Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 10: The First Signs of Trust

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The nursery had become a sanctuary for the small pup, a quiet space where soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting gentle rays across the room. Every corner seemed to hold an unspoken promise of safety, a promise that Santiago and Will were determined to keep. The pup, still so small and fragile, had begun to adjust to life within the pack. His once-wary eyes were starting to soften, though the fear was never far from the surface. It was a slow process—his recovery, both physical and emotional, would take time. But with every passing day, there were little signs of progress.

Santiago hovered over the pup constantly, his wolfish instincts always on alert. He could never quite let go of the need to protect him. It was as if the pup's vulnerability had wrapped around his heart, and he found it impossible to leave his side. His protective nature only seemed to deepen with each hour that passed. He would sit by the pup's nest, his gaze never straying too far, and when the pup stirred, Santiago was right there, ready to comfort him.

Will, ever the calming presence, was the anchor to Santiago's storm of anxiety. He could see how deeply his husband cared for the pup, how every small whimper or restless shift caused his heart to clench in response. But Will also knew that his husband needed a moment to breathe, to find balance amidst the overwhelming desire to protect. So, he would gently reassure him, his steady hand on Santiago's shoulder, grounding him when the weight of his concerns became too heavy.

"He's doing better," Will would say softly, as he stroked the pup's fur, his fingers tracing the delicate lines of the little creature's body. "He's starting to trust us."

Santiago would glance at him, his brow furrowed with worry. "But he's still so small, Will. What if something happens? What if—"

"Shh." Will would cut him off, his voice firm yet gentle. "We'll be careful. We'll give him all the time he needs. But you're doing great. We both are."

Santiago would nod, but there was always that flicker of doubt in his eyes. He wasn't used to feeling so helpless, and seeing the pup so fragile only magnified his fears. Yet, despite the unease, there were moments that reassured him. Moments when the pup's tiny hand would reach out to them, curling around a finger or nudging closer to their warmth. These small gestures, though brief, were enough to fill Santiago's heart with hope.

One afternoon, as Santiago sat with the pup nestled in his arms, he felt the boy shift, just a little. The pup's tiny hands curled against his chest, and Santiago couldn't help the soft smile that tugged at his lips. "There you are," he murmured, brushing a lock of dark hair away from the pup's face. "You're starting to trust us, aren't you?"

The pup let out a quiet, contented sigh, his body relaxing against Santiago's warmth. Will, who had been sitting nearby, watching with an affectionate smile, stood and walked over to them. His heart swelled with love as he watched Santiago gently cradle the pup, his protective nature shining through.

"He's making progress, Santiago," Will said softly, his voice full of pride. "You're doing great."

Santiago looked up at his husband, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and worry. "I don't want to let him down. He's been through so much."

"You're not," Will replied, his voice steady. "You're giving him exactly what he needs—love, protection, and time. That's all he needs right now."

For a moment, the room was filled with the quiet sound of the pup's breathing, steady and peaceful. Will sat down beside Santiago, his hand resting on the small of his back as they both looked down at the pup. The bond between them, between all three of them, was slowly growing, like the first tendrils of a vine reaching toward the sun.