~Calix POV~
I circled back, keeping the wind in my favor, and sprinted to where I'd left Annalyn. She was still tucked behind the bushes, her scent a mix of fear and that damn heat that wouldn't quit. I shifted mid-stride, landing on two feet. "You okay?" I whispered, crouching beside her.
She glared, clutching Lucas's robe like a shield. "You left me here! What if they'd found me?"
"They didn't. I'm handling it." I grabbed her hand, pulling her up. "Stay close. We're going deeper into the trees till I know it's clear."
"Deeper? Calix, I'm not a ninja. And you're naked!"
I grinned despite the tension. "Noticed, huh? Don't worry, it's dark, nobody's getting a free show."
She huffed but followed, her steps quiet and shaky. We moved through the forest, the mist swirling around us like ghosts. Her scent was driving me nuts, even now, sweet, hot, and all mine for a second back there. I shook it off. Focus, Calix.
