Periculum

6.

~Few months later~

"You seem awfully cheerful lately"

I looked over at my father who was staring me down, shrinking a bit, I responded,

"Do I? I...haven't noticed..."

My father raised an eyebrow and took a drink from his glass, "that damn wolf...keeps killing"

"Do...do you ever think he can't control it?" I asked hesitantly and my fathers eyes snapped over to me,

"What're you getting at?"

"W-Well I've been told that Feral wolves can't control their-"

"That's all bullshit, they can control themselves, they just don't wish to because they're monsters" He said, gulping down the last bit of his lunch then standing, "I'm off, do what you wish".

I perked as my father walked away. It was rare I was given free reign and I quickly grabbed my cloak before heading to Mateos cabin.

I knocked on the door and Mateo opened it soon after, grinning broadly when he saw me,

"Hey Sebastian!"

"Hi" I said, smiling in relief, "may I come in?"

"Course, I was just making tea" Mateo said and I stepped inside. I liked Mateos cabin a lot more than I liked the castle. It was cozy and small not cold and huge.

"Here" Mateo said, handing me a cup of chamomile tea before sitting down, I smiled at the tea and sat beside him.

We drank in silence for a while before I bit my lip,
"Mateo?"

"Yes?"

"May I ask...what's it like being a werewolf?"

Mateo raised an eyebrow but hummed, "it's not bad...we turn when we wish and every full moon, we prefer red meat and it's better in a pack. It feels like family"

"But you-"

"I know" Mateo said softly, "but it's alright...I have you my dear friend"

I couldn't help but flush at his words. I'd never had a friend before besides my siblings and now that they were gone...I had no one. No one but Mateo.

"I don't think you're a monster" I blurted and Mateo looked at me,

"Pardon?"

"I don't think you're a monster...everyone calls you one but you aren't, you're kind, intelligent and...and...and so much more"

Mateo gave me a half smile, "and you aren't the tyrant prince you've been made out to be"

"The only tyrant is my father" I said bitterly and Mateo placed a hand on my cheek. Rubbing it gently with his thumb and warming my cold skin with his heat.

"Stay with me" Mateo murmured, "stay with me...we can run away"

"I can't" I said softly, "I need...I have to be there in case my siblings return"

"I understand" Mateo said softly and I knew he did. He had two brothers he'd told me about. Zach and Mike.

I in turn had told him about Dennis and Charlie. About the two running away to be with their lovers and how I hoped to see them again one day.

I curled up into Mateos side and he wrapped his arms around me. He was like a roaring fireplace, giving off heat and making warmth bloom in my chest.

Mateo smiled down at me and if my heart could beat, it would have been racing. I leaned up and slowly pressed our lips together.

I was just about to pull away when Mateo kissed back, reaching a hand up into my hair and I placed a hand on Mateos chest, feeling his heart beat under my fingertips.