Chapter Four

Usually on nights that I patrol, I get home from work, try to sleep for a few hours, then at midnight I leave. Tonight is different. It's not too late when I get back to my house on the rez from Andy's. But when I lay down to try to sleep, I can't stop my mind from spinning. Every time I close my eyes I see her face, smiling at me. Not that I'm complaining about that. I've never felt so happy in my entire life, and it's all because of Andy. And Max. There's something about that kid that makes me…want to protect him. He seems so innocent and there's a sincerity to everything he says. He's young but he has an intelligence and maturity that I feel so proud of.

Proud? I don't know where that thought came from. He wasn't my kid, but at the same time I feel a connection to Max that I don't really understand. Can the imprint bond extend to the children of our imprint?

I muse on this until my phone buzzes. It's my midnight alarm. I grin as I make my way to my backdoor, stripping clothes along the way. By the time I'm out the door, I'm completely naked and jogging straight into the woods that back my house. I pick up speed, dodging trees and jumping over roots. It's dark but I don't need to see anymore; I can feel my Wolf begin to take over and that's all I need to sense what's around me. Some of us use our rage to phase- they let their anger consume them until the Wolf comes out. But me? I thrive off of the thrill the Wolf brings me. So I run until the Wolf forces itself out because it longs for freedom. I feel my body trembling and I know it's coming. I jump into the air and when I land, it's on four paws.

Andy. Her smile, the way she laughs, the way her eyes light up when she talks about her store…

I see her eyes looking into mine: "Thank you for coming tonight. It really means a lot…to both of us."

"Max has Asperger's Syndrome…Although he doesn't seem to mind grabbing your hand…"

"We'd love to go with you."

Max peering at me through his glasses, showing me his toys…He's such an amazing kid, has such an amazing mother.

Andy. Andy. The way she moves her hips when she dances. The way she bites her bottom lip when she's thinking. The way her jeans hugged her legs. Her legs wrapped around me while I bite her neck…

Okay, I can't take it anymore! Jared's in my head smirking. I am so glad I don't have to patrol with you tonight. You're going to have to get your thoughts locked up before we all see something we don't want to see.

I huff. Seriously Jared? Of all people I'm pretty sure you're the worst with the sex thoughts. If I have to see Kim naked one more time…

Jared growls. Watch it. I see his house through his eyes. Well, I'm out.

I'm alone in my head again. The night air feels cool against my fur as I pick up speed. My ears pick up the sound of a squirrel scurrying up the trees to its nest. I can see everything, down to the dew that's beginning to settle on the grass. Pink buds are beginning to form on the wildflowers that grow. I love giving in to the Wolf. And the Wolf knows exactly where he needs to be.

I can see Andy through her living room window, but I stay hidden in the tree line. Her head is bent down over paperwork she's reading. She frowns and bites her lip in concentration. I hear Max's steady breathing upstairs as he sleeps. Suddenly Andy lets out an adorable yawn, stretching her arms above her head and making her sweatshirt hug her body tightly. My Wolf begs me to go in there, to make her mine.

Not yet. I back further into the woods slowly and I'm running again.