"What are you doing out here anyway?" Peter asked. "Beautiful woman all alone in the woods . . ."
"I've been working. Seems like a hunter was killed."
"Yeah? How's that?"
"He was attacked by an animal. His throat was torn out and he was partially eaten."
They stared at each other in silence.
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, Peter. Would you?"
"No."
"Peter, look, this has been hard for me, too. I've been constantly having to lie for you. About where you've been and what you've been doing. Your father's worried."
At the mention of Walter, Peter closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to upset you," Olivia said softly.
"It's fine. Thank you for covering for me. You can tell Walter I'll be back sometime next week. I'll bring him back a gift. He'll forgive me as soon as he knows I'm safe."
Olivia smiled and kissed Peter again, softly this time.
"I'll be glad when you do," she said. "I miss my big, strong alpha male."
"Do you know why wolf men make great lovers?" Peter asked as he kissed her neck.
"Because they're wolf men?"
"No," Peter said with a chuckle. "It's because once an alpha male picks a mate, he stays loyal to her forever."
"Well, you certainly know the right words to say to make me want you."
They embraced, their actions turning more amorous. Olivia smiled uncertainly as Peter licked his lips in anticipation.
"Don't worry," he whispered as he took Olivia's hands in his. "The wolf and I are one. I'm always in full control."
"I'm scared, Peter. Not of you, but I'm scared for you. If this ever got out . . ."
"Everything will be all right." He gently kissed her palm. "I'll be fine as long as I have you."
A cold breeze rustled through the trees, sending several leaves swirling down around them. Olivia shuddered and pulled her jacket tighter around her.
"Here," Peter said as he pulled down to the grass. "Let's get you warm."
"Sounds good," she murmured as he covered her with his body.