Finding what is lost

He pushed down his disappointment as sleep overcame her. The stones warmed her where his wet coat couldn't. He stayed awake longer into the night, watching her sleep and listening to the sounds of the night. An owl cried out nearby, sighting prey somewhere in the distance. At last, his paws and legs were dried by the heat of the flame.

He gently pulled the sleeping wolf into his arms, curling protectively around her. If any predators snuck in in the night, she would be safe. Safe in his arms. He kissed her brow, breathing in the scent of her. What he felt for her was… complicated, and messy. He leaned his forehead into hers and closed his eyes. Letting sleep take him at last.

-time skip-