky Aspen over his dark and ruthless version.

Although it was rather sexy. In some twisted ways, sure, but his bulging muscles were hard to ignore.

Drawn to the lake, I crouched down to feel the refreshing water splash against my skin. I almost hoped the water would be freezing. In a way, I could repent for what I'd done and hopefully, wash away my tainted memories. But instead of the cold tingling I expected, my fingertips were greeted with a lukewarm hug.

"It's warm?!"

Aspen dipped his hand in the lake, a grin stretching on his face. A proper one. "It is. I've always loved it here."

"It's beautiful."

"Magical."

I nodded. He was right. Beautiful didn't do this scenery justice. I waved my hand through the water, already imaging how great it would be to take a swim. I glanced at Aspen. Would he leave me alone? Then again, was being alone in the forest such a good idea? Chesca's vicious smile flashed through my brain and I shuddered. Yeah, better not be alone.

"I can't wait to take a dive."

Aspen tilted his head. "Yeah, sounds like a good idea."

A smile broke through on my face. "Lovely."

"I'll see you in a bit then?" he mumbled, standing back up and stretching his arms. I quickly grabbed his leg.

"Hey, where are you going?"

He frowned. "Leaving so you can bathe?"

I shook my head. "Nooo, don't leave me alone. You remember me picking up Chesca, right? Jump in the lake with me."

He awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. "But then you'll see me naked?"

My mouth fell open. Wait, since when was Aspen such a prude? Was this really the same man that had shaken his junk in front of my face ten minutes after we met?

"I've seen you naked plenty of times," I said, not exactly sure what his problem was or when he became so shy.

He narrowed his eyes. "This is different."

"Why?"

"Because you'll be naked too."

My cheeks heated up. "Oh..."

Aspen nodded, an amused expression on his face. "Yes. Oh."

"Well, my clothes could use a soak too. I could just keep them on?"

"Not the worst idea you've had. Pumpkin."

I groaned and aimed my shoe at his head. That would teach him to make fun of my pumpkin adventure. He snorted at my bad aim, pulled his shirt over his head, and jumped in the lake before I could throw anything else at him.

Breaking the water, he dove into the lake, disappearing for a brief moment. I held my breath, following the air bubbles, waiting for him to resurface. And then my heart stopped.

With the faint glint of the last sunlight casting rainbows over his body and water trickling down his sculpted chest, he was suddenly a different person. He seemed... Younger. Viral. New.

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