But no, Khell's hands caught me, his claws digging into my hips, his laugh ragged and snarling as he set me back on my feet, braid swinging and slapping against his shoulders. I twisted out of his grip easily and ran again, and the laugh grew richer behind me, somehow menacing and thrilling at the same time. There was another roar, one that I thought shook the earth beneath my stumbling feet, but I swore the sound was full of pride.

Sunlight was cutting through branches and trunks, the woods almost like static as I rushed. I could hear Khell behind me now, running on my left, his steps broad and heavy and thumping, catching up with me quickly. He was herding me to the right again, driving me toward whatever destination he wanted.

Playful defiance rose up in me, the sudden desire to be the brat rather than Khell's good little pet, and I charged in a sudden left turn, the exact opposite direction in which he was trying to chase me.

Khell'ar growled as I neared him, out of arm's reach and making his steps stumble this time. I was grinning, breathless and aching at every rough step, but for a moment I felt victorious in surprising him.

Then he launched himself at me, crashing into me and wrapping his limbs around my body. The world jostled and spun as he tackled me down to the forest floor, the last air in my lungs knocked out. He was careful with me even then, keeping me from hitting the ground, one hand cupped around the back of my head. We rolled until he was pinned heavily on top of me, the sky bright above us through the trees, his eyes glinting with humor.

"Did you want to be caught so soon, petal?" he huffed.

Orcs heal quickly, I remembered him saying. I brought my knee up to his groin, watched his eyes widen in shock, a sudden bark pulled from his lips, and he released me to the dirt and grass and leaves. I rolled away from him as he laughed and growled, and I climbed up to my knees.

A hand gripped around my ankle and pulled me flat again, Khell's laugh louder, my skirt rucked up to expose my ass.

"Naughty little human, rough and ready like her orc."

I kicked, and Khell'ar grunted as the heel of my shoe connected with some part of him, I think his chest. His hand pulled the shoe off, but my foot was free, and I lunged up and ran forward again, Khell howling with delight behind me.

I shook my second shoe off and continued barefoot, wincing at the sting of debris on my feet but delighted with my triumph against my orc. He would catch me, I was sure of it, but I wasn't making it easy for him.