Wolf pack

Seeing the Beauty

Melody wasn't sure if it was easier or more awkward since her and Nate decided to be "official." Technically nothing had changed, they still were traveling with each other and he was her protection, yet now they didn't feel stuck together. Enjoying time together was a nicer thought than being mandatory companions.
The meeting of Anu certainly had stuck in her head. It was proof there were even greater dangers here, and she felt determined again to head back to civilization.
Nate seemed to agree with her.
He was pacing back and forth in the cavern, annoyed at the entire situation. "That won't ever happen again!" He growled low, speaking to her but mostly to himself. "If that blood wolf ever shows his face again I'll be ready for him."
She watched him pace, looking at the scene. The pool of water had been splashed all over the cavern floor, now only a puddle. Traces of blood and fur also littered the floor. Melody tried not to look at it for long.
"We won't be safe if we stay here." Melody sighed at the thought of traveling again. "There simply is no safe place here anymore."
Nate stopped his pacing and nodded slowly. "We have to start off again. We'll need to eat, that fight wore me out."
Melody stood and walked over to him. "We won't have to scrape around for food anymore once we are with people. It'll be safer too."
He had to agree with her. Nate sighed and walked over to her, pulling his massive paw around her back and pulling her against his chest. He was so big she could almost stand up underneath him.
"I'm sorry this ever happened. You should have a good life, a safe one. You shouldn't have to be running from place to place all the time."
"There is no such thing as a safe place for a victim."
"But why?" He nearly roared. "Can't the world just leave you alone!"
She gently rested her hand against his silky fur. "I don't know. It doesn't seem fair, but this is the life I've been lotted with. I may as well make the best of it."
Nate closed his eyes and let his head onto hers, being gentle as he could. "You're wonderful."
"I still think you should try being human more."
He chuckled and started to shrink, wrapping his arms around her as he shifted. "Only for you."
They only stayed there a moment, Melody pulled away first and took his hand. "There is a clean lake I saw on the way. I need to wash up again before we travel again. New clothes is something I am definitely looking forward to."
Nate just nodded. His clothes were impossible to stay dirty, it was a blessing of being a shapeshifter. They cleansed themselves every time he shifted. Melody wished she were that lucky.
Nate stood and looked off as she cleaned off, setting her clothes dry in the sun. She borrowed his large jacket as they dry. It wasn't as nice as a change of clothes or a towel but it was effective enough.
She sat carefully on the nearby boulders, Nate wrapping his arms around the jacket to keep her warm. The good thing about the desert area was the amount of rocks to sit on, the abundance of caves and warmer weather.
The bad thing was the distance from civilization and prey.
Luckily, distance never seemed to be a problem for werewolves.
"We both need to learn to relax." Melody looked out over the scenery. It was quite beautiful when she let herself really see it.
His muscles felt tense, but slowly relaxed at the reminder. "I never know if you are safe. I can't rest when you are in danger."
"Do you see those mountains?" She turned to look at him. "They are glowing, and you see that lake? It's so clear and blue. If you are only looking for the danger, you may miss the beauty." 
The tan werewolf was quiet a while then let himself relax and pulled her into his lap. Melody was surprised but didn't mind it, he was warm.
"I suppose you are right." He wrapped his arms tighter and rested his head on her shoulder. "It's easy to see the world as dangerous when you focus only on protecting. I spent so long looking at you only as something to protect I prevent myself from ever seeing your beauty or knowing you. I apologize for that."
"Apology accepted."
They let themselves relax, feeling the warmth of the sun come down. For a moment, the stresses and the danger seemed to melt away.
Sadly, moments end. Her clothes were soon dry and Nate turned as she changed again. They ate the remains of their last meals and he transformed again.
Always traveling.
Another day. 
Another run.
Another cave.
Repeat.