Elliere Braim

2.5 First Impressions

Elliere shifted uncomfortably in his seat beside Mercy once more. They had just gotten in the car two minutes ago, but he was already nervous and frustrated. Very frustrated. He had hoped the morning would've been a bit more on the romantic side, but things didn't go as planned. He wanted to complete the bond with Mercy the longer he was in her presence, but he knew she wanted to wait, though it was no less frustrating. He'd hoped to earn some points for making her breakfast or surprising her with a few kisses while she cooked, but she noticed him and Cassy had appeared.

He was nervous because he was going to have to make the first good impression in his life. Elliere had never had to make good impressions in his pack life. It was basic and simple, everyone knew everyone. When it came time to choose a mate, Layla was an easy pick as he'd grown up with her, making her parents essentially his as well. Her parents would never have said no to their pairing since Elliere's were their leaders' of the pack as well. A good impression just wasn't necessary as it seemed he'd been born into the light of 'good impression' back then.

As a Lone Wolf he wasn't interested in a mate, let alone even bothering with good impressions. Some liked him, some hated him, some loved him, and some wanted him dead. It never mattered to Elliere what they thought, what mattered was he stayed alive and maintained his lonely life.

Now, however, he had Mercy and wanted her, meaning he'd have to get into her family and be accepted. He'd never ask her to leave her family for him and he knew she wouldn't.

Part of Elliere was excited to possibly have some sort of family again. Already he had taken a little bit of a liking to Cassy and he wanted Vivien to accept him as well. He couldn't imagine what it'd be like to have a mother figure again, but he thought it would be lovely.

He shifted in his seat again at his last thought and this time it seemed he caught Mercy's attention.

"Got an itch or something?"

Elliere cracked a slight grin. If only that was it. "No, not quite."

"Wait, wait. Don't tell me the big bad wolf is....nervous?" She faked a gasp, her eyes glittering though they remained firmly on the road.

Elliere couldn't help, but stare for a moment. She looked stunning in the sunlight. Her hazel eyes nearly gold, her chocolate hair shiny and her skin shimmering from the sun's rays. She was someone he never saw himself with and maybe that's why he chose her. The thought made his lips pull up in a soft smile.

"What?" Mercy murmured, her eyes meeting his.

He blinked and smiled wider. "Just admiring the beautiful view."

He watched as a small, pink blush coated her cheeks briefly. "Well...thank you. But seriously, are you nervous about this?"

"Yes, I am."

"Why?"

Elliere debated upon telling Mercy anything, worried she'd find him pathetic for never having had to make good impressions or meet parents, but at the same time he wanted her reassurance.

"Well," he sucked in a breath, blowing it out carefully. "I've never had to make good impressions...or...meet a parent."

"Never?" Mercy murmured, her eyes flicking to him, but he didn't take his eyes off the blurring scenery outside the car window.

"No..."

He felt the car slow then and watched as she parked on the side of the road. He tensed at first, but her hand made it's way to his own, giving it a firm squeeze. The smallest of tingles flickered across his skin and he relaxed enough to glance over at her. She was looking at him with kind eyes now and a small, rueful smile on her face.

"Tell me, why have you never had to do any of those things? Is it because you're a Lupus?" She asked, her voice showing her interest.

Elliere gazed away again, staring at the thick bark on the trees, the bugs that crawled within it, the leaves and their beautiful veins. Soon he wasn't seeing the forest anymore, but memories as he explained to Mercy the reasons why he'd never had or bothered to make good impressions. His voice was rough with emotion as he feared Mercy would think he was pathetic, but he told her everything nonetheless. She had a right to know of his past and he was finally opening up to her about it.