Caught

She was definitely not going to make it easy for him. No one who attempts to fool Aine Darien could walk away unscathed.

“I think I saw the hair strand somewhere there.” Aine pointed at the ground. She watched as Lief strained his neck, scanning his surroundings. She giggled quietly. “You can do it. Thank you. You’re the best.” She thought she heard him groan, and wondered if he was cursing her under his breath. Serves you right.

Then suddenly, behind her came the sound of a low growl and heavy breathing. Aine spun and saw three pairs of large yellow eyes peeking through the nearby bushes.

She could hear the sounds of branches breaking as something was approaching closer. Closer…and…closer.

Aine screamed as a large mass of gray leaped toward her. Its sharp claws effortlessly cut through the branch of the tree where Aine stood. And its large fangs were coming at her. Wolves! And it was not just one. Three!

Aine fell to the ground. Her eyes shut as the wolf’s claws were about to reach her. Then she heard it…the sound of clapping hands.

Aine felt her body floating. She opened her eyes and saw small glittering hearts fluttering in front of her. A hand was grasping her shoulder, and she tilted her head to see Lief holding her close beside him.

Then, a bright red light flashed, and the cliff and the forest were gone. They were suddenly back inside the carriage parked outside the forest.

Aine looked at Lief, who was also looking at her. The translucent hearts continued to float around them as the two stared at each other.

Then realization hit Aine. Her love potion. The hearts. Her strange suitor. Her magical stalker.

Her lips curled into a wide smile. “I finally caught you."