Free Chasing Carolyn by Viola Grace Page B

little offputting, at least to her.
    She slowed to a more normal speed when she reached the edge of the tree line and nodded to the police car that waited at the speed trap everyday for the commuters coming down the highway. Down the side of the road she trotted until she finally reached the starting-ending point of the running club.
    “So, how did everyone do today, ladies and gentlemen?” She addressed the runners who had chosen the shorter pathways.
    “We did very well. Where are your running partners?”
    “They decided on a different path. Oh, look. Here they come.” The men were indeed showing evidence of the different path, and a fist fight. Axom was smiling while Ranal scowled in a most intimidating manner.
    “Welcome back, lads. We thought you had been lost.” Sophie and the other runners were smirking at the two athletic males approaching them. It was obvious that they had been fighting, but not clear who had won as they both were moving at a solid clip.
    “No, my dear Sophie, we did not get lost.” Axom once again spoke first.
    “Shut up, you stupid cow.” Ranal was his normal charming self.
    Carolyn decided to take steps. “All in favour of banning Ranal from the Running Club, say aye.” Caro raised her hand and counted the number of ayes in the crowd. The shout had almost deafened her. “That is sixteen ayes and two abstentions. Ranal, you are out.”
    The elf had the grace to look shocked. “Why? Why must I leave the club?”
    Caro fielded the question, “Because you are rude, a snot and you tend to insult people when you are feeling self-conscious. Not endearing traits. We are together in this group for support and enjoyment of running.” She crossed her arms over her breasts, “Get bent and get lost.”
    With an armada of scowling faces looking at him, he had no choice but to beat a retreat. Carolyn felt a little sad, she hated to insult people in public, but there had been no other way to get the point across. Ranal had trouble taking a hint.
    Watching his tight ass stride off made her slightly wistful for the lost opportunity, but she could not imagine her life with him, or even a night of fun. He didn’t seem the love’em and leave’em type. If she let him into her bed, he wouldn’t leave it without a forklift.
    But now she was left with a purring lap cat in humanish form. Damned if you do…

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
    When the cheerful club had disbanded and Caro was left with Axom, they squared off. “So, I have picked you, now what?”
    “I begin to court you.” He gave her a devastating smile, his full lips stretching to expose his teeth. His very sharp white teeth. “Well, technically I have already begun.”
    “You have? Did I miss something?”
    “Proving my physical prowess with the running club.”
    She thought about it for a moment, “Yeah, that was impressive, but I wasn’t running flat out.”
    “Neither was I. I think a fair race with both of us in a relaxed environment free to use our talents would be much more entertaining.” His confidence was palpable.
    “So, how big a cat are you?”
    “Big enough.” His wink lent another meaning to his words.
    To Caro’s horror, she blushed. “That wasn’t what I meant. Never mind.” She sighed and started to walk home, unsurprised when Axom fell into step beside her.
    “Are you free tomorrow morning?”
    “For what?”
    “A traditional human date. Are you available?”
    Human. Hmm. “Yes, you can pick me up at eight if you like.”
    “That will suit me very well.” He offered her his arm, “May I escort you home?”
    “After what I just had to do to Ranal, I would welcome the company. Thank you.” She took hold of his arm, absently admiring his musculature and the diffident way he kept himself between her and traffic.
    They walked in companionable silence for a few minutes until it was broken by a harsh growl. The wolf bounded out of the wooded border next to the road and confronted them