Lucas
Everything in me felt awake, alert,alive.Nothing suppressed and no longer at war with myself, my mind felt clearer. The confusion and uncertainty faded more with each passing day.
…Okay, I wasn’t sure abouteverything.
“I feel… something,” I said, staring ahead.
“Yeah, it’d be weird if you didn’t.” Chase stood next to me, both of us carrying a box.
“I’m moving on, and there’s definitely feelings, but I’m not sure if they’re good or bad.”
“Well, if it helps, you’re smiling.”
“I am?” Huh. I looked away from the IRS building, apparently still smiling as I turned to Chase. “Yeah, that helps.”
When we walked to the car, I didn’t look back.
While I might be capable of returning to my old job, I wasn’t sure the position still fit me. Not only because I was learning to hone my senses and adjust to my new strengths and reflexes. I was a new and improved person. Going back to my former job felt too much like going backwards when I’d embraced moving forward.
For the time being, learning myself all over again was something of a full-time job on its own. I’d only scratched the surface of living life as a fox shifter and was eager to keep exploring.
“Not sure I’m the best teacher,” Chase said as we squared off against each other in the gym.
"There’s still plenty for you to teach me," I said as we circled each other, plenty of space between us on the mat.
"Definitely, how about—"
"Not sexually," I interrupted.
“Oh…” His fighting spirit dimmed a tad. “Let’s get started anyway.”
Bouncing on the balls of my feet as we circled each other, a rush of adrenaline fueled me when Chase lunged forward and tried to pin me.
Fighting was a skill I hoped I never needed in the future. But focusing on Chase and reacting was helpful in adjusting to my new reflexes. However Chase’s brand of training me involved getting comfortable with my body and reacting. He hadn’t begun imparting any actual technique yet.
"Still not sure a wolf should teach a fox to fight,” he said, reading my thoughts. “We’re different sizes and have different strengths. Another fox should show you.” The fox he had in mind hung heavy in the air.
"You’re here now.” I smiled teasingly. “Are you afraid I’ll beat you?”
“Yeah right.” The cockiness both aroused and annoyed me.
“I could, you know.” As soon as I learned how to fight. “I’ll kick your ass.”
“Wanna bet?” he tossed out with a cheeky smirk I wanted to bite. “Born wolf and agent over here. What are you gonna do to beat me?”
“I’ll figure something out.”
"Focus on this fight," he suggested.
Good advice seeing as I suddenly found myself backed into one corner with Chase advancing.
"Wanna bond?" I asked.
That stopped him cold. “What?”
I danced around him easily but still had to add, “It’s something to consider, you know.” Not only as a distraction.
Chase eyed me skeptically, as he advanced again, I responded and moved back. We danced together, ending up closer than a moment ago.
