Hunter's Bond

Chapter 8

Rays of sunlight peered through cable slots in the blinds covering my bedroom windows. The scent of a morning frost crept through the one window cracked open to let the sounds of nature and fresh air enter. Everything save the blaring of an alarm was primed to urge me out of bed and enjoy the day, but I had no desire to move. Warm sheets shielded me from the encroaching rime touched air. Felix rested jovially on my nightstand, presumably ruminating on all he learned last night. Warm fur protected whatever skin was exposed from the bitter nipping brought on by every gust of wind. Wait...

Bolting upright, I turned to find Phaal dozing quietly on my pillow. An ear flicked at my movement, but nothing more. "What the hell?" I shouted quietly. "Why are you still here?"

"Because it was easier to stay than to leave," the wolf remarked, opening her eyes slowly. "Rest assured, I was not seen during my stay. Your mother did not even bother to see if you were indeed here. She ate the food you set aside from dinner last night, then went straight to bed. She has not left her den since." I let out a soft sigh of relief.

"I see," I carded a hand through her fur, then noticed the notebook and pencil on the floor beside the bed. "Sorry. I did not mean to fall asleep during my own lecture."

"Do not apologize," Phaal nudged her head under my hand. "Your dozing came at a good time. It gave me time to ruminate on your teachings and commit much of my learning to deeper memory." She hummed as my hand scratched behind her ears. "Seeing your slumbering face was a bonus worthy of the risk. To see you slumber so peacefully..." the wolf chuckled. "I want to keep that beautiful sight to myself."

"Are you ever going to stop telling me such things?" A twinge of red colored my cheeks.

"Only if it ever stops being true, which will never happen," Phaal gave me something akin to a wink. "Need I remind you I am chasing your heart?" I averted my gaze as I pondered her words.

"I don't think I'm ready for another relationship," I demurred. "My aching heart is not ready to commit to another so soon after a breakup."

"Say no more," the wolf jumped from my bed to the floor. "I will not pressure you into anything more."

"Thank you," I offered Phaal, someone I perhaps began to consider a friend, a genuine smile. "Now," I rose from my bed. "I should let you out as you probably want to hunt and I need to start breakfast."

"I can leave through the window if you open it more," the wolf pointed her nose at the gap between sill and frame.

"Are you sure?" I asked while sliding the window and its screen out of her way. "I doubt Mom is up so we can just—," Phaal jumped through the open window to the ground below. Descending from the second floor posed no problem whatsoever for the hunter. "Sneak downstairs."

"I do not want to trouble you with an effort we can circumvent," Phaal looked at me from the backyard. "Find me when you're ready for your first lesson in magic," she bounded off into the woods, seeking whatever prey would become her meal. I went to shower after the wolf bounded out of sight. I'd better start on breakfast once I'm done.

"Good morning, William," Mom said as she rounded into the kitchen. Unkept hair and attire that was fit for nothing but lazing about showcased a long night. The hospital was likely overrun with college kids in need of medical attention for their reckless antics.

"Morning," I returned with a smile as I moved omelettes from the stove to plates. "Just in time."

"You're certainly in a good mood this morning," Mom chuckled, preparing a cup for coffee. "I thought you'd still be more somber given your breakup."