I don't own the series. This chapter was quick. Next one is going to be amazing... just wait.

Two weeks had passed since Bran's attempt at humor and with each morning they spent together, Piper felt the draw towards the man growing.

It had become a constant Mantra within her head, twenty years. twenty years. He's been mated twenty years.

But taking in how terrible his mate was, Piper found herself rationalizing the attraction she felt. At times when she'd watch his lithe muscles running ahead of her, she could even pretend he belonged to her. His pale eyes, that constantly shone with laughter, were regular companions on the trail. Piper wasn't sure why, but recently Bran had seemed more light... He was happier, she supposed. A cynical part of herself guessed he had gotten laid...by his mate of twenty fucking years.

Piper figured Bran could feel when she'd think these thoughts, as she's pretty obviously pull away from him. Bran made the fact painfully clear on each occasion, at which he would find some reason to tease her or try out some horrid new nickname. 'Pippidty' had been her least favorite so far.

The tactics usually worked. Sure, Bran was taken and sure, it was absolutely stupid, but Piper couldn't resist smiling when he did. Just like she couldn't resist watching his ass as he ran ahead. Or the mischievous glint he'd occasionally adopt before challenging her to a race. So, despite being weary of the attraction growing for him, Piper was nearly helpless as they continued to spend time together.

Before, during and after their runs they found time to talk about practically everything. She had learned Bran liked the color blue, the smell of red-wood trees and, much to Piper's surprise, watching cartoons in his pajamas. Piper had certainly liked the picture that had formed from that detail. In turn, she told Bran about the scar on her lip, her love for salty foods and even her favorite poet. He had drank in the information and teased her that Robert Frost was a drunk who stole his material. She'd informed him that, despite being around before the dinosaurs, he had no authority to give out biographies.

He'd just chuckled at her.

In time, Bran had even opened up about his past. Something, that Piper was sure he didn't do lightly. It started when she'd asked him about his sons. She could plainly see the love and admiration on his face when he mentioned them. He'd proceeded to tell her stories about both boys. Usually, Piper used the dirt on Charles as new taunting material. As for Samuel, she hadn't met yet, but Piper already felt like she knew him.

The more stories he told, the more Piper wanted to hear. Bran became a puzzle to her; one which she was desperate to solve. A large part of her wanted to ask about Leah, but there was some unspoken rule between them that the subject was off limits. Instead, she'd asked of his Indian Maiden, that Charles spoke of often (as it was his mother).

He'd hesitated when she'd first asked and replied something about, "yes, she was quite something."

Piper hadn't been satisfied with the answer. The following day she had brought it up again. Bran had sighed, "You won't give this up, will you?"

She shook her head and he launched into the fascinating tale.

She tried to imagine her blonde haired Squints, a hundred years ago, coming across a beautiful dark-skinned woman, but she couldn't manage it. Whomever Bran had been then, whoever had fallen instantly in love with the stranger, wasn't the same man standing in front of her. It was strange how absolutely sure she was of the fact.

With only a week left before Christmas, Piper met a smiling Bran at the mouth of the trail. The snow was particularly thick today and Piper hadn't stopped smiling since she'd woken up. These mornings had become her favorite time of day. Her afternoons spent working or nights spent with friends were still cherished, but the lightness she felt with Bran was unparalleled.

"You look happy," He remarked.

She stared openly at him. His eyes were also sparkling and his blonde hair was sticking up in a few different directions, as if he had been running his hand through it. The pink on his cheeks made him look innocent, which she knew was completely contrary to the truth.

Nothing about him is innocent, her mind mused.

"That's because I am."

Warily, he asked, "Why? I can never predict your emotions."

Piper held back a chuckle. He had said as much before- That his spirit mojo sort of short-circuited when it came to her. Bran was used to knowing what was coming. He was used to people like chess pieces, based on knowing their reactions. His sixth sense even gave him "feelings" as he'd once described. However, none of his spooky talents worked with her. She was both too difficult too predict and too unimportant for the spirits to bother giving him warning (at least that's what she'd surmised.)

An idea sparked in her mind. "I'll tell you why…" she said as her legs readied to run. "…if you can catch me!"

Piper surged forward, knocking him backwards before taking off into the trail. She ran recklessly fast, dodging, curving and gliding over the land. Her arms pumped as she willed herself faster.

Bran must have recovered from the shock because after a moment, she heard him start to run. Being a werewolf, he easily gained on her.

However, Piper wasn't completely at a disadvantage. She knew these trails like the back of her hand. Her legs burned as she pushed herself further. Piper hadn't felt this good in years. Her eyes were watering and her nose was beginning to run from the cold. She loved this forest, loved the feeling of the wind against her face. This is perfect, this is freedom.

Bran was nearly behind her when she'd decided to run off the path. Piper veered widely and ran across the snowy forest floor. Her pace was forced to slow some, as she doged low limbs and curved madly, surging forward without any real idea where she was going. Piper made it to a small clearing just as large arms snagged around her waist.

"Got you."

She nearly pulled them over, but caught herself just as his arms lifted her off the ground and twirled her. "SQUINTS!..." she squeeled as he laughed loudly.

"Put me down!"

"I win."

"Congratulations! You beat a human in a race."

He chuckled but released her. The both were breathing loudly and smiling like idiots.

"that was… fun." he sounded surprised.

"Yes," she panted, "Those of us without alien probes left up our asses are known to have that from time to time."

He shook his head, "I swear, you have the sharpest tongue I've ever heard."

"It's a gift, really."

Bran actually rolled his eyes at her. "Due to my stunning victory, you owe me an answer. Why are you so happy?"

Piper knew werewolves could smell lies. Sure, she could have said some other truth, like she'd had fun with Tag and Anna last night or her shower was particularly warm this morning; but honestly, she wasn't in the mood to lie about the happiness. The adrenaline had only increased the feeling. She decided instead to avoid the topic. Piper shrugged before dropping to the floor, feigning like she was tightening a shoe lace.

She scooped up a handful of snow and launched it directly at him before taking off again.

He laughed loudly, "You little-!" before giving chace again. Piper had only gotten a few strides this time. Again, Bran picked her off the ground and swung her body, through air.

"Aw, did I step on your poor little bitty ego?" She laughed.

This time he guided her weight back toward the forest floor. She found herself laying flat on the snow, with Bran above her. Both of them in fits of laughter, as he began to shove handfuls of the powder in her face.

"Are you going to tell me?" he managed through laughing at her squeals.

"Bran!" she howled. Just as he started shoving some down the back of her shirt she agreed, "FINE, FINE! I'LL DO IT, I'LL TELL YOU!"

He backed away from her, kneeling over her. He was smug now, "That's what I thought."

This was awkward. She took a deep breath and stared into the pale blue depths. "I'm happy because… I' m glad we're friends…I like you. I Like spending time with you…."

He smiled, such a big goofy grin she couldn't help but roll her eyes and add, "People say I've got no taste, but I like you."

Bran chuckled, "I like you too, Piper," he said, before helping her to her feet.

I like this chapter because it shows them having fun.

Bran isn't a guy who relaxes easily.

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