Chapter 12: Instinct vs. Insecurity

I didn’t understand.

Leaning in his arms, I looked up at him, my eyes clouded with desire.

Looking into his deep eyes, I was lost in confusion.

"Why not here?"

There were woods, grass, and it was nearly dark.

No problem at all.

Caleb’s long fingers brushed my cheek,

trying to smooth the messy hair at my temples.

But his fingers were so much cooler than my skin.

It felt amazing.

And I really liked his scent.

It was a light, grassy smell—exactly what we bunnies like best.

I couldn’t help it.

I just couldn’t help it.

I turned my face and gently bit his finger.

My tongue slid over it. Just as delicious as I’d imagined.

"Lila."

Caleb’s voice dropped even lower, trembling at the end.

He frowned, trying to pull his finger away.

But I wouldn’t let go, nibbling softly with my teeth.

Caleb’s breathing grew ragged, a low, hoarse gasp escaping his throat.

"You’re a girl."

"You can’t do this."

He steadied himself and withdrew his finger.

But I noticed faint bite marks on his knuckles.

He glanced at it, then looked away.

But I noticed his Adam’s apple bobbing again.

And his body, pressed tightly to mine, was getting even more tense and hot.

"Are you sick? Should I take you to the hospital?"

He coughed lightly, raising a hand to check my forehead.

"Caleb, I’m not sick."

I held his wrist.

My voice was soft as I asked, "What can’t girls do?"

He looked down at me, those deep eyes swirling with emotions I couldn’t quite read.

"Girls can’t just throw themselves at guys."

"Can’t chase after guys for kisses."

"And can’t, like now, stick so close."

"Why not?"

I pressed him.

That’s just animal instinct.

Eat when hungry, sleep when tired.

When in heat, find a mate.

Anytime, anywhere.

Why are humans so complicated?

"Lila, you’re a girl..."

He frowned slightly.

I suddenly pushed him away.

"I get it."

"What do you get?"

"You don’t like me."

"You’re just like Derek—you don’t like me."

"So you don’t like kissing or hugging me."

I felt a little annoyed.

And a little disappointed.

I hated that my true form was a stupid bunny.

Unlike my sister, who’s a charming, seductive white fox.

Men everywhere fall at her feet.

Unfortunately, my sister is a rare exception in our clan—

A hopeless, incurable romantic.

"Since you don’t like me, I won’t bother you anymore."

The air between us suddenly felt like the inside of a car right after you’ve slammed the door on a cold winter night—quiet, tight, and a little suffocating. My hands shook as I wiped my nose, trying not to look like I was about to cry again.