The Wolf Who Play’s

I paced the length of my room, each step a futile attempt to shake off the restlessness that clung to me like a second skin. The moonlight spilled through the window, casting a silver glow that seemed to mock my yearning for freedom. I longed to feel the wind on my face, to see the world beyond these stone confines. I have never stepped foot outside the manor walls since I was brought here.

A knock at the door startled me from my reverie. “Carol-lime,” Deaken’s voice called from the other side, a hint of mischief in his tone. “Are you ready for our evening escapade?”

I hesitated, the memory of Damon’s cold indifference warring with the warmth of Deaken’s offer. But the choice was clear; I needed this respite, a momentary escape from the shadows that haunted me.

Opening the door, I found Deaken’s eyes alight with anticipation. “Lead the way,” I said, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. His excitement rubbing off on me in waves.

He leads me to a section of gardens outside the main doors of the manor. The moon sat high in the stary sky calling to my very being. The warm summer air brushed against my chilled skin making me moan slightly. Once we reached an open area Deaken let go of my hand walking a few steps forward. “It will look like I am in a lot of pain but I need you to promise me you will stay right there. Nekio can hurt you on accident if you aren't carful.”

I nod my head in understanding, “I promise I won’t move.”

He seemed pleased with my answer as he started to strip, “I am not sure how he will react to you but whatever you do, do not run. He will think of you as pray and Nekio loves to chase.”

I was paying more attention to the man undressing in front of me then the words he was say. “Yeah, I understand.”

He pulled his pants off along with the boxer briefs leaving his round ass on display. One I very much wanted to touch. I had to restrain myself from moving as I watched his transformation; it is a visceral and intense experience. His muscles tense and ripple under his skin as his human form gives way to the powerful wolf within. Small patches of hair turn longer and darker. His nails become long and sharp. There’s a moment of painful contortion, followed by a sudden release as his body reshapes itself.

Nekio is a majestic and imposing wolf with a thick coat of fur that’s a deep shade of midnight black. His eyes are a vivid green, glowing with an otherworldly light. The same ones I had seen in the hallway earlier. His muscular build exudes strength and agility. There’s a palpable shift in the atmosphere. His presence is commanding and primal, and he carries with him an air of wild nobility. He lets out soft growls and I can’t stop myself from taking a step back. His eyes lock on to me from the slight movement. Shit, how am I supposed to talk to a wolf? Deaken only said not to run but every instinct inside my body was screaming to run.

“Be a good boy Nekio,” I said putting my hands in front of myself. He wagged his tail but crouched down in a pouncing position. He whined when I didn’t move again. He wants to play it would seem. Against my better judgment and Deaken's warning I take off through the garden. Nekio being a gentleman gave me a head start. I run for a minute before I hear a long howl. That must mean he’s on my trial. I decided to run to the stream a few feet ahead of me. I ran up stream in the water before coming out on the other side. I hope that will throw him off my scent for a minute. I know it won't be long before he catches me but that doesn’t mean I won't try.

I feel like I have been running for a while, but I know it has only been a few minutes. I can feel Nekio closing in on me by the second. He lets out a low growl when he's nipping at my heels. He doesn’t make a move to take me down right away insead he backs off letting me gain some more ground. I take off towards the forest in hopes of losing him in the trees. I think I'm ahead of him until I trip over a tree root. I slammed into the ground hard enough to knock the air out of my lungs.

“Shit that hurt,” I cussed out loud. I hadn’t realized how quiet the forest had become until I heard the snaping of a few twigs. If it wasn’t for my enhanced hearing, I would have missed it. “Nekio?” I called out to him; I know I lost our game of prey. He doesn’t show right away, He slowly moves out of the shadows watching my every move. “You’ve won, Nekio.” I said, placing my hands in the air. “I am not going anywhere.” He moved closer to me circling me a few times before he placed his head in my hand. The soft fur took me by suprise, I would have expected it to be course and rough to the touch. I scrached his long nose as he nuzzled into my hands.

He placed his head in my lap, and we sat there in silence for a while. I brushed my hands through his fur, and he purred like a kitten at my touch. I don’t understand why Deaken said not to run. It seems like Nekio enjoyed it a lot. I wonder how long it has been since he has left Nekio out like this. I also wonder how many other wolves are here in the manor. The only time I see anyone in the manor is when we are in the dining hall.