The smoke from the grills filled the yard as Adam and Larry fired them up. Tasha watched as her man directed the dozen Pack members who’d come early to help set up. Adam was both firm and kind as he passed out assignments.
She knew Adam was worried about the Pack being in one large group with Riker possibly out there, but he wasn’t showing any stress to the others. He glanced over and caught her watching him and sent her a big smile. Tasha grinned back. He looked so good in his pressed jeans and black T-shirt. Tasha wanted to rip off his clothes, but she would have to wait until later. They would have a long evening of visiting and playing before the run. But after, once they were back in the privacy of his room, she planned on ravishing him.
“It’s good to see him having a purpose,” Laura said as she joined her.
“We all needed this, whether we knew it or not.” Tasha accepted the red and white checkered tablecloths from Laura and set them in the chair beside her before picking the nearest up and turning to one of the tables. She flipped the covering open, letting the wind catch it, before Laura caught the other end. “He’s going to be a great leader.”
Laura beamed. “I know. I think I always did. Even before my dad decided that he didn’t want to be Alpha anymore, I could see Adam start to grow up. He didn’t see it, but the Pack had already began to come to him for some of the smaller stuff.”
“I saw the same thing,” Tasha said. “It was one of the reasons that I felt as though I could go to him when Crystal ran off.”
“How’s she doing now?” Laura asked.
“Great,” Tasha said. “She called me this morning. She loves being there, but she’s ready to come home. Christian and Logan are going to bring her tomorrow.” Tasha glanced around before lowering her voice. “Do you think it’s safe for her? I didn’t tell her about Riker because I didn’t want to scare her, but I’d love to have her back.”
“What if we moved her into one of the guest rooms?”
Tasha jumped. She hadn’t heard Adam approaching behind her. When she’d looked, he’s still been talking to Larry. Damn, he moved fast. She turned. “You want to move Crystal into the Alpha house?” She was shocked.
Adam gripped her hands before pulling her away from his sister. Not that Laura couldn’t listen in if she wanted to. But at least they had the illusion of privacy.
“Adam?” she whispered.
“I wanted to talk to you about it anyway,” Adam stated.
“About what, exactly?”
“I know you have your own house, but I can’t imagine not having you here, in my arms, every night. It’s probably too soon, but I would love if you and Crystal moved in here with me.” Adam shifted on his feet nervously.
She did have her own house, although she’d only been there to change clothes since her return with Adam. If she said no, once Crystal got back, she wouldn’t be able to stay with him every night, not like she had been. Sure, she would be able to probably have a few overnight visits a week, but it wouldn’t be the same. Was it too soon? Tasha knew what she felt for him. Adam was everything she’d ever wanted in a partner, a mate. She really wanted to say yes.
“I could talk to Crystal, ask her how she would feel about it,” Tasha said.
Adam nodded. “How do you feel about it, though?”
“I want to,” she confessed. “But I have to do what’s right for Crystal, too.”
“Yes,” he agreed. “I understand.”
“We’ll work something out?” She didn’t mean to make it sound like a question, but it did.
“Of course,” Adam assured her. “I can stay a few nights with you and maybe the two of you could spend the night over here.”
“I’ll talk to her first,” Tasha promised.
“Good.” He leaned down and kissed her softly before stepping back.
Laura was watching them with a huge smile on her face. Adam slung his arm around Tasha’s shoulder before drawing her back to his sister. Tasha blushed as Laura threw her arms around the two of them. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“You could have waited until we told you,” Adam admonished.
“I could have.” Laura giggled.
“Or we could talk about your love life,” Adam teased.
“Well…no…” Laura flushed while wringing her hands. “Let’s not do that.”
Adam walked away, chuckling.
“Let’s finish setting up the tables and chairs,” Tasha suggested.
“Good idea,” Laura agreed.
Together they worked until all the tables were covered and the chairs were pushed in. Once they were done, Tasha stepped back to look over the area. They still needed to fetch the large tables to hold all the food, but they were going to need more help.
“What’s next?” Laura asked.
Tasha pointed over to where the flattened tables were lined up. “We need to get help.” Even with her shifter strength, it would take more than her and Laura to set up the tables.
“I can ask Larry,” Laura suggested.
Tasha hid her smile by turning around, pretending to look for who was available. She spotted the two Council representatives talking to Larry by the drink coolers. “Good idea, maybe all three of them can help.”
“Okay.” Laura trotted off toward the group of men.
Instead of waiting for the help, Tasha headed over on her own. She hoped four tables would be enough. The Pack had a tendency of over-doing food when they had get-togethers.
“How’s it looking?”
Tasha glanced over her shoulder to see Kurt Moore and Clint Price behind her. She’d met them both the night before, but already they reminded her of Cain. They were strong, dominant shifters but also funny and playful. She could see them getting into trouble with Cain if left on their own too long. She liked them.
“Pretty good,” she replied. “Once we get these up, we can start bringing the food out. Plus, people should be showing up with their own dishes.”
“Sounds good,” Clint said as he bent over and flipped one of the tables. He pulled the legs up and locked them into place before spinning it back. The young blond gave a satisfied grunt as he pushed it into place.
Kurt moved to the next one and followed suit. In less than five minutes, the tables were ready for their coverings.
“Useful to have you around,” Larry said, walking up with Laura.
Tasha didn’t know what they two of them had been discussing, but Laura’s cheeks were pink and Tasha could smell arousal coming off both shifters. She elbowed Laura, then grinned.
Larry cleared his throat. “I’ll help Laura bring out the food that’s ready.”
“I bet you will,” Clint joked.
“Shut up.” Larry smacked Clint’s shoulder before striding off with Laura hurrying behind him.
“Don’t be a dick,” Kurt said to Clint.
“I’m not!” Clint held up both his hands. “But it’s pretty obvious those two are hot for each other. He just needs a little push.”
“Let him be,” Kurt ordered.
Clint shook his head. “You never let me have any fun.”
Tasha was watching both men closely. “Do you know Larry well?”
“Pretty good.” Kurt shrugged as he turned toward her. “It’s no secret that the Council has had their eye on Riker’s Pack for a while. Unfortunately, Riker hadn’t done anything illegal that got reported, so the Council had to be careful in their investigation. We got sent in to get close to the Pack to see what we could uncover.”
“The Council just couldn’t stop him?” Tasha asked. She’d always wondered why Riker had been able to lead a Pack when everyone knew that he mistreated them.
“There was no proof, no accusations,” Kurt said. “Only rumors.”
“Oh.” That saddened her.
“It was obvious to us that Larry was taking the brunt of the punishments,” Kurt told her. “It just took time for him to trust us. Once he went after Brent and stopped the attacks, Riker beat him almost to death.”
Tasha gasped. “Why?”
“As far as Riker was concerned, it wasn’t Larry’s business to help anyone other than his Pack. He stopped Cain’s mate from getting hurt and she wasn’t part of their family. Riker wouldn’t have stepped in to save her,” Kurt explained.
“That’s terrible.”
“Yes. If Clint hadn’t heard what was happening to Larry, I don’t think he would have made it. He wasn’t even fighting back,” Kurt said.
The back door opened and Larry stepped out, holding two platters.
“He really is a good man,” Tasha whispered.
“He’s perfect for this Pack,” Kurt agreed. “Once we catch Riker and get him back to California, Larry will be able to move on and start a really good life here.”
“I’m glad.” Tasha stopped talking about the Enforcer because he and Laura were getting within hearing distance. She hadn’t seen Adam for a little while. Not since they’d had their little talk. She still couldn’t believe that he actually wanted her and Crystal to move in with him. That was such a big step. They were marching forward in their relationship.
“Have you seen Adam?” she asked Laura.
“He’s on his phone in the kitchen,” Larry told her.
Tasha looked back toward house.
“You could grab the utensils,” Laura added, giving Tasha an excuse to go check on Adam.
“Sure,” Tasha said before heading in.
When she got close enough to peer through the glass door, she saw Adam leaning against the island while holding his cell up to his ear. He spotted her and grinned before gesturing her in.
She entered quietly, not wanting to disturb him.
“I really appreciate the heads-up, Austin,” Adam was saying. He lifted one arm and she rushed to cuddle up to him.
Adam smelled so good and she leaned in close to nuzzle his neck. He chuckled but tilted his head so she could have better access. Adam hummed as he dropped his hand down to her waist.
She could barely hear the voice on the other end of the call and wasn’t paying attention to the words. If she were brave enough, she would drop to her knees right there and see how good Adam’s concentration really was. Instead, she ran her hands under his shirt and massaged his pecs. Adam leaned his elbow back on the counter and spread his legs so she could fit right up against him.
Tasha latched her mouth to the side of Adam’s neck and nibbled. He bucked his hips so she trailed her hand down and cupped his erection.
“Yeah, that’s helpful,” Adam said, but she knew he wasn’t speaking to her.
Tasha pushed up his shirt and began licking at the muscles that covered his chest. Adam gripped her hair to hold her head in place. She sucked at the skin over his heart while he continued to thrust his hips forward. She could smell his arousal, how much he wanted her.
She pulled at the button of his jeans to slip her hand inside the waistband and under his boxers. Once she had a firm hold on his cock, she stroked him.
“Uh.” Adam cleared his throat. “I’ll let Kurt know. Thanks again for calling.” He clicked off the phone before dropping it onto the counter.
“You little minx,” he accused before grabbing her around the waist and lifting her off her feet.
Tasha laughed. “What are you doing?”
“Finding somewhere we can be alone,” he growled as he stalked out of the kitchen and down the hall.
His office door was open so he had no trouble carrying her through. Tasha giggled when he kicked it closed behind them. His arousal was totally intoxicating, causing her to grow even more desperate for him. Before he could get across the room, she was yanking at his shirt, trying to get it off.
“Hold on,” he panted. “Almost there.”
Adam dropped her onto the top of the desk, then stepped back and yanked the garment over his head before doing the same to her shirt.
“Hurry,” she demanded. Tasha concentrated on undressing herself as Adam went to work on his boots.
They finished at the same time and Adam chuckled as he tossed his boxer briefs behind him. “Finally,” he said, stepping between her legs.
Tasha couldn’t have agreed more. Kurt and Clint had shown up late so Adam had waited up for them. Tasha had gone to bed with a kiss and a promise that he’d make it up to her. That morning, they hadn’t been able to spend much quality time together since Adam had been woken up by a phone call from Cain’s father, Lamont. Adam had gone downstairs so he could get coffee and let her sleep. It had been the longest that they’d gone without making love and Tasha hated it. Just more proof that she needed to find a way to be in his arms every night.
While he nibbled on her throat, Tasha ran her palms over his ribs around to his back. She loved the way the muscles bulged under her hands.
“I need you,” she whispered.
“I know.” Adam slid one hand between her legs and rubbed at her pussy.
She arched, pushing her breasts up in offering. Plunging one finger inside, he sucked her nipple into his mouth. Tasha gasped as she grabbed the back of his head and lifted her hips. Even though Tasha was frantic for him, Adam always made sure she was wet and ready, too. She appreciated the caring he showed, but if he didn’t hurry up, she was going to come apart before he had his cock inside her.
“Please,” she begged.
Adam lifted his head before grabbing her shoulder and laying her back down on the cool wooden desk. She moaned while spreading her legs farther apart.
“That’s it,” he encouraged. “Open up to me.”
Of course she would. Tasha would do anything, give anything, to Adam.
He gripped her hip with his free hand as he added another digit to the one that was driving her wild. He yanked her to the edge of the desk while continuing to finger her.
“Adam!” she pleaded, knowing she was so close to going over the edge.
He pulled his hand away before lifting her knees and pressing them to her chest. Tasha wrapped her arms around her own legs as he positioned the tip of his cock against her entrance.
The fierce look of determination of his face was remarkable to see, but it was the power radiating from him that had her breath catching. He was magnificent. Strong, dominant and needing her.
With his gaze locked on to hers, Adam thrust hard.
“Yes!” she hissed, accepting everything he gave her. His girth stretched her inner muscles while at the same time the length seemed to go on forever. She was replete, filled by her gorgeous man.
“Sorry,” he huffed out. “This is going to be fast and dirty.”
Tasha bared her teeth, wanting the power he was displaying. “Take me.”
Adam didn’t hesitate. He withdrew slowly before slamming back inside. He did it again and again. The desk began to rock with their movements. She let go of her legs, using his chest to hold them in place, and lifted her arms over her head to grip the opposite side of the desk.
Sweat was beading on Adam’s forehead and as much as she wanted to lick it off, she couldn’t move, since she was pinned in place.
With each fast, firm drive, Adam was stealing her ability to think. All she could do was feel. She couldn’t control the trembling of her legs or the shaking of her hands. It was as if she were being electrified. His to command and rule.
Tasha cried out as one more powerful thrust plunged her into an orgasm so strong her vision wavered. Adam rode her through it until all Tasha could do was collapse against the hard desk. Still, his hips didn’t falter while Adam powered to his own climax.
She reached up with one weak hand to grab his forearm and dug her nails into his flesh. If she couldn’t reach him with her mouth, she’d mark him any way she could.
Adam grunted before closing his eyes and drove forward one last time as she came.
His muscles of his neck bulged even as the veins stood out. His face was red and flushed while he shook hard. Tasha watched him until he stilled, then collapsed.
“Fuck,” he murmured against her ear.
Now that she could reach him better, Tasha wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled. “Not what I had planned when I went into the kitchen, but it works for me.” She was still breathless and sated but could feel her energy returning.
Adam groaned as he propped himself up on one elbow to peer down at her. “I’m glad you came and found me.”
“Always,” she promised. “I’ll always find you.”
He lowered his head and gave her the sweetest, gentlest kiss ever.
She tightened her hold, just wanting to bask for a couple more minutes.
* * * *
Adam had one hand on Larry’s shoulder as he shook hands with an older male from his Pack. Larry was obviously still nervous, but the reception for Adam’s Enforcer was even better than he’d imagined. Almost every single member of the Pack had shown up and all but a handful had been introduced to Larry. Maybe it was because Adam was sticking close by, or because Cain was there right at the edge giving his support, but Adam couldn’t have been prouder of his Pack. They were accepting Adam’s choice for his second in command. Even though most knew about Larry from him stopping Brent’s attack, no one had brought that up. Instead, they’d asked about any family and how he was settling in. Adam hadn’t missed the looks darting back between his Enforcer and sister and he didn’t think that anyone around the two had, either.
“Mr. Washington,” Adam said. “I’d like to introduce you to our new Enforcer.”
“I’ve heard about you,” Felix Washington said gruffly.
Adam stiffened. If anyone ruined the good mood around them, it would be cranky Felix Washington.
“I’m sure you have, sir,” Larry replied politely. “While I can tell you not to believe everything you hear, I know it’s not that simple.”
“Are you a strong wolf?” Felix barked.
“Yes, sir,” Larry responded.
“Can you protect this Pack?”
“Yes, sir,” Larry repeated.
“And will you? Will you put every member of this Pack before yourself?” Felix pressed.
“Sir, I promise you that no one in this Pack is going to be harmed during my watch. I take my job very seriously. I don’t have a family of my own any longer. I hope to find that here,” Larry said.
“Call me Felix.” He held his hand out to Larry, which Larry quickly accepted.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Felix,” Larry said.
“You, too, young man, you, too.”
Felix ambled off and Adam turned to Larry. “Good job,” Adam praised.
“I just spoke the truth,” Larry said. “I know it will take time for people to trust me.”
“Just remember that some of us already do,” Adam stated.
Larry smiled. “It’s actually been better than I could have expected.”
“Well, remember that,” Adam whispered. “Here comes Cathy Johnson. She’s got hands like an octopus. Don’t let her get a hold or you won’t be able to shake her.”
Larry laughed even as he turned toward the wild red-haired woman who approached.
“Hello, Cathy,” Adam greeted.
“Alpha.” She dipped her head respectfully before peering at Larry. “And who is this?”
“This is our new Enforcer,” Adam introduced.
“Mmm,” Cathy practically purred. “Enforcer.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Larry inclined his head but didn’t offer his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Oh.” Cathy latched on to Larry’s arm. “The pleasure is all mine.”
Someone cleared their throat and the three of them turned. Laura was standing there, glaring at Cathy.
“Alpha,” Laura said. “Larry, can I speak to you both?”
“Sure,” Larry answered before slipping from Cathy’s hold. He did it so effortlessly that Adam knew he’d had previous experience.
Cathy huffed then stomped off while Laura was giggling softly.
“You never save me!” Adam claimed once they were alone.
“I must like Larry better,” Laura quipped before dragging his Enforcer off.
Adam watched his sister and Larry stroll away arm in arm. They really did make a good-looking couple. Adam had to be careful that he stayed out of their relationship, though. He didn’t want either one to feel pressured. As far as Adam knew, Laura hadn’t been actively seeking out a mate. If the two found love, that would be great. If not, maybe she would be another friend that Larry could count on.
“I was looking for you.”
Adam grinned as Tasha wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. When the barbecue had first started, she’d kept her distance. Every time he’d gone to her, she’d been nervous and fidgety. It had taken him a while and, okay, Larry had had to point out the fact that they hadn’t been in public together yet. Once he realized that she didn’t know how to act about their relationship, Adam had taken matters into his own hands.
He’d kissed her long and deep in front of the entire Pack.
The cheer that had gone up had been loud and amused.
After he’d staked his claim and let Tasha know that he was not going to hide what was happening between them, she’d loosened up. A couple of times, she’d even sought him out for a brief touch or gentle kiss.
“You found me,” he replied as he turned in her embrace.
“It’s almost dark.” There was excitement in her voice.
“Yes,” he acknowledged. “I was just about to have the little ones taken home so the rest of us could shift. I don’t want to be out too late with the threat of Riker out there.”
“Did we have enough babysitters?” Tasha questioned.
Adam nodded, knowing that Crystal always volunteered on full-moon runs so that the parents wouldn’t have to miss out. “We currently have three females pregnant.”
“Oh!” Tasha grinned. “That’s great. New additions to the Pack.”
More people to watch out for, to worry about and to love. It was always good to have the Pack expanding, but now that Adam was Alpha, he had to make sure their parents were taken care of and ready. Two of the three couples were expecting their first child.
That was a worry for another night, though. Tonight, they would shift and run together as family.
When a female became pregnant, she stopped shifting in order to protect the baby. Too much trauma, such as changing into a wolf, could make her miscarry. So normally the pregnant ladies of the Pack watched the other kids so that both parents could enjoy the run together.
“So.” Adam shook off his thoughts. “Are you ready to shift with me in our own territory?” Adam was really looking forward to it himself. Being able to enjoy the freedom while at Gage’s place had been great, but this land belonged to them.
Each blade of grass, drop of water, rock and stone was a part of them. Their scent was left behind in nature just as much as they picked up nature’s aromas. This was the territory that he’d sworn to protect as well. When he ran, he always made sure to keep at least some of his attention on his surroundings where he could catalogue any areas that needed attention. He was also responsible for making sure nothing could harm his Pack.
The woods were on his private land, but that didn’t mean that they never had illegal hunting or traps set. Some of those devices were absolutely barbaric.
“You’re off in your own world,” Tasha said, tapping his chest.
“Damn,” Adam muttered. “There’s just a lot on my mind.”
“Anything I can help with?”
He grinned. “You can give me a kiss to give me something else to think about.”
“I guess I can do that,” she teased before pushing up and against his mouth.
Adam hummed against her lips. If they weren’t in public, he would have made the kiss a lot more erotic, but kids were still present, so he had to keep it clean. That didn’t mean he couldn’t slid his hand under her shirt and at least feel the heat of her skin.
“Alpha?”
Adam kept on kissing Tasha instead of responding to his Enforcer.
“Alpha?” Larry tried again.
“Okay, knock it off, you two.” Laura smacked his shoulder.
Adam finally, slowly, pulled away from Tasha. He turned his head enough to glare at Laura.
“What?” she asked innocently.
“Um.” Larry glanced between them. “The kids have been sent home and everyone is ready to gather in the clearing. Laura said she’d show me where it is. We can meet you there if you need a couple more minutes.”
Adam shook his head. “Nah, it’s okay. Let’s go.” A few minutes wouldn’t be enough with Tasha and they had plans for later, anyway.
“Sure,” Tasha agreed. “Let’s go.”
The four of them began to walk toward the small clearing located on the north side of the property. It was where special events, such as marriages and mating ceremonies, took place, plus where the Pack began a run.
“Did you check out this area on your own?” Adam asked Larry. His Enforcer had shifted the night before so he could get the lay of the land. Adam had encouraged Larry, hoping his second in command would bond with the territory all the sooner.
It would be just as important for Larry to make a connection to the land as it was for Adam. Larry needed the link so that he could protect the area and residents.
“No,” Larry answered. “Hector had drawn me a map of the most-used trails and I checked them out for the run tonight. I wanted to make sure we didn’t come across any surprises.”
Adam approved.
“There’s never been any houses built in the area,” Laura said. “The first shifters who settled here thought the place held magic.”
“Magic?” Larry asked.
“It’s passed down that the shifters of this land were the strongest, smartest and most loyal to their Alpha in all of the US. They gathered together and chose nine to leave and become Alphas of their own territories. Rumor is that’s how the Packs expanded,” Laura explained.
“How do you know all this?” Tasha asked. She was holding Adam’s hand, but all her attention was on Laura.
“I’ve always loved history. My dad let me search through every book he had, plus bringing me more from other Packs. I can spend hours studying those transcripts,” Laura replied.
“That is so interesting,” Tasha gushed. “I didn’t know any of this.”
“I keep telling Laura she should share this information with the younger Pack members,” Adam said. “I think it would be great for them to carry on some of the old traditions.”
“Oh, well.” Laura waved her hand. “It’s just something I like to play at.”
“I agree with Adam,” Larry told her. “I would love to hear more. I bet a lot of people would.”
“Really?” Laura peered up at Larry with her big innocent eyes.
“Knowledge is power,” Larry said with a grin.
“Well, maybe,” Laura hedged. “If people were really interested.”
“You could practice on me,” Larry said.
Adam stumbled and Tasha grabbed him to keep him from falling. Adam was still gawking at his Enforcer. That had been one bad pickup line.
“What?” Larry asked.
Holy shit, Larry was fucking blushing.
“Nothing!” Adam assured him. He glanced at Tasha.
She shook her head. “I’m not saying a thing.”
“Stop teasing him,” Laura demanded as she gripped Larry’s elbow. “Ignore him. He might be an Alpha, but he’s still immature.”
“I know,” Larry agreed with her.
Adam just shook his head. The two of them keep getting cuter and sweeter. Over the hill, the clearing was just in view. He could see several members of the Pack already gathered in small groups laughing and talking. He wasn’t sure if he were just seeing them differently or if they were growing closer.
“Wait.” Laura reached out with her free hand and tugged on his shirt.
“What?” Adam stopped walking along with Larry and Tasha.
“Just look at them,” she said.
Adam glanced up. There were a few of the younger adults who were almost giddy with excitement. Some of the older members were bickering and laughing while the rest just seemed happy.
He slung his arm over Tasha’s shoulder before pulling Laura close to his other side. Adam’s hand brushed against Larry’s back.
“They’re ours and we’re theirs,” Adam stated firmly. “Pack.”
“Pack,” Larry, Laura and Tasha chimed.
“So, let’s go have some fun.” Adam stepped forward bringing the others with him.
One of the younger men noticed them first and started to wave.
Adam wished he hadn’t waited so long to reinstate the full-moon run. Yeah, they didn’t have to shift, but it had been a tradition for as long as there had been shifters in this territory.
Adam brushed his lips over Tasha’s cheek before stepping into the small circle that had been formed in the dirt over the years. It was the ceremonial ring where the Alpha always stood. It was only his second time to be inside. The first being when he’d been given the Pack to take as his own.
He hadn’t been alone, then, though. His father had stood by him. Now Adam was the one who had everyone’s attention.
“We are strong together,” he said. Adam didn’t need to shout. The shifters in his Pack would hear him just fine. “Together we run tonight to pay homage to those who came before us and those who will come after,” Adam continued.
“We are Pack.”
“Pack!” was the resounding chant back at him.
“Shift and let us begin to bond once again.”
Adam pulled his shirt over his head as an example. All around him, his Pack started to undress. He turned so he could see Tasha from where she was standing next to his sister.
Once he was naked, Adam crouched and closed his eyes. He pictured himself sprouting fur and paws and the change took him over. In minutes, he’d transformed from a human male to a strong, powerful beast.
Adam climbed onto his paws and shook his massive body before he threw his head back and howled. He called his Pack to him, telling them to come and run.
Answering cries met his ears and sent more power through him.
Tasha was small and quick as she sprinted past him. Adam let her get a good distance away before he began the chase. She was moving fast, but Adam would have no trouble running her down. He’d give it more time, though.
All around him, the rest of the Pack jogged, loped and rushed through the trees. He could hear the numerous sets of paws as they crunched over fallen leaves.
The sounds of happy howls and playful barks were splendid. It was just what he wanted to be a part of.
Ahead of him, Tasha scrambled to a stop with her nose down and tail straight in the air. Adam caught sight of the small rabbit scurrying away from Tasha. She pounced, but before she landed on the small furry animal, she changed direction.
Ah, she didn’t want to actually catch anything. She just wanted to play. That gave Adam an idea. He rushed her.
Before she could react, Adam took a nip out of her flank.
Tasha reared back and snapped at him.
Adam took off running, only looking over his shoulder until Tasha started after him.
Let the games begin.