Zayne
Watching Lysaria come out of her shell was like watching a flower I thought dead forever begin to bloom. It started small: an unguarded smile at something I had said. The first time she laughed, I was utterly captivated. I was watching her come to life right before my eyes.
I brought her food, tempting her with various delicacies, absolutely fascinated by her reactions. She was completely without guile, responding to a piece of honeyed cake with an open honesty and joy that was so pure it took my breath away.
“Come on, get up,” I said during one of the breaks in the heat, swatting her hip gently. She looked at me and wrinkled her brow in confusion.
“Where are we going?” she asked, slipping her arms into the t-shirt I threw her.
“You need to get out,” I said, ignoring my wolf, who was growling angrily.
He wanted to keep her here, where she was safe, waiting for the next wave of the heat to consume them.
But I knew that wouldn’t be good for her.
She needed to see that she was safe here, no matter what.
She needed to know that my pack was not like his.
Once she was dressed, I held out my hand, and she smiled shyly as she placed her delicate hand in mine. I grinned wickedly back at her and led her out of the bedroom. She followed me willingly as I led her out of the house.
We both blinked as the bright sunlight hit us. She stumbled slightly, and I steadied her with a hand on the small of her back. I led her down the path toward the main complex. There were several wolves around, going about their business, who offered respectful nods as we passed.
Lysaria moved closer to me, clinging to my hand, and I kept my arm around her.
I watched her as she looked around curiously.
Her eyes were bright, her active intelligence shining in their sapphire depths.
I led her past the busiest areas to a quieter section filled with the private residences of our pack members.
We approached a small cabin set off by itself. It was well cared for but simple, the lawn neat but plain, and Lysaria looked at me questioningly.
I just smiled as I led her up to the door, knocking softly. She stepped closer, pressing herself against my side, as footsteps approached from the other side of the door. The door opened, and Joseph stood there. He blinked at us, his brown eyes soft in his wrinkled face.
“Well, I’ll be, if it isn’t Alpha Zayne,” he said in his cracked old voice. “And who is this?” He peered past me at Lysaria, who blushed and pressed her face against my shoulder.
“Joseph, this is my Lysaria,” I said, gently drawing her forward.
“Hello,” he said, stepping back from the doorway. “Come on in.” I drew her forward and through the door. We followed him into a small, cozy living room and sat down on the sofa.
“So this is the she-wolf that’s been keeping you so occupied,” Joseph said as he settled himself in the old armchair. Lysaria blushed and hid her face against my shoulder. Joseph laughed softly.
“Don’t worry, girlie,” he winked. “This one could use some distraction.” He nodded in my direction. “Far too serious, if you ask me.”
“Someone has to be,” I said, feigning insult. “Everyone else around here is entirely too carefree. They'd be lost without me.”
“Of course they would, boy, of course they would,” Joseph replied, laughing along with me.
“But that’s no reason to deny yourself the pleasure of a mate’s company.”
Lysaria blushed again and stared at him with wide eyes as he launched into a tale about me stealing a pie with Jacob and Soren.
I smiled as she laughed out loud at his description of our youthful antics.
“I can’t believe you were so naughty, Zayne,” she said, her eyes sparkling with merriment.
“Don’t let this old grey fur fool you, little one,” I told her, squeezing her hand. “He’s obviously exaggerating to impress you.” Joseph didn’t deny it, just winked at her, making her laugh again.
“You’re incorrigible,” she said, hiding her face in my shoulder again, but this time it was more like she was seeking contact rather than nervously hiding. There was a knock on the door, and Joseph went to answer it.
“How are you holding up?” I asked, gently cupping her chin and turning her to face me.
“I’m okay,” she whispered with a soft smile. I studied her face, determined to recognize the slightest sign of distress, but she was relaxed, her weight resting lightly against my side.
Joseph returned a moment later with Soren, who carried a load of firewood in his arms. He deposited the fuel in its bin and turned to face us.
“Zayne, I didn’t think we’d see you again,” Soren teased.
“I just assumed you were never coming out. Not that I can blame you; I wouldn’t want to leave my house either if I had a beauty like her at home.”
He smiled flirtatiously and winked at Lysaria.
Her cheeks blazed, and she buried her face in my shoulder.
I put my arm around her, pulling her into my body and glared at Soren.
“Leave her alone, you rogue,” I said with mock ferocity, baring my teeth at him. He laughed and held up his hands in surrender.
“Okay, okay, I give. Don’t hurt me, oh mighty Alpha,” Soren pretended to cower in fear.
“Show some respect, you whelp,” Joseph said, returning to the room and cuffing Soren on the back of the head.
“Ow!” Soren yelped. “Hey, no fair, Joseph. They knew I was only teasing. Didn’t you, Lysaria? Tell him.” Lysaria laughed and shook her head. She didn’t speak and hid her face again, but her body was soft, relaxed, and her scent was free of the acrid smell of fear.
We stayed for a little while longer. I was reluctant to break the spell of warmth and camaraderie that filled Joseph’s small cabin. But eventually, I felt the fire of the heat returning, and I knew that I had better get her home before things got out of control again.
“Thanks, Joseph,” I said, standing and pulling her to her feet with me. “If you don’t mind, we’ll come back, if Lysaria wants to.” I looked at her, and she nodded.
“Of course, my boy, of course,” Joseph replied. “You and your luna are welcome anytime.” He smiled at Lysaria. “If you need anything, you just come and see me, you understand.” She smiled and gave a small nod. Then together we walked back home.
“Thank you, Zayne,” she said, leaning her head against my shoulder as we walked.
“No need for thanks, little one,” I whispered in her ear. “I would do anything to see that beautiful smile.” Her happy sigh was music to my ears.