Page 48 of The Crimson Wolf

“Oh, right. I’m supposed to mount you.” This is so fucking weird.

I gingerly walk to his side, picking up the pile of clothes next to him. “Do you want me to bring these?” I ask.

He nods.

I grab them and stick them under my armpit before jumping up and grunting as I throw my leg over. He barely gives me a second to brace myself before he takes off. I yelp and cling to his fur, leaning over and pressing my body against him to stay on. He vibrates like he’s chuckling.

Trees whip past us, and the wind tears at my clothing. I’m no speedometer, but I swear we’re going at least seventy miles per hour. I abandon my efforts to gather where we’re going, clenching my eyes shut and burying my face into Cameron’s fur. Just when I’m sure I’ll have to spend the next hour cleaning vomit off him, he slows, but I don’t sit up until he stops.

“Let’s never do that again, okay?” I say as I climb down, wobbling once I reach my feet.

The shift happens again, and before I can blink, he’s standing at my side, human, naked, and grabbing my arm to steady me. I gaze up at him, awestruck. “That was a fast change,” I manage to say.

He chuckles. “Yeah, I’m pretty fast when it’s not the Blood Moon, but I like to take my time with most things.” His eyes heat over his cocky grin.

“Oh, geez.” I push his clothes into his chest, grinning as the blood rushes to my cheeks and trying not to let my eyes trail any lower.

The minute I’m away from his touch, the pain in my head returns. The reality of the last twenty-four hours crashes around me. It’s crazy that a few light-hearted moments with Cameron can make me forget everything, but I can’t say I hate it.

I rub at my temple.

“Are you okay?” he asks, all humor lost from his voice as he rushes to my side.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” The pain instantly melts once he touches me. Okay, I don’t think this is in my head anymore. “Why do I feel better when you touch me?”

He smiles and holds my arm to steady himself as he hops into his pants. “What can I say? I have that effect on women?”

“Asshole.” The comment should give me the major ick, but I can’t help but smile. “But no, really.”

“It’s part of this whole werewolf thing.” His face tenses as if he’s holding something back as he buttons up his shirt.

I study him for a moment. “Whatever. Where are we?” I swivel my attention at the canopy of trees overhead.

Cameron takes a deep breath and looks around him, a proud smile forming. “I found this place when I was a teenager. Here, follow me.” He grabs my hand, pulling me deeper into the woods, pushing away the brush, and leading me into a clearing.

I don’t let go of his hand as I stare, mouth wide, at the sight before me. A crystal blue spring, surrounded by rocks and what looks like a cave, sits in the middle of the area. “Wow.”

“I know, right? It’s my best-kept secret. I’m sure others know about this place, but I’ve never seen anyone else here, and it’s not on any maps. We can sleep in the cave tonight.”

Sleeping. With Cameron. Tonight.

My body transforms into some hormonal teenage boy. Cameron can’t even mention plans for our shelter without my mind jumping to images of me fucking him. God, being a werewolf blows. Literally. I hope I don’t spend time with other werewolf men in case I’m this feral around all of them.

Cameron jumps to the edge of the spring, balancing on one foot to the next as he walks closer to the cave’s entrance. “Come on, let me show you the place.” He looks so boyish, so full of joy. Nothing like the man I met in the woods who called me an idiot and reeked of danger. My cheeks hurt from smiling as I follow after him, keeping myfeet on solid ground instead of the rocky barrier Cameron follows since I’m probably recovering from a concussion.

My eyes adjust to the darkness as I duck inside the cave. Cameron grabs a sleeping bag and pillows rolled up against the wall and shakes out the dust.

“Is this where you usually bring your flings?” I ask, resting against the wall as I watch him.

“Is that what you think you are? A fling?” He doesn’t take his eyes off the sleeping bag as he rolls it out on the floor.

My cheeks heat. I’m unsure if he means I’m less than that or more. I can’t help my heart hoping for the latter. Stupid heart.

I sit, crossing my legs, trying to ignore my pounding organs. “Well, what am I to you, Cameron? I used to think I was your next meal, but…”

“Used to? Oh, don’t give up that notion.” He lifts his stare to me, his eyes heated.

I blush, grinning and turning away from him. “Shut up.”

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