Free Reviving Bloom by Michelle Turner Page A

attention of her high school crush and is now having a nice “talk” behind some trees. So I’m sitting here on the bank with Pike trying to keep my distance from the rowdy group by the fire, which just so happens to inclu de Trace. Every time tonight I’ve take n the chance to make sure he’s a safe distance away I find his eyes watching me and a wicked grin spread across his face. How I ever f ell for that good guy act I don’t know. Seeing him now there’s no question that he’s bad, and not in that bad boy you want to save way either. More like the bad guy you’ll find on the evening news after bodies are found in his back yard kind of way.
     
    I mak e sure he isn’t paying attention as I sn ea k off int o the dark to do some fishing. The moon isn’t out so the lake’s covered in darkness so I know he can’t see me from his position by the fire. Taking comfort in that knowledge I settle down in the grass with Pike by my side.
     
    Running my fingers through Pike’s coat I feel him tense under my hand. Is he actually growling at me? No, he wouldn’t. Looking around I feel like growl ing myself when I s ee who Pike ha s his gaze locked on. 
     
    Walking right towards us with that cocky gr in on his face i s Trace.
     
    I snap back to reality when I feel Pike stand and growl with his ears pinned back. Dang, dogs really can sense the bad guys. Keeping my hand grazing over his fur and trying to show no emotion I look up and ask Trace, “W hat do you want ?”
     
    “We have some unfinished business Bloom, so I thought I’d come keep you company and we can finish what we started.” There’s a wicked gleam in his eyes that sends a shiver down my spine.
     
    Not wanting to look weak I stand and look him dead in the eye and ask, “How can you be this thick headed? What from our last encounter would make you think I wanted to spend time with you ever again? Let alone finish what you unsuccessfully tried to start . ” Moving to stand in between Trace and myself, Pike dips low ready to pounce with a growl rumbling low in his throat.
     
    “Now come on Blu you know I was just playing. Just call off your mutt and we can talk this out . ” H e’s actually brave enough t o take a step forward. But Pike’s right there to cut him off fr om coming any closer snapping hi s jaws at him. Gosh , I’d miss him if someone c omes to claim him.
     
    Anger seeping into my voice . “One, only my family and friends calls me Blu and you are neither . Two, Pike is not a mutt. Three, stay the hell away from me , Trace . I’m not interested!” To send the point home Pike let s out a ferocious growl. Trace put s hi s hands up in defeat and starts backing away. He’s pissed and it shows cl early on his face that he isn’t giving up, but I’m not going to worry about that right now. Pike’s won me this battle.
     
    As soon as Trace’s a safe distance away and clearly not coming back Pike relaxes and c o me s back over and rubs up against my side. I slid e ba ck down onto the bank and rest my head against his side. I c an’ t help but think that if I can find a guy half as loyal and caring as this dog I’d marry him in a heartbeat. I chuckle at myself. Did I really just wish I could find a guy that acted like a dog? That has to be a first; usually we want them to stop acting like dogs.
     
    Chapter 17 – Pike
     
    ~ How? ~
     
    I can see in her mind and feel her emotions. I was listeni ng when she told Bonnie what happened but see ing what that jerk tried to do to her , through our mate bond, has made my wolf crave his blood . Thankfully I also saw what she did to him; it was smart of her carrying that spray. She wasn’t frightened though most women in that situation would’ve been, she was mad and n ot even at him. She was mad at her self for being such a fool. She’ s way too hard on herself. I want to hurt this guy for making her question herself. If she hadn’t been right there w atching me I would have ripped