“Yeah, you’re not in check.”
I moved away from her and shifted back. It was easier to calm down in my human form. I’d destroyed a pair of pants, but at least I hadn’t hurt anyone. “What do you expect? You really think Hunter’s going to talk to me like that? That seems cold even for him.”
“But you’re going to know it. You’re going to see it in the way they move together. A pack is a close knit group. You know what everyone is doing.”
“So why don’t I know whether they’ve had sex yet?”
“They haven’t, but it’s going to happen.”
“And we’ll know?” I felt calmer. It hadn’t happened yet. She wasn’t his mate. I still had time to get her away from him.
“Hunter isn’t going to be able to hide it. He’ll be back to normal, yet even cockier.”
“Don’t use any words related to cock when it comes to Hunter.”
“You know he has a big one.”
I pushed her away. “And you would know?”
“You’ve seen him naked too.”
“I don’t look at his junk.”
“Yes you do. You can’t avoid it. But anyway, it’s huge.”
“Weren’t we out here to run?”
“Aren’t you supposed to defend your manhood? Tell me I should check yours again because it’s actually bigger?” She glanced down to where I was covering myself with scraps of clothing. Marni might not have cared about me walking around naked, but I didn’t know these Sabers from a hole in the wall.
“It’s not my fault you need your eyes checked.”
She laughed. “Ok. That’s better.”
“Let’s run.” I shifted without waiting for her answer.
I started off running into the deep forest. It was unfamiliar, but I quickly picked up the scent of some smaller animals. I’d never been into hunting as a human, but it came naturally now.
“Hungry again?” Marni asked from beside me.
“Yes. I’m always hungry.”
“And horny.”
“Shut up.” I took off ahead of Marni, wanting time to myself. I understood why she was staying close, but I didn’t want babysitting. I needed to be able to control myself on my own. If I didn’t master that, I couldn’t leave with Mary Anne.
We were definitely further south. My heavy coat of fur felt unnecessary as we ran through the woods. I forgot about the animal I was chasing as I concentrated on my speed. I was getting faster and faster and the wind felt incredible as it flew over my back. I could have run for hours, but eventually I reached the end of the woods and headed back to the house.
I emerged from the woods to see Marni dressed again and sitting on the porch with Jocelyn. She tossed a pair of pants into the yard for me.
I shifted back and quickly jumped into my pants before joining the two women. “Am I missing an exciting conversation?”
Jocelyn smiled. “Not really. I was just telling Marni here that I think she needs to give Chet some TLC. He’s down in the dumps.”
“Go see him then. Don’t worry about me.” Whatever her motivations were, she didn’t have to spend every second of the day with me.
“I’ll watch him. We all know a Saber can take on a baby Dire any day.” Jocelyn grinned.
“A baby Dire, sure, but don’t think you can take on the rest of us.” Marni smiled. “Don’t do anything stupid, Gage.” She walked inside.
“Interesting girl, isn’t she?” Jocelyn sipped a mug of what I assumed was coffee.
“You could say that.” I looked up at the star filled sky.
“It looks like you’re spending a lot of time with her.” She raised an eyebrow. “I’m not the only one who’s noticed.”
“You mean Chet? Yeah. Marni keeps telling me he doesn’t care, but I know I would. Maybe I’m the jealous type.”
“You mean you’re jealous of Hunter.”
“I guess I’m that obvious.” I looked out at the trees. I already missed the woods.
“You are to me, but not to everyone.”
“You think Hunter’s buying it?” That would be a good thing.
“I’m not talking about Hunter.”
“Then who do you mean?”
“Have a seat.” She touched the seat that Marni had just vacated.
I sat down. There was no reason not to.
“You’re not a stupid boy. I can tell.”
“Okay…”
“So you know exactly who I’m talking about.”
“Let’s say I don’t.” As far as I knew, Hunter wasn’t telling his friends about my past with Mary Anne.