Nicole's POV
--

It's been another few months, so now it's July. Each night, I seem to dream of things that have happened, things that are happening, and things that are going to happen. And I know everything is true, it's not just my mind making it all up.

Dallas and Mrs. Amicus never stopped asking me if I was okay. But they ask less often now, as if they are disappointed that something didn't happen. I have no idea, honestly.

Dallas and I have grown closer, which was obviously going to happen due to the amount of time we spend together. He tells me everything and I tell him everything. Well... Almost.

I run every night in the forest in wolf form, feeling the freedom rush through my fur. It makes me so happy that it becomes addicting. If I don't run one night, the next day I'm cranky. (This always earns a worried look from Dallas and Carly.)

Amanda and I have conversations every day, her becoming one of my only sources I can go to for help or understanding.

I quickly gather the soft beach towel in my hand and grab some goggles from a shelf in my room. My sundress covers my striped bathing suit and matches my flips flops. I'm going to the Amicus' house to go swimming.

Once my bag is packed, I stand in front of my tall mirror, examining myself. I've grown thinner, if that's possible, from the amount of running I do, and my legs and arms have gained some toned muscle. I'm tanner than I used to be as well, although I don't know why or how that happened. I run at night and I have tons of fur covering my skin so there's no space for sun to get through. Ah, well.

My eyes have become paler and brighter, bringing out my high cheekbones and prominent nose. The few freckles on my nose stand out against my face and almost match my hair. They honestly make me look like I have glitter on my nose.

Well, I'm ready. I rarely go swimming, so obviously I'm not the best at it. Heck, I don't know how. But Dallas promised he would teach me.

As soon as his name comes to mind, his beautiful green eyes flash through my memory, creating a fuzzy feeling to spark in my stomach.

Oh yeah. That hasn't gone away. My attraction to Dallas has only gotten stronger and many times have I come so close to him that I can smell his minty breath as it puffs against my cheek. He always smells of mint leaves and earth, reminding me of my secret.

After another quick glance into the mirror and a tug at my dress, I gather my stuff and head down the stairs. I haven't seen Shock in a week and I'm getting worried.

The keys jungle mercilessly as I lock the front door behind me and set off down the sidewalk with my flip flops clapping against the pavement.

--

When I arrive, I don't even bother to go through the front door, knowing Carly and Dallas will both probably be in the backyard already. Sure enough, when I round the corner and walk through the pebble path to their backyard, splashes can be heard.

When I come into view of the entire backyard, I grin in amazement. Their backyard amazes me every time I step foot in it. It's huge.

The pool is huge, too, with a spa attached at the end. Dallas is kicking his way to the surface of the angry water that he just jumped into. Carly is shaking off her towel, water droplets flinging everywhere, but she has an amused expression.

Dallas's blond hair is plastered to his forehead, glittering with water droplets. My eyes automatically zero in on the single water droplet that runs down his cheek and to his neck before rejoining the water. I swallow hard when his green eyes open and flicker my direction. An immediate smile graces his face and he swims to the steps of the pool. This is going to be much harder than I thought.

I'm so stupid: I forgot that he would probably swim shirtless and water would stick to him. I really didn't think this through. I mean DUH. We are swimming in WATER.

He climbs out of the pool and shakes his head, sending droplets flying before walking towards me.

"Nic!" He says excitedly, his accent sounding sweet like honey to my ears. I grin and tilt my head up to look at his gorgeous eyes.

He grabs the bag from my hand and takes it to a table. Amanda stirs in my head.

The waters droplets roll down his back and then he turns back to me. "Ready to learn how to swim, mate?" He asks, grinning, his dimples almost making me not hear him.

"Yeah." I say before turning awkwardly to pull my yellow sundress over my head. I feel the intensity of his eyes baring into me and when I turn around, his eyes are a darker green than normal. Umm..

He blinks, his eyes returning to normal and grins again, grabbing my hand and sending sparks and tingles racing down my spine. "Come on! The water's warm!"

Before I can protest or do anything, Dallas jumps into the pool, pulling me with him, the crystal water flies around us, beautiful. When I go under, my blond curls float around my face and I open my eyes, not caring about the freshwater cleansing my eyeballs.

Dallas kicks to the surface, his legs propelling both of us upwards and I feebly help. We reach the top, laughing as he somehow keeps us both up. The water around us is ridiculously warm and I know that it's coming off of me. Because I'm a lycanthrope, I have naturally hot blood.

Without thinking, he kisses my cheek and pulls me over to the steps so we can stand. Then he starts explains to me how to do the movements and what motions to do. I am barely listening as I watch water dribble down his torso until he finally tilts his head, eyebrows furrowed. "Nic?" He asks curiously.

"Mm...yeah?" I ask, my eyes quickly darting to his, blood rushing to my cheeks.

"You.... Alright?" He asks gently, reaching up his hand to scratch the back of his head.

"Yeah. I'm perfectly fine." I stick my toungue out at him, trying to divert his attention, and quickly poke in in the sides to tazor him. His eyes widen and he flinches.

"Nicole!" He yells, causing me to giggle and run to the edge of the pool. I jump in without hesitating as his hands brush against my arm in an attempt to grab me. Water splashes all over him and he rolls his eyes at me. I splutter ad my eyes widen in a moment of sheer panic. Then Dallas's words come back and I propel myself to the surface. When I do, I take lungfuls of air.

I sloppily paddle my arms, shoving at the water as I head to the steps. When I reach on them, I pant like a dog, my hair sticking to my face. Water dribbles down my face and before I can touch my hair and move it out of my face, a tingling hand does that for me. Dallas.

"Ya'll right, mate?" He asks quietly. When I turn and look, his eyes are full of worry. And something else? Like... A need? Hm. I've never seen that before.

--

After swimming in the Amicus pool for hours, I finally decide we should probably get warm and dry before we freeze our butts off.

Shivers race through me as the cold bites at my skin. But it quickly disappears when Dallas snakes his arms over my shoulders. It instantly warms me up because of his body heat. "Would you like a blanket?" He asks quietly, kissing my cheek. He's been a lot more... Affectionate.. Lately.

I shake my head. "Nah. You're skin is an oven." I tease, sticking my tongue at him.

"Crazy girl." He mutters, rolling his eyes. A traitorous smile tugs at his lips.
We make our way up to his room and I plop onto his bed, now all dry. He follows after me and copies me, making the bed jiggle.

A yawn leaves my lips and he pokes me in the side. "Tired?" He asks in amusement, his eyes shining. I chuckle.

"Maybe a little." I admit, allowing another yawn.

"You should go home, get some sleep." He says, propping himself up on his elbows to peer down at me.

"Yeah. Will you... Bet there tonight?" I ask, propping myself up as well and tilting my head. My long curls pool at the bottom as they rest on the bed. His expressions shows that that is not what he expected me to ask.

"I-I don't know. " he fiddles nervously with his finger. I can only nod. As much as I don't want to admit it, I want him to be there.

Suddenly, he stands, pulling me up with him. "Well, we better make sure you get home before you fall asleep." He muses. I nod and go to grab my bag, which I brought up with me. The canvas strap eases into my shoulder and my sundress flows down to my knees before I turn back around.

Like so many other times, I come face to face with Dallas. My eyes widen at the closeness, my cheeks heating up. I look at Dallas's face, to try and get a read on whatever that boy thinks. His eyes are emotionless, besides that needy thing, whatever that is.

"Nic..?" He asks quietly, his minty breathing wafting into my nose.

"Dal?" I answer cautiously, feeling my cheeks get pinker and pinker.

He seems to swallow hard, but his eyes don't leave mine. That's when I realize what the emotion is in his eyes. It's strain and longing. He's straining against something. What could he possibly be straining from? Is there a secret he never told me?

"Can.... Can I kiss you?" My eyes widen more. He's straining.... To not kiss me? He's... Longing..... To kiss me? Why would he do that? But I can't help the little butterflies that erupt in my stomach and the swirling of desire pulsing through me. I want to say yes. But this is wrong. I shouldn't be feeling this way towards my best friend!! I shouldn't say yes! So I won't.

"Yes.." I reply, surprised at how calm my voice is.

"Are you sure?" He asks, strain evident in his voice this time as he grits his teeth and swallows again.

"Yes." I say again, glancing at his lips. That's when I notice the bright red on his cheeks. He's actually blushing.

He nods slightly, leaning a little closer to me, his lips inches from mine. His breath puffs against my lips and we are so close, that if either one of us said anything, our lips would brush.

That's when Carly walks in, stumbling slightly when she sees us.