Afflicted by Ava Novak Page B

said while rubbed the back of her neck.
    “I would have been too if I was about to lose my life. I’m sure he understood.”
    “Well, long story short here we are now together.”
    “And how did that happen?”
    “Acceptance,” Melody said with a smile on her face.
    Melody and Victoria stood there talking finishing off the five minute break they had before they restarted their journey on the hiking trail. The two women got along well. Victoria chose to not look ignore every time she felt Kaden’s eyes on her back.
    Damn it there was a connection. Well there still is one. And he wants me. Oh enough of that.
    Victoria learned that Melody was an outdoors type of person, worked on her father’s farm, and most of all she was happily in love with Adam. Before the five minutes were up Melody asked Victoria to take a picture of her standing up on the tree stump. Victoria had the camera in place, was waiting for Melody to get into position, when suddenly on her way up Melody stumbled while attempting to stand up on the tree stump.
    Now, why didn’t I offer her a hand?
    It happened so fast. The only thing Victoria could do was gasp and run to Victoria’s aid. She cringed at the way Melody had fallen. Adam rushed over to Melody’s side. She refused to let go of her right ankle.
    “I’m alright,” she mumbled. Melody slapped Adam’s hand away. “You are doing it again Adam.”
    Victoria frowned at that last statement Melody made. She didn’t get it. What was he doing again? All he was doing was making sure she was okay.
    “Then let me see Mel.”
    “I think it’s just a sprain,” Melody said, as Adam examined her ankle. She attempted to not wince when Adam touched her ankle. 
    “Come on, let’s start heading back and putting some ice on that ankle.”
    With little effort Adam lifted Melody off the ground and had her fitted in his arms.
    At the urging done by Melody, Victoria and Kaden continued on with the hike. Victoria and Kaden were a good distance away from the couple, when she realized she was still in possession of Melody’s camera. Kaden promised her he would make sure Melody received the camera back.
     
    ***
     
     
    He was torn. The plan had been simple. Kaden had played around with the idea, but now, he wasn’t sure he wanted to see it through. He’d brought it up to Adam during their brief break. Adam thought Kaden was crazy, but then, he said he understood Kaden’s reason. Now that he was alone with Victoria he wasn’t sure if he should proceed. Adam and Melody were gone. He couldn’t shift here alone with just her.
    I have lost my damned mind. Shit, things would have been easier if she just wasn’t human.
    Kaden pushed the growl rising up down. He was frustrated. The truth couldn’t be ignored or denied . This would have been much easier if Victoria wasn’t a human. Sooner than later he was going to have to reveal he was a shifter. The man who wanted her was part animal, but nothing to be feared. Her voice pulled him away from his troubled thoughts.
    “I really hope Melody is okay.”
    “Adam will make sure of it.”
    “Yeah I am sure he will,” Victoria said, as a smile slowly broke out on her face. Kaden frowned and wondered what the cause of that smile was.
    “What are you over there smiling about,” Kaden inquired.
    “Adam and Melody, you can tell they really care about each other.”
    Kaden nodded his head in agreement. “Yeah, you can definitely see that.”
    I can’t do it now. Not while we are alone.
    “What is that sound?”
    Victoria came to a halt. Kaden stopped too and turned to face her. He chuckled and grabbed her hand urging her to keep walking. Kaden hadn’t been to this area in so long.
    “Oh my god,” Victoria said as she came to a stop again. “It’s beautiful. I didn’t know one was here and so close.”
    From a safe distance Victoria and Kaden eyed the raging waterfall.
    “I knew you’d like it.”
    Kaden strolled behind her as she walked closer to get a