Page 29 of Red

“Because I don’t want to accidently kill you. It happens more often than you’d believe.”

Damn.

“Has it ever happened to you before?”

“No!” He shakes his head. “I’ve never even felt the desire to mate prior to meeting you.”

“Wait. What?” I gasp. “Are you a virgin?”

“Well, I’ve used to have sex when I was still a human.”

“But not after you first shifted? Alex, you’re a werewolf virgin!”

“If you put it like that.” I’m absolutely sure he’s blushing under all his fur. “But I’ve fucked you a million times in my mind already.”

“I should be terrified by how alarming that is.”

“Yes, you should.” His eyes appear almost fully black now, and the hunger in them feeds my arrogance.

“Can you come back here already?” I urge and he flops down right beside me. “I’m sorry, honey. I knew this must be hard for you, but I didn’t realize just how bad it really is.”

He licks my shoulder. “Are you tired?” he then asks randomly, to which I shake my head. “How about we go take a walk? I want to show you something.”

That’s not at all where I hoped it was going, but I nod in agreement.

He smiles at me. “You, of course, know thatit’s dangerous to be in the woods at night.”

“I’m down for whatever.”

“I love that about you.” He licks my cheek this time. “It shouldn’t be snowing yet, but wear something warm.”

“It won’t be an actual hike, though? I’m not a sporty kind of gal, if you haven’t guessed.”

“You already agreed!” He laughs. “I’ll carry you.”

I put on some socks, underwear (from the sexy drawer), and a pair of leggings, then I pull a sweater over the t-shirt I’m already wearing. By the door, I grab my red coat and boots before Alex places me on his back and sprints outside.

12.

Predator

Rushing through the dense forest with my mate clinging to my back is when I realize the true meaning of freedom. It is the simplicity of the moment; surrounded by the strong scent of pine and earth with only a whistle of the wind to be heard, while I navigate in the dark deep into Appalachian Mountains.

Once we arrive at the destination, where the air is crisp and blackness of the night unspoiled by any artificial light source, she jumps down to the ground. Slowly walking to the ledge of the cliff, she stares breathlessly at the raw beauty of nature stretching in front of her atop the highest peak in the entire state.

I sit on one of the larger boulders and enjoy the view. She’s even more spectacular than theentire illuminated river of stardust painted on the canvas of the night sky above us, outshining the Milky Way.

“It’s incredible!” She approaches me to rest on my lap. “Thank you for bringing me here,” she says as the steam rises where the warmth of her breath meets the chilly temperature outside.

“Of course, my heart.” I snug her closer to my side, hoping I emanate enough body heat to keep her comfortable as we continue stargazing.

Well, she does. My eyes are only on her.

“Question,” she speaks suddenly.

“I’d be surprised if you didn’t have any.”

“I’m really trying to understand where you are coming from, and the stalking kinda makes sense the way you’ve explained it… Not that I condone it!” She gives me a glare. “But what I don’t get is why you keep pursuing me at all?”

---