The Wanderer

Chapter 15

We lay there for some time, Niko never fully relaxing.

Making it my goal to help him experience less tension in his body, I crawl up to him, rubbing my body along his. His fur is thick and soft against mine, the tingles running all throughout my body.

His body instantly relaxes against mine as I nuzzle my head into his neck. His body rumbles with a purr, enjoying this moment. It feels almost perfect. Being out with nature, the sun shining on us directly, filling us with warmth, while being so close to each other, is the closest to perfection that I think I can get.

Now, we both relax, enjoying the moment. Niko couldn't enjoy it because he was so on edge, but now he really gets to feel what relaxation feels like.

Almost falling asleep, I wake up when a breeze wafts a scent through my nose. The rabbit is back.

I perk up, Niko's rumbling stopping as soon as my touch leaves him. He catches onto what I am smelling, also standing up. We nod at each other in our wolf forms, before running in the direction of the rabbit.

He is slightly faster than me, but slows down for my sake. I push myself as I weave between trees and jump over fallen ones. The rabbit wasn't too far away but it ran a considerable distance, making us work for it.

For us, this is just a game. For it, it is trying to survive.

That thought makes me stop chasing the rabbit, only to start chasing Niko. He runs once he realizes what I am doing, him bowing once I catch up to him. His tail is up in the air in a playful manner. I also bow, us jumping in different directions, trying to get the other to run.

He eventually jumps towards me, making me run off in the direction we just came from. I give him a good chase, pushing myself to go faster than ever before.

Because of him being a Lycan, he could easily tackle me and end the game. But, being as sweet as he is, he entertains me, letting me feel like I can actually get away.

Reaching a small stream, Niko takes me to the ground, him lunging onto my back. We roll until we are right beside the water. He hovers over top of me, his tongue lolling out of his mouth.

It makes me feel better that he is also out of breath from all the running we have been doing because it feels like I am dying. My breaths come out in ragged pants, trying to do anything to breathe easier.

He doesn't seem to be in as bad of shape as I am, but that is because he is a Lycan. The first and only of his kind.

It must be lonely, knowing you are the only one of a species. My heart reaches out for me, wanting to ease his worries. I am here for him now, he will never be alone again.

I lick the side of his face, showing him just how much I enjoyed this morning with him. He is frozen in shock, before a low purr comes from his chest.

He gets off me, letting me stand to my feet. I walk to the stream, lapping up some cold water. It is refreshing and helps me gain my breath, being just what I needed to ease my aching lungs and burning throat.

A fish darts through the stream, catching my eye. Many more appear soon, taking my full attention. Following them as they swim, I try to catch one. Pouncing on one that is trying to swim against the water flow, I almost get it. It swims away, going the same way as the other fish.

I sulk in my wolf form, looking at Niko for some sort of comfort, only to him shaking in amusement. Laughing as a wolf comes out as huffs, and that is exactly what he is doing.

Pouting, I relax under the shade of the trees, laying down and putting my head on my paws. All that playing of chase really wore out my malnourished body.

After resting my eyes for a few moments, I look at Niko, only to see him waiting on me to leave. He seems impatient, and I understand, knowing he needs to do his Alpha duties. I begrudgingly get up, trotting back to the pack.

Not having a mind link, we have to read each other's bodies to know what the other is trying to say. That is how I knew he wanted to get back.

Reaching where I left my clothes, I shift behind the tree, putting on Niko's t-shirt and some donated running shorts. Walking out from behind my cover, I face Niko who is already dressed. He is also wearing a t-shirt and shorts, making me slightly disappointed that I couldn't see his muscles.

Arriving by his side, he walks off silently, not even smiling my way. Had I done something wrong?

Following behind him, we reach the house. He walks into the meeting room that I had gone into the first night when I arrived here. Knowing he wants to talk, I sit on the chair that is situated in front of his desk.

He sits down, a serious look on his face. "Why did you leave me?"

Looking at him in shock, I question, "What do you mean?"

"When I woke up, you were gone. I had to track you down myself. You promised to never leave me, and that is exactly what you did." He runs his hand through his dark hair, messing it up even more.

I see his side but I also didn't intend it to come off that way. "I didn't leave you. I stayed in the territory, I just missed the freedom of wandering around unknown lands. I wanted to experience that again. I know I should have told you, but I didn't want to wake you up. I also wanted to do it alone. However, I did have fun with you today." I smile at him, having truly enjoyed spending time with him.

"I had fun too, even though i don't think I have ever had fun before. It was refreshing. But please, from now on, tell me when you are going to go somewhere."

I nod, agreeing to his terms. I get that he is concerned and I hadn't meant to worry him. "I'm sorry for making you think that I had left you. I truly didn't mean it to come off like that. I just haven't been around people in so long, I needed time to myself."

He reaches out and grabs my hand swiftly, making me look in his eyes. "I get that you wanted time alone as it is what's familiar to you, but I will always be here for you when you want comfort or companionship. I am your mate, I was made for you."

Smiling, I squeeze his hand in thanks. "Thank you. I will also be here for you too. You don't have to be alone anymore. You have me."

After that last comment, we sit in silence, just enjoying each other's company.

Maybe it is nice to not be alone.