Felix stared at his cell phone as he waited for his latest gift to bake. Should he text her? Probably not. But maybe. She might've forgotten about him.

It had now been four entire days since he'd seen his lovely leopardess and both man and wolf were getting a little antsy. It was positively unnatural to go so long without your mate. He had no idea how some of his fellow pack members did it when one of them was required to leave the den.

Felix should be getting a fucking award for his self-restraint. It was positively Herculean.

He should just text her.

Before he could change his mind, he picked up his cell, and started typing.

Did you like the flowers?

Was that too blunt? Probably, but it was too late now; he'd pressed the send button as soon as he'd typed the question, not giving his doubts a chance to intercede. As the smell of cooking bakery items wafted over him, he waited anxiously for her reply.

A minute passed. Maybe she was busy. Like on a patrol.

Then two. Or stuck down a ravine. Or flirting with someone who wasn't him.

Then – his cell pinged.

In his excitement, Felix dropped it on the carpet.

"Dammit," he muttered, bending to pick it up. Thank God no one could see him acting like a total fool over a woman who could barely be convinced to give him the time of day.

I did. They're very pretty.

It was Rina. Felix's lips curved into a smile. She liked the flowers.

A few seconds later:

Thank you for them. I'm looking after them well, I promise.

Felix's smile grew wider. His leopard might not realise it, but this was one hell of a step in the right direction – namely, towards him. She'd thanked him. And she'd felt the need to tell him that she was looking after his peace lilies. Of course, Felix had expected nothing less, not after the way she'd listened to him so intently as he'd explained proper cactus care. It was such a small thing, but it mattered.

I didn't doubt it for a second, he replied.

As he waited for her reply, he wondered what her reaction might be to the compliment. Would she blush? No, that didn't seem very Rina-ish. Would she roll her eyes in exasperation, but still not help the small grin on her lips? Or would she flash that bold, beautiful smile at him and raise her eyebrow as if to ask "What else did you expect?"?

Probably option three.

What are you up to? Felix sat up straighter on the sofa, and leaned eagerly over his cell. Perhaps Rina was as curious about his daily life as he was about hers.

I'm baking cupcakes for my sister. And her, of course. It was to be his gift for today, but he wasn't about to tell her that.

Yummy! God, she was yummy.

And then: What kind are they?

They were chocolate mud, but for his own devilish reasons, he didn't want to tell her that either. Not telling.

She texted back a frowning emoji. Please?

Nope.

What if I ask nicely?

Felix smiled. Rina was playing with him. His mate was playing with him. Still no.

What if I ask not so nicely? She replied. His wolf chuckled as he imagined her frowning down at her cell.

It's difficult for that to be threatening via text, even for you, Rina.

You do realise I know where you live?

Since my ultimate goal has been to get you to my place all this time, my evil plan is working… Insert devil emoji.

Felix really wished he could see Rina's face at that very moment. Two weeks to the day, and he couldn't believe that they'd hardly flirted. He felt that no matter how much Rina was making him chase her, he should've sent her a devil emoji before this.

You're lucky I have to be in the city soon, wolf. Otherwise I'd be raiding your oven.

A part of Felix felt disappointed. He'd half-hoped she'd take the bait and come storming to his cabin by the greenhouses, so that she could steal the cupcakes, and arch one of her perfect eyebrows at him in smug victory.

And then, of course, they could make out for a few hours.

You're free to raid my oven anytime, kitty.

All she sent in reply was a disgruntled emoji.

And for some reason, it made Felix's day.