Page 36 of Moonlight and Mischief
Slate is more than happy to grapple with his mate, and within minutes they’re trading punches and kicks in the graceful way partners do when they know each other's movements as thoroughly as their own.
“Ready?” Jasper asks, ushering me onto the blue mats. “Want to up the stakes?”
“How?” I bounce between the balls of my feet, psyching myself up.
“Loser has to give the winner a massage,” he murmurs.
“Sure, I’d love a massage.”
Jasper watches me, utterly relaxed.
Edging forward, I take my first strike, my fist flying at his shoulder. His arm knocks it aside, but instead of simply blocking, he surges forward, forcing me to step sideways and wrapping his arm across my upper chest and hauling me toward him. He could easily put me in a headlock. Biting my cheeks, I resist the urge to melt into him. The corded muscles of his forearm stand out, begging for me to run my fingers along them.
“I think you’re my favorite sparring partner, Sunshine.”
“What’s with the nickname?” I ask, waiting for him to release me, instead of struggling against a hold I know I can’t break. That is, without kicking his shins or scratching his face, or some other move that would injure him. And I like my roommate uninjured, to be honest.
“I think it suits you,” he purrs, voice quiet enough it’s private. The heat of his breath feathers against my ear. My body shivers and he releases me with a low laugh.
Frustrated at my reaction, I set my weight back and twist, aiming a hard kick to his ribs. Grinning, he grabs my ankle and uses my own momentum to throw me onto the mat. Walking past, he waits for me to scramble up.
That was humiliating. I thought I was a bit better than this. I’ve beat other opponents. But other opponents don’t lean in and whisper distracting words.
“I’m going to get you back for that,” I say, panting.
Taking my time, I look for an opening and feint a punch followed with a swift kick to his thigh, lower so he can’t grab me. His smile returns, something akin to pride warming his face.
He likes when I successfully land a hit? Fantastic.
I step closer, ready to try the same trick again. But the scent of baking spices wraps about me, muddling my focus. He gets close, too close. I can’t land a hit when his forearm shoves my chest, and his other hand grabs my shoulder, twisting me as I fall backwards. My torso hits the mat, arms pinned behind me in his grasp. His knees frame my hips as he kneels over me. “Had enough? I’m happy to throw you on your back a few more times if you’re not done.”
Growling in irritation at his teasing, I wrench my wrists free and roll to my feet, causing him to step back. His cocky grin usually amuses me, but right now I want to strangle him.
I throw another punch allowing him to block it, but then hook my other hand at the nape of his neck. Not a traditional move. He hesitates, trying to read my intentions. Putting my weight into it, I grab the arm he blocked with and tug, while pulling his entire body sideways. He goes down like a rock. My knee hits the ground beside him and I grin down triumphantly.
His blonde hair fans across his forehead and I like seeing his typical sleek composure ruffled. He smilesback, sweet and genuine. “Very good,” he praises, his words lighting my whole body up.
Why is he so stunning? It’s unfair to the rest of us.
After two more matches that include me landing on my back approximately five times each, Hazel suggests we shift and find the twins for a good run.
Jasper’s hands find my hips as he leans in. “We can finish this later, if you like.”
“Maybe, if you behave yourself,” I flirt back, blushing at my own breathy tone.
That was interesting. Last night, he said it was stupid to kiss me and told me to pretend it never happened. But the way his hands grip my skin and pull me to him, I’m not sure what to think.
Onyx retrieves Cedar, and we all shift, stashing our clothing away in lockers. My reddish gold coat looks particularly bright against Jasper’s snowy white as he rubs his shoulder along mine.
Slate leads us toward the doorway and into the trees. Energy floods me, excitement that is not only mine.
Jasper’s white wolf dashes ahead, nipping at Slate’s tail as the boys race. Hazel runs beside me. The forest chatters around us, swaying branches, scurrying chipmunks, and even the hurried chirruping of western tanagers.
The boys are out of sight when we hear the rustling and growling. Excitement seeps through our pack bond. We increase our speed until they come into view.
Onyx’s dark wolf rolls on the ground with Slate, while Jasper bounces around them. As Slate pins Onyx,Jasper dives for him. They collide in a whirl of gray and white, snapping and shoving with paws.
Jasper subdues Slate for a moment, but the older brother squirms free and abruptly dives at him. With a bark, Jasper takes off running again. Onyx and Slate give chase.
