Page 33 of Fated for Flames

“I’m sorry for your loss,” I said, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “I lost my parents when I was eight. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of them.”

Chad’s grip on my hand tightened, his usual cheeriness dimmed. “Thanks, little witch,” he murmured.

I caught a glimpse of the sorrow he kept hidden behind his easygoing facade.

We sat in silence for a moment, the air between us heavy with unspoken understanding.

Wanting to change the mood and make him smile again, I said, “And here I thought with that sunny disposition of yours, you were a wolf?” I teased, nudging him playfully. “I could just imagine you wagging your tail when you’re happy.”

Then I blushed, realizing how that sounded.

Chad laughed at that, the sound echoing through the quiet field. “Oh, little witch,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m much more than that.”

“Really?” I arched an eyebrow at him. “What, then? A…squirrel?”

He laughed again, louder this time. “Not quite. But I am four-legged, so you can continue to call mepuppyif you want.”

“Four-legged?” I tapped my chin thoughtfully. “Hmm…horse?”

He threw back his head and laughed. “Now that’s an interesting guess, and that would make my dick even bigger,” he admitted, still chuckling. “But I’ll tell you what…if you’re nice to me, maybe one day I’ll let you ride me.” He winked.

I snorted at the double meaning, unable to stop the heat from spreading across my cheeks.

“Oh, really?” I shot back, grinning despite myself. “I’ll hold you to that.”

I leaned back on my elbows, watching as Chad’s infectious laughter faded into a contemplative smile.

“You know, I’d never guess that you’d be also suffering from losing someone so important to you, the way you’re always so happy-go-lucky.” I marveled at his ability to radiate such warmth despite the pain he’d endured.

Chad’s expression softened, and he nodded slowly. “Happiness is a choice, little witch. You can either let the grief consume you, or you can rise above it. I choose to see the light, even when it may be a little hard sometimes.”

I blinked, taken aback by the depth of his words. “Wow, I didn’t know the puppy was so wise,” I teased, nudging him playfully.

We shared a comfortable silence before Chad suddenly sprang up and lunged at me. I yelped in surprise as he grabbedme in a headlock and began rubbing his knuckles against my scalp.

“Noogie!” he yelled triumphantly as I squirmed and laughed beneath him.

“Chad!” I protested between bouts of laughter. “Stop!”

But he only grinned wider and ruffled my hair harder until finally releasing me with a satisfied sigh.

“I can’t believe you just gave me a noogie,” I grumbled as I sat up and began patting down my messy hair.

He just shrugged and flashed me a grin. “You started it, little witch.”

And even though I was breathless, with my hair sticking up in all directions, I couldn’t help but laugh.

21

Chad

Anoogie!

I gave her a fucking noogie!

What the hell is wrong with me?

The little witch made me nervous. From the moment I’d first seen her, with those striking gold eyes, her long black hair, and that look of sheer determination, I knew I wanted her by my side.

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