Bray pulls Jadi outside, directing him to retrieve the kiddie pool and uncoil the hose. I seize the balloons as I exit and converge with them in the yard’s centre.
“Understood, Jadi.” I elucidate to him that these are self-tying balloons. “Connect the top to the hose nozzle until the balloons are filled, then shake the tubes upon completion.”
I illustrate with the initial pack, 25 balloons inflating simultaneously and descending into the kiddie pool. He endeavours independently, observing in astonishment as each balloon expands with water until the entire kiddie pool is filled. I grasp a balloon and elevate it towards Jadi.
“At this moment, we simply—”
I halt mid-sentence and burst the balloon on Jadi’s head, water splattering across his hair.
“Utilize it,” I smirk, challenging him to reciprocate.
Jadi gazes at me vacantly until his brown eyes transform into a golden hue, indicating that Jimmy has assumed control.
The wolf grins at me, stooping to seize the hose that continues to discharge water. I gradually retreat, striving to suppress my laughter.
“Jimmy, do not proceed,” I caution, stooping to retrieve some balloons for my protection.
The wolf inserts his thumb into the hose’s opening, dousing me with a stream of water. I shriek as the frigid water contacts my skin, hurling the water balloons in my hands at Jimmy without glancing to prevent splashing water into my eyes. Jimmy pursues Bray and me around the garden with the hose, laughing exuberantly as he drenches us with water. Bray rushes back to the kiddie pool to retrieve ammunition but inadvertently stumbles into the water, laughing uncontrollably as he bursts numerous balloons against himself. Jimmy retrieves him from the small pool and tosses him over his shoulder, emitting a wail while Bray chuckles.
The two individuals pursue me around the garden with balloons, our cries and laughter reverberating across the adjacent woodland.
Ultimately, I stumble on a boulder and fall, with Jimmy and Bray looming above me. Bray restrains me with the menace of two balloons in his grasp while Jimmy departs to retrieve the kiddie pool. I attempt to negotiate with Bray for assistance in confronting Jimmy, but the deceitful traitor merely smirks at me.
Jimmy reappears with the kiddie pool, the water sloshing rhythmically as he supports it above his head.
“Do not even think about it!” I emit a shrill cry, shielding my head with my hands.
I gasp in astonishment as Jimmy douses me with cold water and balloons, while Bray erupts into malicious laughter. The wolf winks at me while I gaze at him, evidently self-satisfied. He lifts me suddenly, my knees instinctively encircling his waist as I exclaim and my arms clasp around his neck. Being in his embrace feels instinctive, and it becomes even more instinctive when he inclines towards me, gently placing his lips against mine in a tender kiss.
My lips own an autonomy, reciprocating his kiss with equal tenderness. As I withdraw, Jadi regains control, his brown eyes regarding me as though I were his most treasured possession.
The wind abruptly intensifies, causing Bray’s teeth to clatter as he trembles.
“We ought to tidy up,” I murmur as Jadi releases me. “Bray requires his towel.”
Jadi nods and departs the house to retrieve our towels as I direct Bray to assist me in collecting the balloon remnants.
“We must collect all the balloons,” I elucidate to him. “We wish to prevent small birds or animals from consuming them.” It is detrimental to them.
We search the yard for the remnants of the balloon, with Bray skipping beside me. Approaching the trees, I perceive a low snarl that raises the hairs on the nape of my neck.
“What is a pitiable individual doing in a group such as this?” A subdued voice rumbles.
A tall young man abruptly emerges from the trees, with Bray clinging to my leg and seeking refuge behind me. The man exceeds 6 feet in height, with dark brown hair, and has striking blue eyes that glare at me intensely. His assertive demeanour unequivocally communicates his Alpha status, prompting me to project strength despite the anxiety simmering within me.
“I believe it is not your concern what I am doing here,” I respond, gradually retreating with Bray. “Therefore, you may depart.”
The distance between us vanishes as the man looms over me, a malevolent grin on his face. “It appears that someone must instruct this individual in proper etiquette,” he scoffs. “I will willingly volunteer.”
Before he can advance further, a silver blur zips past me.
