Rutting Season

7

“Kayak with me,” Racyn said, more of a gentle demand than a question. Tessa smirked, “Nope. I already have a partner in mind, but thanks.” He persisted, “Fine. Hike with me.”

She shrugged, “Maybe.” He chuckled, “Alright then. It looks like it's time for the ladies to make their choices. If you don't choose me, I will see you at camp.”

He left her to return to the group, much calmer than when she had drug him away. She took a minute to clear her head before returning, too. She reminded herself she wasn't choosing a mate, no matter how persistent he was, how beautiful his eyes were, or how drawn she felt to him.

She observed the long line of men as she took fifth place in choosing her partners. A chaperone would document the choices so there wouldn't be any confusion as to who was available for each part of the trip. Another handed out three cards to each of them. Each was a different color and read kyack, hike, camp.

“Okay, ladies. It's time to make your selections. When you choose a partner, give him your card for that event. Your names are on the back,” one of the male chaperones instructed. Tessa waited for her turn, not worried about who would be chosen. Since she wasn't really in the running or catching a mate, she didn't care who she ended up with. It was just by chance she was at the front of the line.

When her turn came, she eyed the men sharply, observing their body language. Some men already had their eye on a potential mate, but she didn't want to get in the way.

When her eyes landed on Lincoln, he winked, and she grinned before walking over and handing him her card for the first section of events. Stepping back, she continued her perusal of the men. She found a younger man, probably a first year, looking a little anxious.

She decided she would choose him next, even though she didn't know his name. She would have to tell him the truth when they started their hike. But she hoped some attention from her would spark interest in the other ladies, too.

It was time to pick her last partner, and she wanted to choose Racyn. His golden eyes caught hers every chance they got, but she knew how badly he needed to find a mate, and she wasn’t the one. So, with a stubborn set of her shoulders. She went to the end of the line and handed her card to a large male named Kingdon. She has met him during the speed dating. Like her, he wasn't there to choose a mate. Instead, he was there to make his parents happy.

She hadn’t pried into his reason for not wanting to choose a mate yet, and he hadn’t pushed her for more information either. He was an excellent choice. Now, with her choices made, she went to the end of the line. She felt Racyn’s eyes on her back as she went but ignored it.

She wasn’t surprised when he was quickly chosen by the ladies who came after her, but she was a little shocked at the tiny spark of anger it gave her. She had no right to be jealous, but there it was, anyway.

Once the selections were done, they broke into their groups and prepared to leave. Lincoln helped her into the water, and as she waited for him to take the seat behind her, she caught Racyn smirking at her. She frowned in confusion but ignored him.

Lincoln was ready, and they talked as they paddled down the river. “I’m glad you picked me today. I know what you said about not choosing this year, but if you change your mind, I hope you will seriously consider me,” he told her as they left their kayak and waited for the others to arrive.

He led her a shady area and they sat in the grass. “Why would you want to be with me, Lincoln? There are lots of other great women here this year. My friend Eva would make a much better mate than me.”

He chuckled, “You have no idea how wonderful you are. I barely know you, and I can see it. How is it you don't?” she rolled her eyes at him. “Like what? What do you see?” He shrugged, “You’re honest and kind. You’re down to earth. Not like the ones that only care about being pretty, but you are pretty. You're more than pretty. You’re beautiful.”

Tessa tried to brush off her embarrassment. “You’re not so bad yourself. That's why you shouldn't waste your time with me. It’s not my time. I don't see me changing my mind about that.”

He grinned and shook his head, “Well, I'm not changing my mind either. All you have to do is say the word, and I'll make an offer. To your dad if you prefer.” She lay her hand on his and gave him a soft smile. “Thank you. Now, it looks like your next partner is ready. You go ahead. I’ll be waiting a while for mine.”

They waved at each other as he offered his arm to his hiking partner and left her in the shade. Waiting on Kevin, the one she chose for the hike, would give her time to relax.

She lay back in the grass and closed he eyes. She wasn't tired. She just liked absorbing all the sounds around her, but her moment of peace was interrupted not once but twice. One of the men broke her solitude to talk to her as they waited for her next partner.

She was kind but made it clear that she wasn’t interested. When Kevin arrived, she was surprised that Racyn hadn’t interrupted her for a chat. They quickly finished their hike, and her subsequent partner found her.

“Time to get you set up for the night.” His deep voice rumbled. She grinned at Kingdon and pointed. “Yep. Let’s put it over there.” He followed her directions, and they quickly put up the tent. The males, without a partner, set up the rest of the campsite, including a fire, necessities for dinner, and a makeshift bathroom.

She was enjoying her time with King when she noticed Racyn from the corner of her eye. He was moving stiffly towards the forest.

“Hey, King, I’ll be back in a minute. Okay?” She didn’t wait for his answer before taking off in the direction she had seen Racyn.

“Race,” she called softly, but he didn’t answer. She crept, listening for his movements and debating on shifting. Finally, she caught a sound and knew it had to be him. “Ahh,” his deep groan sounded to her right.

She followed the sound and found him doubled over in discomfort. She called his name as she reached out for him, not wanting to startle him. Gently, she lay a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to her. "Tess," he gasped, "You shouldn't be here. I don't know how long I can control the rut." She ran her eyes over him quickly, not finding anything wrong other than the obvious bulge in his jeans. She huffed out a breath and answered him. "I'm not leaving you here like this." She stepped closer, "I can get one of the chaperones if it's too much."

Racyn snorted, "It won't do me any good. I'll shift and go for a run. That usually helps." He stood there momentarily longer, then sighed, "I can't shift. I'll have to think of something else." He spoke through gritted teeth as he fought off his discomfort. Tessa ran her hands up and down his arms, trying to comfort him.