Protector

Chapter XIII

The snow crunched beneath our large paws as we made our way to John's cabin. A few chirps echoed in the quiet forest, though they fell silent when they sensed our presence. The waterfall's soft roar had become muffled with its frozen surface. If I didn't know the ice would crack under my weight, I would've skidded across it.

Snow covered the preserve in a blinding blanket of white. It didn't change our route, though. The trees enclosing John's cabin came into view, Christian's expectant grumble making me groan and approach the cabin.

The door opened before I could bother talking to John, the former Hunter's warm greenish-grey eyes lighting up at the sight of us. "To what do I owe this unexpected but appreciated visit?"

I turned back to Christian, rolling my eyes when he huffed. I met John's patient gaze with my sheepish one. We . . . kinda need a place to stay for the winter. Game's becoming scarce and we don't exactly want to starve.

"Is this why Jessica said you were looking for me?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

I nodded, lowering my head with a whine.

"You could've just told Jessica you were needing a place to stay for the winter, Malen'kiy Volk," John grumbled, sighing at my drooping ears. "Our doors will always be open to you." (Little Wolf)

Jazz here didn't want to embarrass herself by asking if we could move in for the season. Christian coughed, nursing the ear-tug I gave him.

"Not surprising coming from her," The former Hunter mused, turning to go back inside. "I'm going to start making some hot chocolate. Make yourself at home."

I couldn't stop the rumbling chuckle escaping me. Reverting to our daemon forms was a flurry of bones snapping and contortion all done in a matter of seconds. I sighed, my gaze falling on the dark clouds surrounding the night sky. It was a beautiful night for a flight into the clouds.

I turned to Christian when he rested his hand on my back, ushering me inside. "Come on, it's freezing out here."

A roaring fireplace was set off to the side of the living room, drowning the surrounding area in warm hues. The kitchen wasn't as empty as it usually was since John was busy preparing food and tea in this frigid weather. Blankets and jackets hung on armrests and chairs, giving it a homey atmosphere. There were also scattered papers littering the small dining table not too far from the kitchen. An amused shake of my head greeted the former Hunter as he gestured for us to sit down on the couch while he got us tea.

"You know, I never understood the relationship between you two," Christian started, hissing at his burned tongue. "Damn that's hot."

I sipped mine, stifling the smug snicker curling my lip. The Beast glared at me. Rubbing your powers in my face, eh?

It's not my phoenix powers, I just like my tea hot. I shot back.

"Sorry, I forgot to tell you I just took it off the stove. It's been a while since I've had people over," John apologized with a sheepish smile. "and Malen'kiy Volk and I are just friends. What's difficult to understand about that?" (Little Wolf)

Christian cooled his tongue, sipping his drink with caution. "You saw Jazz in her Beast form yet you didn't attack her. Instead, you helped her. Why?"

John set down his cup. His gaze darted to me. "Did you . . .?"

"He knows and he's cool with it," I turned to the Beast. "Right?"

"He wouldn't be sitting here if I wasn't." Christian retorted, leaning into his seat. "I'm just curious about how you were so calm about this whole thing."