A/N: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU'VE CAME UP WITH FOR RHYS AND RILEY!
The interview with them will be up in April so you still have the time to ask them something :)
*****
"Kisses are more than okay."
His grip on my neck tightened and my arms wrapped around his waist as I leaned down to meet his mouth. We kept it soft and reserved and I was grateful for that. I didn't need to worry about shifting and I could instead just enjoy the sweetness of his lips against mine.
"I should probably go now," I said a few minutes later, reluctantly pulling away from him. I picked up my glass and finished off the juice. "It's getting late and I'm helping the trainers tomorrow."
"Trainers?"
"We've told you that we organize physical training sessions, right?"
My mate nodded.
"The more experienced members help the younger ones. The trainers are only fit and able members and we use a rotational schedule," I began explaining our system. "Let's say you are one such member, Riley..."
He laughed. He wasn't exactly what one would call fit with his slim figure.
"Hypothetically, Riley, so that you'll get my point."
"I know what a rotational schedule is, Rhys; you don't need to explain that. It means that you are taking turns. Unless the Bullets have another definition for that too?"
"No, it's... it's like that," I muttered and he giggled at my embarrassment.
"So everyone who is healthy and fit appoints exercise to the children and teens so they'll be fit as well?"
"Exactly." I nodded. "Our leader and second in command have other duties to perform so are usually taken off the list of trainers, but things have been pretty hectic in our society and a lot of the trainers have other tasks; that's why I'm helping out tomorrow.
"But why is training so important that you do it every weekend?"
We do it every day, I wanted to correct him, but decided that would make it even stranger, so instead I said:
"It keeps the children healthy..." And helps them control their wolf. "... Amongst other things."
I sat down and picked my glass again, already tilting it towards my mouth before realizing it was empty.
"And the other things are?" My mate inquired to my displeasure.
"Exercising in groups doesn't only make you stronger and healthier, Riley. It teaches discipline, teamwork and is also a bonding experience." I was relieved that I could tell him the truth without mentioning our animal counterparts.
"Oh... I never thought about that," he admitted.
"Will you do me a favor?" I got up. "Will you double check that you've locked the door and windows tonight? Also, keep your phone next to your bed when you go to sleep and call me if you hear or see, or even feel anything strange?"
"Sheesh!" He sat down and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "You are worst than Winnie."
"The short-haired waitress from the Milk & Cream?"
"Yep. She insisted I call her when I get back from my date with you."
I raised an eyebrow so he added:
"Since you are a member of the Bullets and we haven't known each other for that long."
"I like her," I assured him, a smile spreading on my face at the thought that there was someone else out there who was also looking out for my mate. "She seems like a good friend; you should call her."
He seemed surprised by my reaction but nodded and got up when I turned to leave.
"Rhys..." He began when I opened the door to the hallway. "About meeting your parents... Do I have to answer now or can I think about it?"
"Of course you can think about it. We haven't known each other for that long so I understand that it's soon."
"Thanks." He gave me a small, hesitant smile and I leaned down to kiss him.
"I don't want you to feel pressured to do anything with me, Riley," I whispered against his lips. "Take your time."
I kissed him again and then straightened up.
"Make sure you lock your door," I reminded him before I left.
"Is anything wrong?" My mom asked when I walked into the house. She was just placing a large vase with a few daffodils on the corner table in our hallway.
"No, no." I placed my jacket on the hanger. "It's just that..."
"You did something weird at the date?" Kennedy popped his head from the kitchen, chewing on a small bread with various seeds on it.
"That's not it." I sighed and leaned on the wall. "I invited Riley to have dinner with us and he said he'd think about it."
"Oh. Can't believe I'm saying this, bro, but maybe it was too soon."
My mom nodded and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"It was only your first date, Rhys, and he doesn't know you two are mates."
"But, hey, at least he didn't say no, right?" Kennedy attempted to cheer me up. I nodded and looked away.
Mom's hand fell from my shoulder.
"Come on." I looked at my youngest sibling; he stuffed his mouth with what was left of the bread. "We need fo run."
"I'm not in a mood for a run, Kennedy; go on by yourself."
"Fu fill..." He swallowed. "You will feel better. Your wolf will too. Come on," he prompted again, heading upstairs.
"He might be right." Mom smiled. "It might help you clear your head."
I leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.
"We won't be long, I promise."
"Take all the time you need."
I hurried to catch up with my brother and climbed on the second floor just in time to see him disappear in my room.
"I'll even run slowly so you can catch up with me," he teased, taking off his t-shirt.
I closed the door and began to undress as well. Once fully naked, I lowered myself on all fours and let the wolf take over.
The shaking began.
Small tremors as my body took another shape, morphing into an animal. I felt the pain as my bones cracked to take their new form, but I was used to it; I felt how my ears slid up, how my muzzle formed... But it was all natural.
I wasn't scared; I had never been.
It was natural, and I rejoiced that I didn't have to subdue this other part of me, that I could give in to it.
I turned my head to my brother, noting that he had already shifted. His eyes seemed even brighter now that they were surrounded by dark brown fur.
I jumped on the door, pushing the handle down with my paw and we got out of my room.
"Have a nice run," my mom wished us as she opened the front door. I nudged her lovingly with my muzzle and ran off after Kennedy.
He had headed straight for the woods â the best place for us in this form.
My nostrils filled with the fresh air, my heightened senses picking up the various smells of trees, small wildlife and soil. Tiny stones plunged into my paws as I ran and dirt stuck on my fur. I'd have to take a shower later. But for now, I'd just enjoy the freedom this shape gave me.
Kennedy jumped between two thick trunks and paused to see whether I was close. Satisfied I was right behind him, he rushed on our improvised track again. Each time I ran next to him, he'd speed up.
So you want to race, little brother?
If I was still in my human form, I'd smirk.
I quickened my pace, my muscles straining. I loved this feeling. I loved the tension in my muscles, I loved the air brushing through my fur, I loved the feeling that nothing could stop me.
Kennedy accelerated as well. Even with the limited light that came from the moon and stars, his body weaved flawlessly through trees, his legs moving blindingly fast. It wasn't long before he took the lead... and kept it.
We passed by a patrol of two in their wolf forms. They raised their heads when they saw us, ears flicking in our direction, but loosened up when they picked up on our mood. We weren't scared or angry; we were out to have fun and they could feel that.
Half an hour later, we were walking back into our neighborhood. I sped up when I saw that Anthony was waiting for us at the edge. His body tense, his lips pressed tightly â you could tell right away that something was wrong.
I shifted to my human form, not bothered by the fact that I was naked.
"What happened?" I asked.
Kennedy â still a wolf â tilted his head to the side.
"Emergency Council meeting," Anthony replied. "We are meeting at Keri's. It's about some of our young."
I nodded. I had a pretty clear idea what this would be about.
"I'll grab my clothes and be right over."
I shifted and my brother and I ran back to our house.
*****
A/N: Any ideas (memories, for those who've read You are the Answer) what the Council meeting is about?
What do you think of the rest of the chapter?
Should've Riley answered Rhys' invitation right away?
Is it a good thing he's taking his time replying?
Did you like the boys' run or was it too much info/too uneventful?
Please support the chapter with a VOTE if you enjoyed it!