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Patience? Fuck patience!

I squeezed the bundle of clothes in my arms. Between my days resisting the wolf and my nights under Frexin's tattoo needles, I was at the end of my fucking rope.

And now I was going to be stuck with the Witch for an entire week. There was no way —

I collided into a small, curved body, sending her stumbling back a few paces as something small and hard fell to the ground. I reached out to catch her and was immediately assailed by the familiar scents of sunshine, stone, and wide open spaces.

Mine.

Fucking HELLS. I couldn't escape her anywhere!

Kaiya scowled up at me, holding a bundle of clothes and a worn towel. She yanked herself free and bent to grab the item that had fallen — a small brush.

"Watch where you're walking," she snapped as she stood back up. Irritation slamming through the bond like a strong gust of wind.

I wasn't ready to see her — didn't have my walls up yet to control my own emotions. So, they stirred in response — a maelstrom of surprise, regret, guilt, frustration, fear … and longing.

The wolf leaped for control, and I felt the tattoos warm as they strained to hold him back. They groaned and buckled against the onslaught — like thin metal walls standing between me and a hurricane.

Fucking fuck!It was only a matter of time until they broke …

Ihadto get this under control!

Those pale eyebrows rose as her gaze caught on my bare chest and arms, covered in the new pale metallic tattoos.

New emotions seeped through our bond — surprise and … was that lust?!

The wolf stopped fighting for control, attention caught by her response. Our body tensed, and a possessive rumble vibrated low in our chest.

No!Not us! HE felt those things.Not me.I was NOT the wolf!

"Witch," the pained growl escaped my lips as I buffeted against the emotional onslaught and adjusted my towel to hide the evidence of my traitorous body's response. "Did no one teach you that it's rude to stare?"

Her jaw ticked as her eyes snapped up meeting mine — those soft cheeks turning a bright red, hazel eyes blazing.

The wolf howled, and I had to resist the ridiculous urge to throw her over my shoulder and take her to my room where I could show her just what that defiant little look did to me. Then we'd take it to the forest, and I'd hunt …

"I'm not staring," she interrupted my thoughts. "I was just surprised to run into you like this. I mean — I don't see anyoneelsewalking around in just a towel."

"I forgot my clean uniform in my room," I scowled. "Not that it matters. You still shouldn't be eye-fucking me."

She winced and her cheeks turned a deep pink — the same color her ass would be when I —

"Don't flatter yourself," she hissed. "You're the last person I'd want to eye-fuck. It's those tattoos. They're just so …" her expression tightened. "…sad."

My cheeks flamed, and I had to push away a sudden, infuriating urge to cover myself.

"I don't like them either," I snarled. "But I don't exactly have a choice."

"What? No," she stammered, hazel eyes widening. "I just meant that —"

"I know what you meant, Witch." I narrowed my eyes, ignoring the pain in my chest. "Just go take your fucking shower. And use soap this time. You reek."

Her jaw dropped, an incredulous look filling her face.

"I'm sorry I haven't had time to shower for you yet today, Lieutenant," she snapped. "I've been a little busy and haven'texactlyhad the time!"

I gritted my teeth.I hadn't meant it like that. There was nothing wrong with her scent … except the fact that it was making the wolf go crazy —