“Why can we not celebrate in Alaska?” Matthew frowned, looking around, “Antarctica is a frozen waste land.”
“With plenty of problems.”
Matthew made a face, “and we are here because?”
Asher smiled, “I have never been.”
The leader rolled his eyes, “why do I allow you do drag me along with stupid things?”
“I think, possibly, it is because you love me so much.” Asher nudged him, “you cannot resist me.”
“Do you want to bet?” Matthew laughed when Asher wouldn’t let him remove their tangled hands. He looked around, everything was white, the nearest anything was miles away. “It is beautiful.”
“Very,” Asher smiled at someone as they passed a lodge, “I am surprised to see a person in flesh besides us.”
Matthew glanced at the alpha, “yes –I have only seen wolves since we arrived.”
“Too cold to be anything else.” He grinned, “now, are you not happy that I packed you extra clothing?”
“I think I would be happier if we would have gone somewhere else. We could have gone to France.”
“Yes, but France is the same as Alaska, I wanted to come somewhere different.” Asher swung their hands, “and we have been there four times.”
“I will never understand your logic, alpha.”
Asher pulled down Matthew’s mask, kissing him, before pulling it back up, “oddly enough, I do not think I will either.” He sighed, “But I love you and that makes sense to me.”
Matthew smiled, bashful, “I love you.”
-
“Sir.”
Matthew stared at the fire in his living room, photos upon photos scattered in front of him, “yes, Israel.”
“I have brought you food.”
Matthew nodded at the fire, looking down at the flames dancing across the photos. “Thank you.”
Israel set it down beside him, kneeling, “sir.”
Matthew looked to him, eyes wet, shiny, “yes, Israel.” The alpha took his cheek and Matthew recoiled, “do not touch me.”
Israel pressed his lips together, “I only wanted to check your fever.”
Matthew turned back to the fire, naked, save for the blanket over his lap. “I want to ask if there is any word but,” He wiped away a tear that fell, “I am sure it is the same.”
“Yes sir.”
“Thank you, Israel. Please come back in three days.”
“Yes sir.”
Matthew looked back down at the pictures when the door shut, picking up Harry’s first wolf camp photo. He transformed, photos tucked under his large body, as if the warmth would bring him back.
