To Love a Wolf; Sequel to Coyotes and Wolves, A Milo Manheim Original Story

I Hate it When They're...Nice

POV: Milo

Are you sure you're going to be okay today?" I asked her, for the third time that morning.

"Yeah. I'm gonna be fine. I'm always fine." She expressed in a calm tone, as she closed her locker. 

I quirked my brow at her, suspiciously. 

"Baby..." I pressed.

She averted her eyes and sighed.

"You got three seconds to look at me, babygirl." I warned her. "You're not hiding from me. Not today."

She shifted her eyes back to mine, they were nervous and uncertain. I hated that she was struggling with this. She shouldn't have to be ashamed, just because she needed treatment for something that was never her fault in the first place. And, the expression on her face was breaking my heart, a little. 

"Come here." I encouraged, wrapping my arms gently around her as she rested against my shoulder. I cradled her head, and stroked her hair, comfortingly.

"First days suck, baby. They always do. But, I know it's different though, after being in the hospital." I expressed, supportively. "Showing up is the hardest part, my love. You're so fucking strong."

"Yeah." I muttered. "I'm so strong, that I need a pep talk just to go to homeroom."

"Stop that." I scolded her, gently. "You're my Lobita. You've got your own fangs, babygirl. And they're pretty damn fierce. Don't ever forget that." 

"I know." I murmured with a nod, releasing a relenting sigh. "I know. You're right." 

"But, if in a few hours you feel like you can't hack it or something, don't spiral out. It's totally okay." I offered, supportively. "Just take it hour by hour, and do the best you can. I'm here. You know I'll come running if you need anything alright, even if it's just a hug. I don't give a shit if they give me detention, okay? Call me, or text me, whatever you need." 

She nodded against my shoulder, and reached around to playfully slap me on the behind, with a chuckle,

"Alright, Lobo Blanco. Get your cute butt to Homeroom, I gotta go." She quipped, with a small smile.

"Okay, Bossy Pants." I clapped back, jokingly.

She chuckled back, and my expression softened,
"I love you." I expressed, with resolve.

"I love you too, Milo." She voiced with a nod, as she slid the strap of her backpack over her shoulder. 

I pulled her into a hug and whispered in her ear,
"If anyone gives you any crap, just let me know."

"Milo, stop. I'm not gonna let you fight anyone." She objected, with a sigh.

"Who said I was gonna fight anyone? Just tell me who they are, and I'll give their phone number to Eric." I quipped. "That should be punishment enough."

Estella laughed airily, and pulled away.
"Cruel and unusual." She quipped.

"Look at your wrist, Princess." I instructed.

She lifted her arm and shifted her gaze to the silver bracelet with the heart clasp, for which I had the key on a chain around my neck, tucked under my shirt closely against my heart.

"You are the baddest bitch, I've ever met, Estella. But, if you get nervous, look down at this. Remember that I have the key. You're mine, and this proves it. Remember that you're safe and I have control, and I can take over whenever you need me to." I reminded her, supportively.