Red Fur

Chapter 3

We marched a little ways until we finally came to a halt near the break in the trees. Cason and Lon turned to face the group. Lon spoke, his voice very similar to Cason's, "My pack and I allow you to stay here in this den that we recently found close to our grounds. You may stay until the end of winter. Make yourselves comfortable, and don't hesitate to talk to us if you need anything."

At that he left. Den? I squinted to the front of the group, for the first time realizing there was a lopsided, cozy-looking den. I let out a breath. Either way, I had to sleep outside.

My thoughts were interrupted as I felt the same feeling as before--- eyes. I tensed and before the thought of turning around even crossed my mind, I heard a whisper from behind me. "Wow..." I whirled around and felt the air being pushed harshly from my lungs as I froze at the sight that just about stopped my heart. Not even three feet away from me, was a tall MALE wolf. His fur was a beautiful shiny silver and his eyes were a color I had never ever seen before on a wolf--- brown. A deep caramely brown. The thick friendliness behind them was sweet like honey and was enough to melt a murderer's heart. I knew my jaw had dropped when he let out a chuckle. My eyes still glued to his flawless face, he reached a paw up and closed my mouth, but my eyes remained wide. He beamed a smile that I thought would literally stop my heart, and he extended a paw to me. "I'm Raion, son of Lon. And you are?"

I struggled to find my words and in my struggle what came out was, "... Eh... Strong... Errr... Eh... Moo..." I blushed. This was so embarrassing! Startling me, Raion let out a thunderous laugh. "You're a cutie aren't you?" I blushed harder. No one had ever said that to me! Why was he talking to me in such a way? Finally I gained my composure and found my words. "I... I'm Auryn."

He cocked his head to the side, smiling at me while scanning me with his honey brown eyes. "Auryn," he repeated. "That's unique... I've never heard it before. I like it."

My face burned with embarrassment. Finally I managed to work up the courage to ask, "W... Why are you being so nice to me...?"

His brows drew together. "I'm guessing that means you don't hear that often?"

I nodded.

"Hmmm... Well, I have the tendency to be honest... So... That's what I really think and I thought you should know." He winked. I nearly wet myself. My moment of happiness and flattery melted away as he began, "Your fur..." My heart sank and I hung my head. "Yeah..."

"It's beautiful."

My head shot up to look at him. I lost my words again as he grinned saying, "It's so... Unique. I don't understand how wolves with such fur are treated like that..."

I then realized my rank and in a fluster, flopped onto my back, submitting to the handsome grey. "F-Forgive me...! I've forgotten my place...!" He stepped up to me, his expression serious. "Auryn, promise me something."

I stared deeply into his eyes, ignoring that I should drop my gaze--- because at that point he was my only focus, and it has entirely slipped my mind. But Raion didn't seem bothered. "Um... Y-yes, Raion...?"

"Do not submit to me. Please."

I blushed and nodded once. "Okay."

I couldn't believe this--- someone actually CARES? I didn't get it... Was this just a joke?

Raion helped me to my paws and smiled, flashing his pearly whites. I smiled back, my face blushing lightly. "W-will I see you again...?!" I cringed. I sounded SO desperate! But to my complete surprise, he only gave me a smile--- and it was genuine. "Of course. I'm utterly curious about you, Auryn." I felt a blush creeping up and covering my face. "Uh... O-okay..."

My heart stopped as he gave me a quick wink before trotting away after a storm-grey wolf that waited for him. I let out the breath id been holding. "... He's so cute."