– Earlier That Week, Tuesday Evening –
Malik
Heaven. That was the only word that came to mind as I stirred from sleep, her scent washing over me like a tide—fresh spring and sea, threaded with something uniquely hers. It pulled me from my dreams and rooted me in the moment.
I opened my eyes.
There she was.
She moved toward me with a hesitant grace, eyes wide but not fearful, lips parted as if caught between wonder and uncertainty. Moonlight slipped through the trees above us, casting silver strands through her hair and setting her skin aglow. She looked like a dream.
And yet, she was real.
I rose slowly, careful not to startle her. Our eyes met, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. We didn't need to. There was something in the way she looked at me—curious, cautious, but not afraid. I walked closer, each step light and graceful. I lowered myself into the soft grass, stretching out my legs and settling into the earth. She hesitated for only a second before sitting beside me, her hands curled nervously in her lap. I shifted slightly, then laid my head gently across her thighs. Her body tensed at first, but then she exhaled—a soft, shaky breath—and her fingers found their way to my fur. She began petting me slowly, almost absently, her fingers tracing behind my ears and down the slope of my neck. I let out a low, contented sigh. The world faded to nothing but the feeling of her touch.
Time passed without measure. I could've stayed there forever.
At some point, she leaned back, resting her upper body against my side. I adjusted slightly to cradle her more fully. Her breathing grew slow and steady, each exhale brushing against my fur. Her scent wrapped around me like a blanket, soothing and warm. Soon her heart slowed as she fell into a light sleep. I followed soon after, lulled by the weight of her against me and the rhythmic beat of her heart.
-Some Time Later-
I don't know how long we slept. But I woke to the sound of her scream. My eyes flew open. Instinct surged. I leapt to my feet in an instant, placing myself between her and whatever threat had shattered the peace. My heart pounded wildly as I scanned the treeline. There—across the waterfall, on the far bank—stood a massive black wolf. Muscles rippled beneath his coat, and his golden eyes burned with disappointment.
My father.
Audra scrambled to her feet and darted behind me, her hands clutching at my fur. I felt her tremble. She was terrified, and I couldn't blame her. My father could be… intense. "So this is where you've been," he barked, his voice low and sharp. "Sleeping like a pup while rogues prowl the borders? You could have gotten yourselves killed." "Father," I said, stepping forward, my body still angled protectively between him and Audra. "Please. You're scaring her." His eyes flicked past me to her, narrowing. For a heartbeat, the tension held like a drawn bow. Then, without warning, he stalked closer, each step more powerful than the last. Water splashed under his paws as he tread along the bank, mud splattering around him. "Take her home," he growled. "Then come back. Now."
But something changed.
His expression shifted as he fought for dominance against his wolf. I saw it happen—his muscles relaxed. His eyes softened as he tilted his head, examining her closely. "She's beautiful," he murmured, his tone lighter now, tinged with wonder. I turned to Audra, brushing my side against hers. She seemed to understand. Slowly, she stepped out from behind me, her hand outstretched. My father lowered his massive head beneath her palm, and her face lit up with a surprised, genuine smile. "We just met today, but… I know she felt it too. The bond." I say lovingly. He gave a short, amused huff and stepped back, his tail swishing once. Then, unexpectedly, he began to circle her, slow and measured. Audra giggled nervously, reaching her hand out again as he nudged her side playfully.
My heart swelled. For a fleeting moment, everything felt perfect.
But peace doesn't last in our world.
A snap of twigs—then a rustle of movement in the brush.
I froze. My father's ears pricked. He spun around just as a rogue burst through the treeline—thin, wild-eyed, and snarling, foam caking his muzzle. He was fast, all jagged movements and raw fury.
My father lunged at him without hesitation. I growled, crouching low to the ground. Audra didn't hesitate. She climbed onto my back, her legs straddling my shoulders, hands clinging to the thick fur of my neck. As soon as I felt her weight settle, I launched forward. We raced through the woods, the wind tearing past us in sharp gusts. I heard the clash of snarls behind us—my father's growl, the rogue's whimpering shrieks. But I didn't look back. I had one job now.
Keep her safe.
By the time we reached her house, the moon had dipped behind the trees.
I slowed at the edge of the porch, lowering myself gently so she could slide off. Her feet touched the wood, and she turned back to look at me. Her eyes were still wide, frightened, but there was something else in them too—something softer. She raised her hand slightly, as if to reach for me… then thought better of it. She turned and slipped inside. I stared at the closed door for a long while.
Then I curled up beneath her window and stayed there until the sun began to rise. "Malik." I lifted my head. My father stood at the edge of the trees, streaked with dirt and blood, but calm now. "It's time to come home." He said softly. "I'll be there soon," I said, glancing once more at her window. I rose and turned toward the castle, my paws heavy, my heart heavier still.
At least I'd see her again on Saturday.
Ajax had invited me to the mall with them.
And for now… that was enough.
-Seven months later...-
I was graduating high school in a few days, and I was sad I would not get to see Audra anymore. She hung out with Isla almost every day, but not me specifically—I was always the tag along. I stared at her as she ate, only breaking my gaze when Ajax nudged me. "Why don't you just ask her out? You're meant to be together. I'm sure she feels the connection too. I mean, I've caught her staring at you multiple times," Ajax whispered. I shook my head. "I can't. What if she says no? I'll be heartbroken," I said cautiously.
He stared at Isla for a second, talking through mind link, I assumed. She smiled wickedly, and dramatically turned towards Audra. "So, Audra, ever think about dating?" she asked, a hint of mischief in her tone. Oh, you will pay for that, lovebirds. I scowled, glaring at Ajax. "Um, yeah, I guess. There is someone I think is kind of cute. I'm too scared to ask him out though," she said nervously, smiling, her eyes flickering towards mine. "Well, the end-of-year party is coming up. Maybe he'll ask you," Isla chirped. "Oh, I doubt it. He's way too out of my league," she said shyly, looking down at her hands.
Ajax elbowed me and nodded his head toward her. I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to burn a hole through his dumb head. I sighed. "I'll do it after school, before she goes home," I said to everyone through mind link, defeated. They all wore victorious smiles as we finished up lunch. We headed to our next classes, and the end of the day rolled around much quicker than I was ready for. I gulped a lump of nerves down as I caught up to her. "Hey, Audra. Wait up," I hollered after her, weaving in between the crowd of students. She stopped and whipped around to look at me, our eyes meeting. She smiled softly and pointed outside the door. I nodded and met her outside. The bustle of the students was gone.
She looked down at her feet nervously and cautiously looked up, meeting my gaze. Analyzing her, I thought back to what she said to me at the waterfall. Our moment at the fair. She has to say yes, right? "Audra, I... I really like you. Did—did you maybe want to be my date to the end-of-year dance?" I asked, fumbling over my words. Her lips pulled into a smile as she nodded her head yes. "Oh my God, yes! I never thought you'd ask," she said giddily, jumping slightly. I smiled happily and embraced her into a hug. Sparks flew as we made contact, and she rested her head on my chest as I breathed in every moment I could.
A car horn beeped, ruining it. I scowled in annoyance. "I've got to go. My brother is waiting for me," she said, pulling away. No, please don't go yet, I wanted to say, but instead, I smiled. "See you tomorrow, Audra," I said, waving goodbye. She waved back and disappeared into the truck. "Way to go, dude!" Ajax said, emerging from behind a tree, punching my arm playfully. A grin formed on my face as I recounted our hug. "Let's go home. I've got to get a new suit," I said as nonchalantly as I could. Ajax rolled his eyes, and we headed off toward home.