Pan's Never-Neverland

Budding Romances

Chapter Twenty-Seven – Budding Romances

Her hands seemed to keep slipping and fumbling as she struggled to get her clothes back on and get dried off as quickly as possible. Wendy certainly didn't want to keep Peter waiting, but she didn't want to appear too eager either. Slipping her shoes back onto her feet, she could hear footsteps behind her. Spinning around, she gave a sigh of relief when she saw Nana coming, still wet. Her tongue lolled out of the side of her mouth, her eyes bright with cheer.

"I'm glad to see you're having fun, too," she smiled, falling to her knees and hugging the mongrel.

Suddenly, Nana's ears perked, her head swiveling around. She gave a throaty growl, her teeth baring when she spotted the intruder.

"What is it…?" Wendy asked, following Nana's gaze.

A great gray wolf with a pristine white muzzle and chest stepped out of the trees, his dark eyes set upon them. Wendy held her breath, her eyes widening in fear. Nana continued to growl, staying protective of her mistress. The wolf made no move to attack, he merely sniffed the air and weakly wagged his tail, his pointed ears resting against his head. He seemed to be saying he meant them no harm, but Nana remained suspicious.

"Peter…" Wendy whispered, wishing he were here to help.

A gentle rustling from behind put her at ease, and when she felt his hand on her shoulder, she was not startled at all. It was as though he'd heard her from wherever he was and flown faster than an eagle to be with her.

"It's all right," Peter said calmly from behind. "He's a friend." He patted Nana's hindquarters, whistling to earn her attention. "It's ok, Nana," said, staring into the Newfoundland's eyes. "His name is Neko. He won't hurt us."

"Why not?" Wendy asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.

"Because Neko belonged to your great-grandmother," Peter grinned. "He must've recognized your scent and realizes you're his new owner."

"Me?" Wendy blinked.

Looking to the wolf, Peter whistled for him. "C'mere, boy! It's ok." He waved for the beast to join them, urging him to come closer. Neko stepped cautiously, as so not to frighten Nana or Wendy, and went straight to Peter, licking his face.

"Here, Nana. See if you approve," Peter said politely, jerking his head at the wolf.

Nana gave a "harump!" before sniffing the other. Neko remained still, waiting for her to finish before he sniffed her in return. They began to chase one another, yipping and barking like puppies would, eventually tumbling in the dirt.

Wendy and Peter laughed, watching as Neko licked the dirt off Nana's nose. "They seem to like one another," Peter noted, whistling for the dogs to return. Bounding back, Peter took Wendy's hand and called Neko over. "Let's get you two acquainted," he chuckled, holding her hand as Neko sniffed them. He panted, his intimidating fangs overlooked as a huge smile, as if he were seeing an old friend. He gingerly licked Wendy's hand before moving to sniff her face. She remained still, giggling when he slobbered over her face.

"Down, Neko!" she laughed, and he obeyed. Nana looked on, sitting still beside the wolf with an amused gleam in her eyes. "He's my pet?" Wendy asked, scratching both dogs' heads.

"Yup," Peter nodded. Getting up, he offered her his hand, which she gratefully accepted.

"I don't suppose you could keep him here? I think Dad would have a heart attack if he saw him…if he bothered to noticed," she added a little bitterly.

Peter observed her, giving her a sad look. "He's been here this long, I think he won't mind." Patting the canine's head, he motioned for them to go. "Neko, go watch the others for us with Nana, ok?"