The Stinky Life I've Accepted

Chapter 27: This is Nice

Ryker

I am frozen in this woman's arms, unsure of what is going on. But as she continues to hold me, something shifts. She smells very comforting, like fresh lemon and oranges. 

I inhale deeply, before my body moves of its own accord. 

My face moves into her neck, nuzzling her scent glands, and my arms slowly wraps around her. I melt into the touch, my heart rate slowing and my fear evenly dissipating. 

I don't even know what I am doing, but this...this feels nice. 

This is the first time I feel...some sort of peace. Besides when I am in the forest, in a nice burrow made from my own claws. 

I inhale her scent deeply once again, finding myself making an unknown chirping sound in my throat. (Guys, look up happy baby fox sounds. That's kind of the sound he is making). 

"Oh, honey." She murmurs, her hands moving to my hair and stroking my scalp lightly. 

After a few moments, she lets me go, and I am unsure if I am happy or upset about that. Her bright eyes meets mine, and she smiles brightly. "I see that you have been through a lot. But I am going to tell you right now that you will never suffer again. Not on my watch, young man. You can call my Tibi. This man that brought you your food is my mate, Gentri. We're both here for you." I blink at her as she finishes speaking, glancing at my hands that she has engulfed in her own. 

"Now I do understand trust won't come easily for you, and that is okay. You deserve people who will build that trust for you. So one step at a time, hon, okay?" She continues, letting go before standing up. 

She moves to the machines that are connected to me and works on some things. 

"I think it's time you get some sleep, dear. Goodness knows you need it. When you wake up, we will still be here, most likely with another plate of food. Heaven knows you need as much food as possible." She lightly laughs before Gentri walks up with a stack of cloth. 

He smiles at me as I shuffle back a bit, still scared half to death of the man. 

"I know you're used to the fur of your shifts, so these blankets are for you. It would do me some good to see you sleep nice and cozy after all." He explains, pulling each one on top of me. 

As he places the fifth and last one on my body, I find myself yawning and rubbing my eyes. 

"I bet you're exhausted. Let's get you on those pillows. They're nice and comfy. You'll be out like a light." He murmurs, gently placing his hand on my chest and pushing it down. 

I oblige, too confused and tired to fight. I don't understand this...feeling in my heart, nor do I understand why my fear isn't completely intact at the moment...the one thing that has kept me alive all this time. 

That and my instincts. 

But what I do understand is that I am feeling no pain, I have a full and happy stomach, I am warm in my own human skin under all this cloth (which has never been very possible for me), and overall, I am...content.