Bound in the Shadows / TVD N.M

🦋~° 16 °~🦋

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Liora

Niklaus stood by the jeep, muttering under his breath as he rummaged through a pile of bags and supplies he had gathered. His movements were quick, precise, as though this was a battle he'd prepared for a thousand times before—though, in reality, it was just a road trip. Still, Nik never did things halfway, and preparing for any venture, even a simple one, was serious business.

On the backseat, still in my wolf form, I watched him with mild amusement, my head resting on my paws as I sprawled out comfortably. The door to the jeep was open, letting a soft breeze ruffle through my fur. Every now and then, my gaze would drift to Nik, who looked particularly handsome as he worked. The hybrid seemed to be everywhere at once—checking the tires, adjusting the seatbelts, making sure the bags were securely packed. He even had the audacity to toss in a blanket and some snacks, as if we were headed on a picnic instead of a mission to return me to my human form.

Occasionally, I huffed out a quiet breath, amused by his obsessive planning. My tail thumped against the seat lazily, and I tilted my head to the side, observing him like some curious animal—okay, I was a curious animal, but still. Watching Niklaus be... domesticated was a sight to behold.

"Perfect," Nik mumbled, adjusting the backpack strap for what had to be the fifth time, giving the jeep a final once-over. He looked up at me, catching my eyes, and smirked. "Enjoying the view, are we?"

I wagged my tail, making a show of looking very pleased with myself. My tongue lolled out in a wolfish grin, and I gave him a playful bark.

Nik chuckled softly, shaking his head as he walked over to the driver's side door. "You know, love, if you could talk, I'm sure you'd have some smart comment to make about my packing skills."

I barked again in response, wagging my tail harder. I would definitely tease him if I could speak, but for now, I settled for wolfish charm. I nudged the side of the seat with my nose, giving him an innocent look, like I was urging him to finish up and get moving.

Just as Nik was about to get into the driver's seat, the air shifted. The distant sound of footsteps caught both our attention, and we turned in unison to see Stefan and Rebekah approaching from the warehouse. The atmosphere between them was heavy—likely the fallout of whatever argument they'd had after Rebekah had whisked Stefan away in her rage.

As they drew closer, an awkward silence descended on the scene, so thick you could almost slice it with a dagger. Rebekah's face was set in a mask of simmering anger, while Stefan looked like a guilty puppy who'd just been caught chewing on the furniture. For a second, neither of them spoke.

Nik raised an eyebrow, smirking as he leaned against the jeep, crossing his arms. "Well, well... looks like you two had a fun little chat. Care to share with the class?" His voice dripped with mock amusement.

Rebekah shot him a withering glare, while Stefan shuffled uncomfortably, clearly regretting every decision he had made in the last hour.

The silence stretched out, awkward and tense, and I couldn't help but huff out a quiet sound—something between a snort and a sigh. My wolfish amusement didn't go unnoticed; Rebekah glanced at me, rolling her eyes before snapping her gaze back to Nik.

"Let's just get this over with," she muttered, shoving past Stefan and heading straight for the jeep. She stopped when she reached the back seat, her eyes landing on me, sprawled out comfortably in her spot. She narrowed her eyes. "Move over, mutt."

I growled playfully, refusing to budge. My tail wagged defiantly as I made myself even more comfortable.

Nik's smirk widened as he watched the exchange. "Careful, Rebekah. Liora's got sharp teeth. Wouldn't want to get too close if I were you."