Page 9 of Opposites Attract
My beast’s paws trudged through the frigid water of the stream while Aspen’s wolf continued at our side. At least one of us seemed to be holding it together. Aspen made a good Luna. Ranger was an idiot for thinking she needed more time. She had natural leadership abilities and didn’t take any shit. McCaw Pack–my pack–would be lucky to have her.
I couldn’t believe I was about to leave them.
It should’ve been a relief that my brother would be taken care of and that I was leaving McCaw in good hands. But all I could focus on was the pounding of my wolf’s heart and the soul-deep song of her desire. Her excitement at a new future with John was terrifying.
What if we were making a huge mistake?
That stupid male was infuriatingly perfect, which meant there had to be something wrong with him. I didn’t trust his laid-back attitude and macho“we’re going to be fine”vibes. I was used to anxiety. Fighting for scraps. Even after Ranger took over as Alpha of McCaw, I’d learned to play the political games of pack leaders so I could always be watching his back. Every wolf shifter I’d ever met had deep secrets and a hidden agenda.
Except for Aspen, maybe, but that was beside the point.
John’s perfection couldn’t be real.
It was a trap; one I couldn’t stop my beast from getting caught up in.
He’s our mate.
I know.
Why are you fighting it?
I’m protecting our heart.
If you’re scared, just say that.
I forced my wolf to stop walking, asserting dominance through our connection. Because I wasn’t scared. Was I?
Screw it. Start the chase… again.
I knew you’d give in.She turned her snout to the sky and howled. I gave one last long look at Aspen, sending a silent prayer that she’d take care of my brother. Though I knew deep in my bones that she would.
My wolf leapt out of the creek and started running, heading back to our nest. We didn’t bother to drag out the hunt or hide our tracks. If any other male dared to come upon us in this state, he wouldn’t be left with the equipment to finish the season or any other after. And we didn’t doubt John’s capability to chase us down.
My wolf followed her instincts back through the forest, stopping when she heard the rustle of brush from up ahead.
Cindy’s large ruby-colored wolf came trotting between the trees like a monster of myth.
My beast held her ground despite the shake in her limbs. Cindy had never been a problem for us, but I was on Aspen’s side and prepared to defend her if necessary.
The massive she-wolf moved past without noticing us. The determined look in her eyes gave me chills. That was a woman scorned and she knew it. I pitied the bastard she was bent on finding.
But I had my own problems to contend with.
My wolf picked up her pace, taking the long way back up the side of the mountain and following the moon to where our nest lay beneath it.
She made it to the clearing where I’d torn out the surrounding cameras just as the male howls of the chase began.
There was still time to leave.
To bolt the doors and hide.
I knew this and yet…
I waited.
*
The human steps sounded outside the shed a few minutes after I’d quickly dressed. My heart beat faster as I heard him closing in, but I’d long ago learned to keep any trace of fear from my face. I needed to stay in control of the situation. Be the boss. Set ground rules. When he charged inside, I’d be ready to throw down.