Chapter 2
The trail leading to the campsite should have been a breeze for him. He’s walked it many times before, but this time it seems that be giving him a time of it. The Trekk has Jael breathing hard, but lucky for him that he’s not that far from camp as I can hear the music in the distance. Taking a drink of water, he pours the rest over his head. Six-feet-two, shoulder-length black hair, toned body, and eyes the color of the ocean, it doesn’t take much for this man to turn me the hell on!
Shaking the excess water from his hair, my scent captures his attention. He knows that I’m here, so there’s no need for me to stay hidden. Listening intently, he picks up my footsteps coming in his direction. I know that he’s in a transitioning phase, and I connect to him. Sniffing the air again, he loves my scent, revels in it. And then it happens. It seems as if the world has flipped upside down and then back again. The sounds of the woods have quieted.
I see what he sees and feel what he feels. It’s hard to breathe as he takes in slow deep breaths. My vision doubles and a pounding in my head has started. It’s so intense that it hurts my eyes. He cries out from the pain in his stomach, and I’m in a state of shock as his nails become elongated—digging through his skin like knives. My skin’s on fire!
I love him, and I can’t stand to see him in so much pain. I’m instantly in front of him. My hand’s placed on the sides of his head, and the pain Immediately disappears. I’m finally able to catch my breath. And his hand going to mine, a memory invades his mind. I try to stop it, but for some reason, I’m unable to.
It’s dark outside, and we’re underneath a dock at the lake. I’m pulled in to him, and my arms circle his neck as my legs straddle his waist. “Well, this is creepy,” I state with a small smile.
“I’m not afraid. I have you to protect me.”
“Yeah?”
“Of course.”
“Always,” I say before my lips softly graze his. His hard body pressed into mine awakens a hunger inside me. Our kiss deepens, and I receive a murmur of approval from him—And then I’m back in the woods on the trail. My eyes open to find him silently watching me.
“Reese?” He questions. His acknowledgment that he knows who I am disturbs me. Releasing him, I put some distance between us. I’ll have to hide his memories of me again. But, this will end soon. His wolf is emerging, and then I won’t have to hide his memories anymore, as I won’t be able to. He’ll be immune to my spell. “You shouldn’t fight it. It will hurt less if you don’t.” I state quietly. My heart skips a beat as my voice imprints on him. I’m still connected to him, my breathing escalates, and the pounding starts again. “Ah…” The pain begins, and this time it has me doubled over, clutching at my stomach. We’re both in pain.
My hands go to his head again, and this time, I don’t get a memory. I get peace and calm, and then… I’m in the woods and confused for a moment as to why I’m just standing there. My scent permeates the air, and Jael’s gaze goes directly to me. Ending the connection, he’s watching me, trying to recall who I am.
“You’re not reneging on your offer to escort me to the camp, are you?” I ask, moving past him. “Oh no, of course not,” He replies automatically.
“Good,” I say, gracing him with a small smile before disappearing behind the brush.
“For some reason, I feel like I know you, but I can’t recall when we’ve met.”
“Are you coming?” I ask from off in the distance, ignoring his statement.
“Yeah,”
Catching up to me, he falls in step beside me. “I’m sorry, but I seem to have forgotten your name.”
“Reese.”
“I’m Jael.”
“I know.”
An awkward silence falls between us. “Is this your first time?” Jael inquires about the Lake. His parents own an adventure landing, where they host different types of outdoor entertainment. “Are you writing a book?” My tone purposely holds more than just a little bit of annoyance. “I’m just trying to be friendly.”
“I’ve been here a few times.”
“That’s probably why you look so familiar.”
Reaching the clearing in the woods, the sight of rows of cabins separated by neatly trimmed bushes greets us. His eyes seek out and find the lodge, where I know his parents will be. The guests are scattered about swimming in the lake, boating, and cooking over open fires. Music blares, and the atmosphere is joyous and inviting.
His nose has been sensitive lately, so it’s not hard to locate Bishop and Deja with his transitioning. They have an earthy scent, and even though they’re a great distance away, he can smell them from across the park. They’re at a card game, and Bishop’s gaze catching his, he waves Jael over. I’m heading in the direction of the cabins when he finally notices my departure. “Hey,” He states. His hand on my wrist stops my advancement. “What?” Involuntarily I connect to him, and he seems to be taken aback by my dark-eyed gaze. He’s captivated, and his heartbeat escalates. I take a few breaths to calm my racing heart as his thumb runs the length of my wrist. My gaze goes to his hand, which seems to be getting hotter by the second. “Don’t be rude.” He makes out.
“I’m not. I need a bath.” She smells good to me. I pick up his thoughts. “Come on. Three more minutes won’t kill you.” He says, taking my hand in his as he tries to resist taking a deep whiff of my scent. It’s intoxicating. “Three minutes,” I reply, reclaiming my hand and ending the connection to him at the same time.
Jael’s received with a welcoming hug from Deja. “It’s good to have you back.” She says. He’s pulled into an embrace from Bishop. “The prodigal son returns, and... with a Missus?” Inquires Bishop with a quick sniff. “Bishop and Deja, this is Reese.”
“We’re associated.” Jael’s not the only one to note the tension in the air or Bishop’s not-so-friendly tone. “If you want to call it that,” I reply with a slight attitude.
“Look, I was trying to be nice.”
“Okay…” Deja says, trying to play referee.
Jael gives Bishop a questionable look, and he shrugs in response.
“Three minutes,” I say to Jael before parting ways.
Why do I feel like I’m always chasing her?
“What was that all about?” He’s followed me back to my cabin.
“What do you mean?”
“Do you and Bishop know each other on a personal level?”
“Are you asking if we’ve fucked?”
“Pretty much.”
“No, it wouldn’t be natural.”
“Why wouldn’t it be natural?”
“Look, I really need my shower.”
“Yeah, of course. I guess I’ll see you later.” I don’t know what the hell is going on.
