As we got closer to the ocean, the sky changed. The clouds dispersed, and the sun shone down. The rolling hills flattened out, the forest thinned, and the dire-wolves stopped attacking.
It was picture perfect, like one of those default images you get when installing Windows on a new PC.
When we reached the crest of one hill, Bruiser grasped my hand and pointed out the bridge in the distance. It stretched along the wide river like a long, pewter snake with cobbled scales.
I grinned, but felt that conflicted feeling again. I was going to see Brick again. I loved Brick. He made me feel things no one had ever made me feel before.
But that also meant that I was coming to an end to this part of my journey with Bruiser, who I had also developed strong feelings for.
Bruiser stripped down next to me, shoving his clothes in his bag, and pecked me on the cheek.
“Catch me if you can,” he dared me, before shifting and taking off into the hills at a jaunty pace.
I laughed and ran after him, grateful for the distraction. He paused in his race every now and again to turn and pull faces at me or waggle his round bottom in my direction. I laughed and threw a rock at him, hitting him squarely in the middle of his buttock. He yelped and took off again.
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We reached the bridge sooner than I’d expected, and I was left panting for breath. I leaned against one of the pillars that framed the bridge to catch my breath, grinning at Bruiser as he shifted back to his human form and sauntered towards me, rubbing the spot I’d hit him.
“Mighty rude way to treat your escort,” he growled, stepping in close to me and framing me with his arms.
“You made a mighty tempting target,” I returned, giving him a daring look.
“Meanwhile, you’re just mighty tempting.”
I swallowed thickly, feeling my stomach twist. My libido seemed to be behaving itself more now that I’d unlocked the Charm ability, but there was still an undeniable attraction I felt for Bruiser regardless of the magic that ran through my veins.
“You’re the one that’s naked,” I said in a whisper. “At least I’m not trying to tempt you.”
“Hmm,” he said, tracing my features with his eyes. His gaze dropped to my lips, and I felt his intention as much as if he’d followed through and kissed me. “What can I say? I’m a naturalist. I feel comfortable naked. I usually only wear clothes in towns or when I’m in the company of others.”
He stood close enough I could feel his body heat radiating off him, and I felt that deep connection with him again that I’d pondered on as I slept by his side each night.
“Do you want me to put pants on?” Bruiser asked, his voice sensually low. “I will if you ask me to.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but then a movement in my peripheral vision caught my eye.
“Emma?”
Bruiser took a step back and we both guiltily looked at Brick, who was staring at us wide-eyed with a large chest perched on his muscular shoulders, and Bastion, who looked like he was about to explode with anger by his side.