MACKENZIE--- rest part of prev chap (due to word limit)
The wolf's tail gave a slow, lazy swish, and his glowing eyes softened as he leaned into my touch. I smiled, the smallest laugh catching in my throat when he bumped his nose lightly against my stomach—playful, curious. There was mischief in the gesture, and I felt it stir something just as mischievous in me.
So, on impulse, I tugged gently at one of his ears.
He froze for half a second, caught off guard, before letting out a low huff of what could only be described as dramatic indignation. Then, with no warning, his tongue swept across my hand in swift retaliation—warm, wet, and completely unexpected.
I gasped, laughing. "Alistair!"
But he was already backing up, crouching slightly—eyes bright, daring me to run.
So I did.
I spu
