FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

Northern Netherwood, Netherlands

The dogs crashed into the clearing around him as he stepped from beneath a low-hanging branch. When he straightened, he was meeting the turquoise eyes of his violet haired huntress. Short, curved dagger in hand.

Her face was puzzled as she studied him. Knife lowering minutely. “My Wolf…Where have you been?” She demanded.

She seems as pleased to see me as I am her. The white panther coiled and leapt, twisting. Suddenly black whipped out around him. Intermingling with a flurry of white. When he landed, he was a man with his back to her. When he turned, long, white hair swung behind him. Black cape snapping as he moved. When he stood before her, it settled behind him, reaching his black boots. White hair was held by a carved leather band encircling his crown, coming to a point above his forehead. Clouded, blue-gray eyes stared through her. He took a step toward her.

She retreated a step. Waving an arm and smirking at the havoc she knew the hounds would create.

One merely whimpered. The dogs sat in greeting. Occasionally waving their tails. Waiting for a command.

Waiting for my command. They’re loyal even now. Tev’s lips were a slashing contrast to his pale features. His skin was softly browned from previous tans. His jaw was square with a dimpled chin. Dark brows were drawn together over the strange bluish eyes. His ears sharply peaking into points. He was fierce, unusual, looking.

“I waited for you!” She shot out.

“Not long enough.” He was intriguingly handsome even so angry. His voice smooth and rich as it carried through the woods.

“Why did you not tell me you’ve returned?” She asked harshly.

How’d she know, I’ve been back beyond today? His eyes narrowed on her.

She was seething. Shoulders heaving with her anger.

She’s tall. Teverius realized. More than most women.

Willowy as outlined by the men’s breeches and boots she wore. A greenish blouse bright in the falling darkness.

The same teal as her eyes.

The abundance of velvety purple curls were trapped around the crown of her head and part way down her back.

She cocked her head, rolling her shoulders so gracefully as to appear feline.

Something in him stirred. She’s magnificent.

“What?”

“I find your kind bothersome.” He spat, gesturing to the length of her.

“My kind?”

“Woman.”

“You prefer men then?” She asked dully.

“Definitely not.” He blurted, staring at her aghast as he defended himself.

“Then you do desire me.” She dismissed. Leaving.

That’s it? That’s all she has to say to me? Tev struggled to find a retort but was temporarily silenced.

“Only a woman could come to such a wayward conclusion.” He knew he was prodding her apurpose and was gratified when she rounded in surprise.

“Wayward?” Her voice rose. “It’s a simple one to draw. You feel the need to be openly hostile towards me, you’re either a very bitter man or you find me attractive.” She blinked at him as if she’d just stated facts about the weather.

He sputtered. What do I say to that?

When she walked away this time there was nothing more he could say.

He stood frozen. Utterly flabbergasted, he had to physically shake himself. Reminding himself to close his jaw. He prowled after her.

Occasionally the dogs would toss him a look or move an ear to catch sounds he made. Alert to his presence.

As he moved under the cover of darkness, he changed back to the white panther. Careful to keep concealed as he nearly glowed in the night. He peered through a bush, watching the back of her legs as she came to a stop.

Turning abruptly and crouching to the ground, she pulled her dagger and held it horizontal before her face. Poised like a serpent ready to strike as she encountered his gaze through the shrub.

“Why are you following me?”

He shook his triangular head as though damp. Back straightening and blue eyes flashing in the dark. And in an instant the blonde man she knew was straightening behind the bush. Clothes folding from around his back to mold over him. He rounded it to stand before her.

She didn’t back up. “You vanish for nearly a year and now won’t leave me alone?” She asked sharply.

His brows drew together. But he’d taken too long to answer, and she took off again. He was forced to dog her steps to catch up to her.

She spun around and demanded. “Why are your eyes so blue now?”

He jerked to a stop. Gaze roving her face as he considered it.

She spun to leave again but this time he caught her arm and whipped her back around. “Good God, Woman! Have you no patience?”

“Very little.” She said acidly.

He rolled his eyes Heavenward. “Why do you insist on fleeing me?”

“Why do you pursue me like a hound on the scent?”

At her mention of it he inhaled her aroma. “You smell like honey and strawberries.”

Her face was expressionless as she stared at him. Long lashes swept as she blinked.

What’s wrong with me today? He was annoyed he’d blurted it. Swearing at himself he spun on his heel and vanished into the foliage. Gone so fast he missed the radiant smile parting her lips and causing her eyes to sparkle. Deep dimples framing her full mouth.