Solace & Solicitude // Paul Lahote

nine

She was on his mind always. He was thankful that she had been so calm, taking in all the information he had to offer and still welcoming him with open arms. He couldn't seem to get enough of her. He wanted to be around her all the time, a feeling so odd for him. He often circled around her house while he was on patrol making sure nothing around would be of harm to her. The thought of something maliciously touching a single hair on her head made his heart clench with worry.

That's how he found himself waiting on the beach before the sun had risen after he got off patrol. He needed to see her, needed to make sure she was okay. He needed to see her smile at him in that way she did that reminded him of sunshine and every good memory he had ever had.

Indie had taken her morning stroll across the beach with much more caution than before, she now knew what creatures were lurking in the forest. Still, it didn't deter her from inhaling the fresh morning air with tranquility.

Only this morning, as she walked along the beach hearing the waves splash onto shore, she noticed a figure a few yards in front of her. The closer she got, the more excited she felt. There he was, wearing only shorts and a t-shirt as opposed to her many layers. It was 'a wolf thing' he had said.

"Fine seeing you this morning," she called out.

Once she reached him she said, "Coincidence or you know I walk this path every morning?"

"I just know," he replied sheepishly, running a hand in his hair and lowering his eyes. She sighed knowing that he had been tasked with watching her before they met.

"Come on wolfie, let's head back to mine and I'll make you breakfast," she said, knowing he probably had patrols all night from what he had told her. 

"I was hoping you'd say that," he said as they turned to walk back to her cabin.

"I actually wanted to ask you something," he continued, "I was wondering if you'd come to Emily's later. I mean, I know that you already met the guys, but it'd be nice for you to meet them as the pack."

"Of course," she smiled warmly. She loved being in Emily and Sam's house. It was warm and it felt like everybody had a place there. She wondered what place she had. Of course she had accepted this life, but she wondered what part she played in it, what part she played with Paul. She couldn't deny the bubbles of excitement that would erupt within her when he was near. She had never felt like that toward anyone in her lifetime.

"Whatcha thinkin' about so hard?" He asked her, a smile in his voice.

"Pancakes," she answered simply.

"That's my girl," he chuckled at her.

Indie only smiled, a million thoughts running wild in her brain.

"I just don't see how one person could eat a whole pack of bacon and sausage, 6 eggs, and 8 pancakes in one sitting," she sat amazed. She had cooked an enormous amount of food because she knew he would be hungry.

He just shrugged while eating the rest of the leftover food.

"I just don't see how Emily feeds you all."

"If you feel bad for her, I'm sure she wouldn't mind the help."

"You know, that's not a half-bad idea. I may call her and head over earlier then."

Indie couldn't say she wasn't nervous about meeting the wolves a second time after she had found out their secret. She was also nervous to see how her current relationship with Paul would change once he was around his friends. They had steadily been becoming closer in their friendship since the secrets were unveiled and they were able to talk more freely. She didn't want anything to affect that because in some part of her, she liked Paul. She liked his personality and his smiles and the way he was with her. She liked that they could be silent and it was like they had had a whole conversation. Nothing was awkward about being with Paul.

"I've got patrol again, but how about I pick you up at 4 to go to Emily's?"

"You'll pick me up, Lahote?"

"You better believe it. I may even open your doors too," he said with a wink.

She couldn't help but giggle at his carefree attitude with her.

"I'll deduct five points for every door I have to open on my own," she playfully replied.

He came over to her, spinning her around so she did a little twirl in her kitchen.

"Thanks for the breakfast, D. I'll see you at four sharp."

He placed a small kiss on her hand and left with a giant smile on his face.

She couldn't help but smile back at him.

She hopelessly liked Paul Lahote.