radicalducati Chapter 97
Chapter 97
Stretching out under the willow tree with the wind flowing through my fur, I enjoy watching my Pack Mates coming and going from the Pack House while I wait for Rune. My work had only taken me about an hour and a half to complete and I decided to wait outside for my Mate after having lunch.
“I thought you would wait for me in your office.” Lifting my head off my paws, I look to find Rune coming under the willow tree, looking at me in amusement. My tail slumps slowly on the grassy ground and I let out a yawn.
[I ended up being done early and decided to enjoy the nice weather in my fur form.] I answer through the link, getting an eye roll from Rune.
“I see. Let me go shift and I will be right back.” He sighs out, running a hand through his black hair. I nod, resting my head on my paws and closing my eyes. I have been tired lately, the tiredness being a mix of running around preparing to welcome new wolves with Asteria as well as worrying about my pregnancy, and relaxing under the leaves of the willow tree is something I feel like I should do more often in wolf form before my pregnancy advances to the point I can no longer shift.
A tongue brushing against the top of my head causes me to look up to find Rune’s black wolf towering over my cream wolf, the scars on his face are nearly gone and only leaving a small mark across his eye. I smile happily, my tail swishing from side to side as I stand and stretch.
[Are you ready for a good run?] He asks, his deep voice filling my mind as he nuzzles his muzzle into my fur.
[I am.] I answer, winking to Rune before taking off. I look back for a moment to see him staring at me in disbelief and hold back my smirk. I guess my rushing off without warning was something he did not think would happen as he shook his fur and followed after me, his wolf quickly catching up. Without thinking, I race toward the forest and begin dodging trees, bushes, and stumps. I can hear Rune behind me, a growl of annoyance escaping his lips and I laugh to myself. This will teach him that I am not some obedient she-wolf he can boss around. I am his Mate, his equal, and he will keep learning this if he ever hopes to keep me as his Mate.
My paws thunder against the hard ground of the forest, the dirt being kicked out from under me as I run. The earthy scent mixed with the smells of the forest invigorates me, making me want to run faster, but I pace myself. I am still with pup, and I can’t push my body or risk hurting the baby developing inside me.
I hear Rune crashing through the brush behind me and scoff. Even though he patrols our borders every morning, Rune still sounds like a bull in a fine China shop as he crashes through the leaves and branches. Slowing down to a trot, I wait for Rune to join me, his eyes filled with love and annoyance when he finally comes to a stop beside me.
[You’re supposed to be careful, not taking off like a bullet.] He grumbles through the link, nuzzling his face against my flank.
[I am being careful.] I point out playfully, headbutting his shoulder and nipping at his fur.
[Besides, I only have a few weeks left until it is no longer safe for me to run.] I add. Rune sighs, the annoyance leaving his face as she brushes his body against mine. The bond hums happily as Rune circles me, his fur blending into mine. It wasn’t till I noticed his scent covering me that I realized he was marking me with his scent as a warning to others that I am his and his alone. This causes me to roll my eyes at his possessiveness but I understand it is his instincts pushing him to do it as a way to protect me and our up. After a quick lick across my cheek, Rune nudges me towards a small trail and we continue walking around the territory, and I relish in the freedom this brings. In three months I will be unable to shift as it would be too dangerous for the pup and me, so I need to make the most of this time.
This time I do not push myself and trot along the pack lands. I lead Rune through the forest, showing him my favorite spots that I have found the first month in Crescent Phoenix. From there, I show him the quick trails that will take him to my cottage in case of an emergency if I need him. Neither of us speaks of Pack duties, the upcoming trial, and the visit from the Council that will take place in a few days. Instead, we enjoy the silence of the forest, walking side by side and taking a break by the small streams.
For a moment I wonder if this is our first date, the thought making my heartbeat happily as we come across a pond with wildflowers around it.
[Rune.] I call through our link as we lay beside the small pond with lotus flowers.
[Yes Brynlee.] He replies, laying his head across my neck and taking in my scent.
[Is this a date?] I ask quietly. Nerves fill me as I wait for his answer.
[I was about to ask you the same question.] He chuckles out into the link, lifting his head off me and flicking his tongue across my head between my ears. My tail thumps happily as I settle closer to Rune, feeling more at ease at knowing he didn’t push me away.
[So it’s our first date.] I state, feeling Rune shift closer.
[Yes, this is our first date Brynlee.]