Blood and Chocolate

"Why me?" she asked, holding on to him.

"Because you cared," he whispered. "You cared so much for your people, it broke your heart to see the pack in ruins. You cared so much for your mother, you risked your life for hers. You cared enough to save someone who wanted you dead. And because you walk like a queen. And just because of the beautiful curve of your neck."

Gabriel pulled off his shirt. He tossed it behind him. "Come out with me beneath the stars," he said.

If she left with him now, her world would be changed forever. She would be bound by duty for life, like her father.

Like my father, she thought, then realized, This is what I owe him. This is how I make it up to him.

"Don't wag your tail yet, wolfman," she said to cover her fear and desire. "You've bitten off more bunny than you can chew."

She followed him to the window, the blood singing in her veins.

[end]