Abigail's POV

　　Dressing with Lizzy's constant stream of questions had proven to be a challenge, but one I had risen to by letting her pick out my outfit before sending her to check on the fish while I quickly changed. Giving myself a final glance in the mirror, I approved of Lizzy's sense of style, a white ankle-length summer dress and pink flip-flops. Pulling a brush through my wild hair, I acknowledged that my hair would never be tamed and grabbed my keys. I had managed to give Lizzy a quick wash down with a washcloth; although I now understood why she was always grubby, it seemed bathing was another one of her allergies. 

　　"You look like an angel," Lizzy breathed, looking up at me as I tightened her laces. 

　　"That's because I am." I winked at her playfully, loving the sound of her laughter. "But shh, it's a secret," I teased light-heartedly.

　　It took us about 15 minutes to walk into the local town; I was relieved and ashamed to say that Lizzy had led the way as I had no idea where the shops were and undoubtedly would have gotten us lost. We had been to two stores, one a sweet shop and the other a toy shop. Lizzy knew what she liked. I had to give her that as she showed me all her favourite dolls. Not once asking if she could have one. She was simply happy to look at them. Walking out of the store, too busy listening to Lizzy's idle chatter, I walked straight into the back of someone rushing by. The skin at the nape of my neck suddenly alive with electricity even in the heat!

　　"Watch where you're going!" A sharp voice instantly had me freezing on the spot, my eyes locked on the angry face of the wolf from the town meeting yesterday. I could immediately feel the fear lick up my spine, remembering how he looked at me yesterday, the anger evident. My eyes softened, however, seeing his eyes shining green, not black! Suddenly brought back to reality, hearing Lizzy's little voice.

　　"Maybe if you were not so busy, busy, busy, you'd have seen Miss Abigail and not walked into her." She declared protectively. His face instantly changed as he knelt before her, just as she stubbornly crossed her chubby arms.

　　"Is that so, little miss" His tone changed dramatically, all anger gone, and I couldn't help but purse my lips at the effect this little human girl had on all those around her. She really was a beacon of light! She nodded, puffing her cheeks out to show him she was serious. 

　　"Well, in that case, I best apologise to Miss…."

　　"Abigail!" She added firmly, nodding at him.

　　His eyes lifted from hers as he stood, tracing my features, his head tilted to the side, looking at Lizzy and then at me. Finally, his eyes found mine, and momentarily, I forgot how to breathe! His eyes, as green as mine, swam with intrigue. I had only ever seen eyes that green in my reflection, but I had no doubt mine didn't have the same effect his eyes were currently having on me. Drinking in his dangerously handsome features, I found myself biting down on the inside of my lip to silence the audible moan threatening to escape. The sly smile that toyed at the corner of his lips made it even harder to hold eye contact, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of breaking me. 

　　I had encountered many wolves over the last year, one thing I knew was that they were territorial over their land and their mates, so the last thing I needed was to step on this pack's toes or cause unnecessary friction with a female wolf… But something about him and his chiselled jaw and strong shoulders piqued my interest and playful side. I found myself chewing the inside of my lip, looking him over from head to toe, he was gorgeous, all hard muscles and tanned skin, but it was his eyes I saw the danger and dominance that swam in them. It left me feeling flustered that I found him so attractive after his behaviour yesterday! I wanted to push his buttons and provoke him. 

　　No, I needed to! And what better time than when I have a child as my protector? 

　　"Weren't your eyes black yesterday?" I asked, trying to deflect the attention off me and my burning cheeks. Caught off guard, his smile dropped instantly. 

　　"Yeah, it was..." He started to explain, but I cut him off with a grin. 

　　"Your four-legged friend?" I asked, determined to keep the upper ground. And given the way he stared at me right now, his 'friend' was either about to advance or retreat. I would put money on the latter. Wolves were instinctively protective of the innocent and who was more innocent than a child. As if on cue Lizzy squealed in excitement.

　　"Can I meet your friend, Mr?" Pulling on his hand with her semi-clean fingers. His confusion had me laughing as I bent down to whisper in her ear loud enough for him to hear but no one else.

　　"His friend is like a big dog Lizzy, but it's very moody and a little rude! I don't think you'd like him." My eyes remained on his as I stood back up, taking Lizzy's hand in mine. 'Let the games commence', I mused to myself.

　　I could see the inner trauma going on in his head as he argued with his wolf and found myself biting my lip in amusement, stopping abruptly seeing the traces of green in his eyes swim with black flickers of his wolf. 

　　"I am sorry I bumped into you, Miss Abigail; I should have been looking where I was going. Can I make it up to you, lunch maybe?"

　　"YESS, free food!" Lizzy squealed, taking his hand in her sticky grip. "Can we have pizza? I love pizza, with pepperoni and cheese, Oh… and tuna…" Her face dropped, and she shook her head angrily. "No! Fish are friends. No tuna," She started rambling as she pulled on his hand excitedly.

　　He raised a brow to me, waiting for my answer, although I got the feeling he knew full well; I wouldn't say no now Lizzy was excited at the prospect of a fish-free pizza. 

　　"We don't even know his name, Lizzy." I cautioned. "He could be a bad man."

　　"Are you a bad man Mr?" She asked innocently. 

　　"My name is Jason, pumpkin, and no... I am not a bad man."

　　Lizzy returned to look at me with determination as she crossed her hands in front of her chest. 

　　"It seems I am outvoted. Pizza it is!" I laughed, nodding to him. I opened my mouth to say thank you when Lizzy started again.

　　"My mum is moody, but she still likes me. I think your big dog will like me too!" She added, looking between us. "Can I meet him, please!" Her whiny tone pleaded. I couldn't help but laugh and cocked my brow at him, letting him dig himself out of the hole I had dropped him in. 

　　"That depends on how much lunch you eat." He whispered to her. I watched as he gently embraced her hand without a care for how sticky it was. We walked along to the restaurant, and I couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through me, seeing him interact with Lizzy. He absolutely had to have children or younger siblings because he was good with her. She took to him right away, and I had to admit, he was not as scary as he appeared yesterday. 

　　"Ladies first," he said, holding the door open for Lizzy and I. Lizzy spun to face him, clearly concerned about something and not scared of asking.

　　"Do they let dogs in here?" She asked, clearly worried about the prospect of not meeting his furry friend. 

　　Cutting Jason off, I answered with a wink. "Only the good ones that don't make a mess on the carpet." Trying desperately to keep my voice even, but she seemed to think for a second before answering. 

　　"Is he a good boy?" She asked, looking over my shoulder to Jason, whose expression was a mixture of amusement and annoyance. 

　　"Find a seat, and I will grab some menus." He said gently, ignoring our taunts. 

　　"Miss Abigail, I don't think he is a good boy! But it's ok, I know what to do if he has an accident on the carpet. My mum did it to our cat." Nodding for her to continue, I grinned, knowing full well he could hear us as we headed to a booth by the window. 

　　"You rub their noses in the poo! We can do that to his furry friend too!" Unable to keep the laughter in, I sat beside her with a giggle. 

　　"That sounds like a great idea. Why don't you tell Jason about your plan when he returns to the table?"