Chapter 5
Her heartbeat creates an intoxicating mix of devious frisson, but she doesn’t hesitate.
She bursts into a run, heading for the trees, and I have to physically restrain myself from immediately lunging after her and pinning her down.
But no, not in the light of the other houses where everyone is probably peeking through their curtains. I told Saskia I don’t share, and I mean it.
Ten… nine… eight… I count out, and she picks up her pace with a shriek. The pads of her feet make little thuds against the packed earth, faster than I could have anticipated.
Only a ten-second head start? Not fair, she argues through heavy inhales and exhales.
Pausing, I let her buy a few extra seconds. She takes one last look at me over her shoulder, her gorgeous red hair blowing in the wind like she belongs here, before she disappears into the tree line.
I know these woods like the back of my hand. There’s nowhere she can hide that I won’t find her. Between my sense of hearing and my sense of smell, she’ll be able to evade me for a few minutes tops.
But the chase is half the fun.
And judging by the electricity in her veins, she thinks it’s more than half.
Seven… six… five…
Lucan! she shouts indignantly, but I can sense the laugher, the exhilaration, in her head, too. Her thoughts bounce from large bushes to hollow logs to climbing trees, trying to decide the best course of action.
That’s cute that you think you can hide.
No cheating, she protests. You can’t read my mind.
I don’t need to… four. Both of our heartbeats tick up together at the increased anticipation. I dig my claws into the earth, aching to get my hands on her. I should have had Vivian bring two of every piece of clothing for when I inevitably rip this dress off as well. What do I win when I catch you?
I think we both win, she says slyly.
Wicked thoughts replace her previous ones, her smile stretching through my chest.
Three… I whisper.
Two… she whispers.
I crouch down, the shadow of my hulking form growing smaller.
Get ready, baby. Your punishment isn’t over.
One… we whisper together.
Then I erupt with a howl at the moon—and pounce.