Page 73 of The Lunatics

He locked his legs and tried to shake me off. Unlike him, I’d been in plenty of fights in this form and knew just where his weaknesses were. I dragged him sideways, off balance, and then pinned him to the ground and did exactly what I’d threatened to do. I sat on him. He squirmed and growled, but between my hold on his neck and my weight, he couldn’t get free.

Go ahead, struggle all you want. I got all night, buddy.

No way was I giving up on him. Michael was in there, somewhere. I’d felt a hint of him already. I just had to find a way to coax him back out. The fact that he was already covered in filth and just kept getting dirtier the more he struggled clearly wasn’t enough. My scent wasn’t doing much, either. The only other way I could think to help him was by battering him into submission with my power. It had helped during his shift. Maybe being crushed beneath it now would remind him who wielded it, and what I hadcome to mean to him over the past few days. Hopefully I meant enough to snap him out of it.

I closed my eyes and focused, pushing the bars that caged my mind farther than I had in years. Power pulsed out of me. It rolled over the forest and rebounded, crashing over my psyche, bringing with it every sound and smell in the surrounding woods. I could have mapped out each living thing, written down where every tree was, how many leaves it had, which birds perched in its branches, what animals made their nests beneath its roots. This was almost full power, and it was so overwhelming that I didn’t dare open my eyes. Instead, I struggled to wield it, to narrow its reach and force that beam down onto the lunatic beneath me.

Michael, it’s me, Layla. Your mate. The woman you find incorrigible. Remember a few hours ago when you caught me eyeballing your nether regions?

He froze, falling silent. The prickly smell of anger was replaced by the reek of fear, tinged with confusion. I’d take it. Anything was better than his rage.

Remember when we snuck out of your parents’ house? I’ve never met a wolf who can move as quietly as you over pavement. You’ll have to show me how you do it when we get back to the city.

A small hint of warmth came through the bond. That’s right, he liked it when I said nice things about him. Wait a second. How did he know I just complimented him? Maybe he sensed it somehow over the bond? Hell, if compliments worked, I would shower him in them.

The way you were able to stay so outwardly calm at dinner with your family was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it.

The smell of his fear began to dissipate. I kept going.

And it might make me a terrible person for thinking this, but I like that I’m the exception for you. I like watching you interact with people when only I know your true feelings. Also, your ass looks amazing in jeans. Please wear them more.

His confusion lessened, and familiarity came back throughthe bond. I felt steadfastness, calm, careful consideration—a presence that I had come to learn as his alone.

There was a gentle pressure over the bond, and then, so soft I almost missed it:Layla?

I leapt off him, landing five feet away. In my confusion, my power returned to the default mode I’d kept it at for years, and the connection between us snapped. I braced myself, ready for him to lunge at me or run again, but he stayed on the ground. Our gazes locked. His amber eyes showed signs of intelligent life.

Okay. Everything’s fine here.He didn’t really say my name over the bond. That couldn’t have happened. I must have imagined it. I must have wanted him to come back to himself so much that I hallucinated his voice in my head.

Michael got to his paws on shaky legs. I tensed. He dropped his gaze from mine and lowered his head in a clear demonstration of submission. The whine that slipped from his muzzle sounded apologetic. I felt a well of deep regret rise up from him, embarrassment and shame floating on the surface.

It was him. Really him this time. I moved forward and butted my head into his shoulder before rubbing my side down his. If he bit me again, I swear to the Goddess…

But he didn’t. Instead, he leaned into me and whined louder. I rubbed my way back up his body and stopped when we were shoulder to shoulder. He had some lingering pain in his neck from where I’d pinned him. I leaned down and licked it, telling him that I was sorry, too.

Pressure came across the bond. I felt his presence slide against mine, almost in greeting, and then:You have nothing to be sorry for, Layla.

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!

I leapt away again.

He winced.Care to lower your mental voice? I think you may have just shattered a few of my synapses with your shouting.

I stared at him. No. There was no way that he was talking to me right now.

Tentatively, I forced myself to focus and pushed my power against his.Can you hear me?

In my head, he said, in that perfectly clear, slow, rolling cadence of his,Of course I can. Why? Did you not anticipate this?

I nearly passed out from shock.

Ah, he said.I see from your surprise that you did not.

Of course I fucking didn’t.

Is this not a common form of communication between mates when in wolf form?

No, Michael. No one can do this.