Page 35 of Alpha Claimed

River may not have spentmuch time running in wolf form, but she'd taken to it like she'd been doing it since she was a child. Every time Apollo went to pounce on her, she would dart away or fake a turn. They spent over an hour with him trying to catch her. In frustration, he shifted back to human and tackled her.

She wiggled to get out of his grip but couldn't. Eventually, she gave up and refused to look at him.

"Oh, you think I cheated, huh?" he teased.

She huffed.

"It's not my fault you're too fast for me."

She still refused to look at him.

"Is it because I'm naked again? Is that why you won't look at me?"

She yawned.

"Well, thank you very much. It's good to know that my being naked doesn't entice you at all."

She looked at him, and he grinned. "Tag. You're it."

He jumped up and shifted midair before tearing off into the trees. He looked over his shoulder to see her flip to her feet and beeline straight for him.

Apollo and his wolf were sure they'd never done anything as fun in their entire lives.

* * *

RIVER

River chasedApollo until her legs gave out, and she fell to the mossy ground, exhausted but thrilled. She'd never been an exerciser and not a runner, but somehow, in wolf form, there was nothing better than running.

As the sun began to set under the mountains, she lay on her side and took in the scents and feel of the woods. It felt all too natural, too right. She could see herself living like that permanently—no cellphones, no computers, just… peace—peace, joy, and Apollo.

Apollo trotted up behind her and dropped to the ground, setting his head on hers. The feel of his warm body against hers made River smile. It was so comfortable with him. So easy. Nothing like with Ares, who was all fire and passion. Apollo was the part of her she'd never experienced before. A part she'd never even known she missed. The comfortable, protected, loved part. The part that made life easier. When she'd thought of finding a mate growing up, this was what she'd expected. Someone who just felt like he'd always been there. A confidant. A protector. And someone she knew she could rely on for anything.

They lay together, staring up at the sky. She sucked in a breath and chuffed.

Apollo shifted. “Wow. The Northern Lights. You can see them out here sometimes. Not in the city, but out here, they are visible when the weather is right. It’s been years since I’ve seen them this far south, though.”

She chuffed.

They stared at the sky, and Apollo rubbed her side for nearly an hour. The beautiful rainbow of greens and blues that floated across the sky made her wish she painted.

Apollo kissed her head. ”Are you hungry?"

River whined.

"I'm gonna run to the cabin and tell them to grab dinner. I think something meaty would be best. Steaks, maybe."

River licked her lips.

He ruffled her ear and kissed her nose. "I'll be back in twenty. Don't run off without me."

She rolled back over and watched the lights flutter across the sky like colored mist. She wished she could capture the sight and hold onto it forever.

Her eyelids grew heavy, and she closed her eyes, allowing the evening breeze to wash over her. She'd not known peace like that in so many years that she'd forgotten it was an option.

River awoketo the snapping of a twig. Her eyes flew open, and it took her a moment to realize where she was. Had she fallen asleep? How long had she been there?

Another twig snapped, and she lifted her head.