{"The spark, the connection, the chemistry, it's real."}
I moved away from the trees, guiding us deeper into the forest as our lips moved together in perfect rhythm, hungry, desperate, right. The scent of pine and damp earth mixed with the intoxicating scent of him, wrapping around me like a spell I had no desire to break.
But then, suddenly, Ralph pulled back.
"Wait."
The single word was whispered against my lips, but it hit me like a cold gust of wind. My body froze, my breath still uneven as I stared up at him, my mind racing. Had I pushed too far?
Ralph's golden eyes softened, and he hurried to speak, his words tumbling out like he was afraid I'd misunderstand. "Tiger," he said, his voice raw, filled with something I couldn't quite name. "I've found it hard to sleep in a bed. Since I came to the Bay Shifter pack, I've been spending my nights in a secret meadow, hidden deep in the forest."