Page 89 of Forbidden Devotion
Sinclair gave them a wave and trotted over.
“What took you so long?” Eleanor asked affectionately.
“None of your business.” Sinclair winked with a smile and went to stand with Mitchel.
“All right, everyone,” Mitchel said, and all ears tuned in to his words. “Have a wonderful time tonight. Take good care of each other and stay safe. I’m taking Sinclair south. If you need me, howl. But for heaven’s sake, try not to need me this evening. And go north!”
The younger wolves all grinned. By now, they were well aware of what Sinclair and Mitchel would be up to tonight, but they possessed enough respect for Mitchel, or at least enough of a sense of self-preservation, not to whoop and catcall.
Mitchel took his hand, and Sinclair smiled at his lover. Mitchel let out a howl and took off for the clearing. Everyone followed excitedly. Now was the time to whoop and holler. No one looked surprised or even seemed to care when Sinclair stripped off his clothes with them. Part of the pack.
Mitchel was the only wolf staring, and Sinclair enjoyed his gaze.
The people around him shifted beautifully and smoothly into the young athletic wolves they were. Sinclair would never get tired of watching a werewolf shift. A sight to behold every single time. And an incredible privilege.
Mitchel sent them all happily on their way, then turned to him for a final word before shifting himself. “Are you absolutely sure?”
Sinclair affected the most confident expression he could muster and gave a solemn nod. “Yes, for the millionth time, Mitchel. I’m sure. And if you asked me a million more times, my answer will always be yes.” Sinclair stood on his toes and kissed him. “Now shift, you handsome devil. You have a mate to claim.”
Sinclair spun on his heel and took off into the forest at a sprint. He was under no impression the head start would give him much of a lead, but he would take any advantage he could get.
He flew through the trees as fast as his feet would take him. It was exhilarating, running all out through the woods, listening to Mitchel as the wolf steadily closed the gap between them. He could only imagine what it would be like to fly like that on four legs, fur slicked back in the wind, muscles rippling with effort. He put on one last burst of speed, trying to give Mitchel as much of a challenge as he could.
Lungs burning, Sinclair knew it was only a matter of seconds before Mitchel caught him, but to his surprise, Mitchel didn’t knock him over like he’d expected. Instead, he tagged his calf and nipped at his ankles, yipping his pleasure at the game.
Mitchel passed him by and spun around, bowing playfully.
Sinclair sprang at him, wrapping both arms around his thick neck and wrestling him to the ground.
Mitchel let himself be caught, gnawing on Sinclair’s arm as he loosened his grip. They took turns besting each other, rolling around joyfully on the forest floor.
Sinclair giggled as Mitchel lapped at his face and ears with his giant tongue, leaving trails of saliva in his wake. “Oh my god, stop. That tickles.”
Both breathing heavily, they rested together a while until Sinclair’s heart rate returned to normal. Mitchel stood and stretched gracefully, his ears flicked back, catching some noise Sinclair hadn’t heard. He ran a little ways away, circled back, and stared at Sinclair, then ran off again with a glance over his shoulder.
“Are you trying to tell me something?” Sinclair asked, confused by the antics.
Mitchel yelped a clear yes, ran in a little circle, and stared at him once more.
“Are you telling me to wait here?”
Another helpful bark.
“Is everything okay?”
The wolf ran to him and gave his face a long slurp.
Reassured, Sinclair laughed. “Okay, I get it. Go have fun. I’ll wait right here.” He watched as Mitchel sprang into action, galloping off through a thick copse of pines.
Sinclair sat comfortably, enjoying the sounds of the wind through the trees at night. In the distance, the pack of wolves barked and howled in that gleeful way they all had. He didn’t hear Mitchel’s call, and besides, Mitchel had set off in the other direction.
Curiosity nagged at him, but he was unbothered. He’d know what Mitchel was on about sooner or later, and it was such a nice evening to be outside. He didn’t mind waiting. The more he rested, the better the game of chase he could give Mitchel when he got back.
The alpha wasn’t gone long, less than half an hour. Sinclair heard him approaching before he saw him. He crept forward slowly, like maybe he was carrying something. Dragging something.
What in the world?
Sinclair got up to investigate.
