Redhawk Caldera Snap out of it

She stiffened again when he touched her. She couldn't help it. She nodded her head humbly when reminded to use her nose the next time. Wildfire felt a little idiotic, yet her parents had told her not to beat herself up about it. She was young and bound to make mistakes. Well, she wouldn't repeat this one. The lesson had been difficult but it was one she wouldn't soon forget.

Her ears dropped a little when Sebastian asked whether she had kicked her assailant's butt. Then she remembered how easily she had escaped and she perked up again. "I didn't really fight him," she admitted, "but I got away without even a single scratch. He couldn't catch me. I'm slippery and quick." She smiled faintly, still oblivious to the true reason for her grand escape: the stranger who had waylaid her would-be attacker.

He changed the subject, offering to take her to the lake. "Which one?" she asked. Wildfire could think of at least three lakes nearby. She nodded. Neither of them mentioned it but going to the lake wasn't just for fun; she also needed to clean the pee off her underside. She felt blood heating her cheeks again. Not only was she embarrassed, she also felt guilty for reacting so ridiculously.

"I know," she murmured when Sebastian reminded her he would never harm her. Wildfire truly did know that. But having his "evil twin" father come after her had been traumatic. She had thought he was Sebastian at first, after all. "I know," she repeated, looking at his face and forcing a smile onto her face before silently motioning for him to lead the way.