Page 17 of Midnight Hunt

“Now, the liver? That’s got all the nutrients. Even the stomach, I would understand, but the kidneys? That does nothing for me—oooh! But, her uterus, just wait till they find out what I can do with a uterus.” I sat up in my chair, stretching my arms above my head for one last satisfying crack. Lochlainn’s face fell into a disappointed stare. I flashed him a cheeky smile, “Kidding, of course, just a salacious rumor, as you were saying.”

“I do hope you’re kidding, little witch,” his soft warning, under his breath so only I could hear, ran down my spine. It prickled my skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

“Just fucking with you, Professor,” I winked at him, sliding to my feet. “But Kahrina is right, I was verywell behaved.Just like you asked.”

He arched a brow, inching closer. For a moment, I forgot anyone else existed. Just Lochlainn and I in that courtyard of glittering flowers and the last few beams of sunlight through the trees. My lungs tightened as he took a step closer. The instinct to run from him, to have him chase me across that courtyard and into the trees, it buzzed under my skin. My frenzy pumped fast through my veins. Desire that simmered in the cauldron of my belly all day turned into a frothing boil. Lochlainn’s eyes slid closed as he sharply inhaled through his nose.

“Little witch, I noticed how you didn’t come to see me at all today,” his voice rumbled out like it were dragged through gravel.

“I was in this chair the whole time.” I wrung the words from my trembling lungs.

“And so, if I rip those jeans from your legs, I’ll find myself still buried inside you?”

Red painted my cheeks, burning pokers raked across my throat and collar bone. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out as he took the last step. Looming over me, his hands barely refrained from grabbing me, I could feel it… our frenzy. It wasn’t just mine, it was his.

“Yes,” I finally found the voice to answer. Only then did I feel eyes on me and I glanced toward the actual building where a group of druids were gathered around a planter box. A dusty mint colored orc caught my eyes and immediately glanced away. I swallowed down some fresh air, hoping to clear the haze from my mind. “Oh, uh, we…Professor...”

“Are you hungry, little witch?”

I blinked out of confusion, like he’d flicked me between the eyebrows.

“Yes?” I glanced up at him.

“There is a basket full of food for us in the woods. You should find it before I find you.” He stepped back, hands tucked away in his sweater. I stood, frozen as he scooped up my book and notebooks. Then, he pivoted, smiling at the young druids hard at work. He was smiling and waving to them cordially like he wasn’t just talking about ripping the pants from my legs and filling me to the brim. I raked my fingers through my hair, trying to be cool about the buzzing between my thighs. Walking away from the building, I attempted casual strides toward the edge of the woods the building framed. Through the dangling willow vines, through the moss ridden archway and the thick brush. I peaked around the walls, hoping to find the basket nearby.

But, of course, I knew better. Why would he put it just outside the gate. No…he would have hidden it. Made it a challenge. There was no point of hiding it if he couldn’t hunt me down for it. I slunk out into the trees. The world was draped in night as I cleared the first few rows of trees. There wasn’t the thundering of bear paws behind me, which gave me a false sense of safety. I wove my way between trees, trying to pick up a hint to the basket. My first thought would be my favorite spot. However, with our masked friend from last night, it wasn’t likely a safe place anymore. Instead, I followed a foot path deep into the woods. As the moon broke over the horizon, I was engulfed in a hushed embrace. Even the creatures who lived in the trees tiptoed. A squirrel tentatively crossed my path before evading crunching leaves as it skittered up some tree bark.

I felt lost despite knowing these woods well. Every log, boulder, and bush was mapped out in my head. There was an old wives’ tale that witches are most comfortable, safe even, inthe woods where they were conceived. Because my magic comes directly from being a part of a long line of witches, I knew there was some truth to it. There’s something about being in the trees where I used to run as a child that makes me feel secure. Bold, even, like no one could defeat me in these trees.

Yet, I had no idea where to even begin looking for a basket.

And that was his big game…bet that fucking basket isn’t even out here…the point was to hunt me down.

My heart skipped a beat as a heavy scrunch echoed through the trees. I twisted, searching the inky tree line. Further up the hill, a good distance from me, was a bear twice the size it should be. Eyes flashing liquid gold, he stared down at me from the ledge.

I was never supposed to win.

I took a single step backward, hands at my side to keep me sturdy. A puff of air formed around his snout, silvery and glittering with magic. I didn’t realize it’d grown cold. My jeans and t-shirt meant nothing as the temperature steadily dropped. Then I heard the crack of thunder over my head and my stomach clenched.

Was it wise? No.

Did I immediately rip around on my sneakers and book it deeper into the woods? Yes, I fucking did.

And I’d do it again.

Chapter Eleven:

~Lochlainn O'Hare~

There was only her scent. Even as the storm clouds rolled in and the forest filled with fresh rain, I could only smell her. Her soaked jeans clung to her as she broke right to avoid the collection of boulders. She’d definitely chosen her hunting grounds poorly. While there were ample tress, rocks, and brush to hide in…it also made it easier to catch her. Avoiding obstacles wore my little witch down and I could feel myself gaining on her. Even though part of it might be the breeding frenzy pumping through her veins, urging her to give in, I knew my spitfire wasn’t ready. She would go down swinging before she let me capture her.

Why did that make my muzzle curl in a cruel smile, baring my fangs to the moon? My claws dug into the soft earth as I barreled after her. Lightening split the sky, and I was dazed for a moment. Then thunder clapped over our heads. My vision cleared and I caught her fleeing over a bush. Her jeans caughtand I lunged. Swiping at the fabric, its rip felt like a prey’s death scream. Valerie shrieked. Her body jerked away but I was the one tearing jeans from my claws. The remnants of her pants fell away, leaving her in scraps for panties, sneakers, and her t-shirt. I could see her skin through the thin cream material.

Rain pelted our heads as we continued our careful hunt. Valerie flying around trees and scraping her arms against heavy tree bark to avoid the disorienting lightning in her eyes. I opened my mouth, my tongue coated in her scent, and barely caught ahold of some fabric in my teeth. My paws pushed down into the earth and I pulled back, tearing the t-shirt clean off her body. Thunder growled happily over my head as I spat out her shirt. Valerie twisted, facing me. The inky black of a stormy night behind her, only lit up by the beams of the moon that carved their way through the clouds. She was ethereal and delicious.

Her wide red eyes glowed in the dark. I could feel her magic kicking in and I snarled in response.Good, fight me, little witch, show me what you’re capable of…it’s not a real hunt if you don’t struggle.Her arms snapped out in front of her and a wall of angry thicket fell down before me. I roared into the night. The sound of her escaping me was muffled by the thunder. Green wisps floated around me as the forest came to my aid. For every vine she whipped out to slow me down, another tree fought it to give me advantage.

Blow for blow, we raced through the trees till she came upon her doom.

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