It was summer break – a wonderful time of the full -moon in Santorini. Brooklyn and her parents had traveled out of the country like they did every summer holiday.
She was so lonely and wished she had another moonally in the packhood who would always visit her and keep her company, since her parents only permitted her to go out on sixth-day.
She was reading a scroll when she heard someone whispering outside the den. She opened her single casement window and looked down. She saw Oliver hiding behind a young American crabapple tree that was at the back of their den.
"Come," he crooked his fingers. She looked around and shook her head. Father doesn't allow me to go out on weekdays. He would punish me severely if he found out I stepped out of the den."
"Fine, I'm coming in," he said, and came out from behind the tree boldly.
"Oliver, no!"
"Are you coming down?" He asked with a soft whisper.
"Wait, I'll be right back," she said and left the window. She tiptoed down the stairs to avoid waking Lunara, who was father's information she-wolf. She checked mother's chamber where she liked to stay; she was fast asleep, holding the story scroll she was reading on her chest.
She lifted the front door slowly. It was as if Oliver knew what she wanted to do and stood there waiting for her. She jerked and took in a sharp breath immediately she opened the front door. He walked into the lobby fearlessly. His expensive he-wolf scent filled the lobby and she was afraid, but he wasn't at all. Probably, he didn't know what her father would do if he found out she brought a young he-wolf to their den.
"Hei…"
"Shhhh," she said, placing an index finger on her lips. He smiled and watched her as she lifted the door slowly and bolted it. She began to walk toward the stairs and he walked silently behind her.
He grabbed her wrist possessively as soon as they got to her chamber. She hit his hands and he let go. She slowly shut the door. He didn't even wait for her to offer him a seat. He sat on the floor and brought his backpack out.
"What are you doing here, Oliver?" she asked in a low tone.
"I was lonely and bored," he replied, staring pathetically into her bright eyes.
"What of your little she-wolf?"
"She traveled with my parents."
She sat on the floor too, happy for company yet fearful of father.
"How are you?" He asked and continued staring at her.
"I'm fine; I'm just surprised."
"I told you last sixth-day that you would be seeing me around your den often."
"What's that?" she asked, looking at a gadget he took out from his bag.
"It's a game. Will you play with me?" He asked with a contagious smile.
"I don't know how to play."
"Don't worry, I'll teach you."
Oliver fixed the gadgets and taught her how to play the game. They began to play and whisper softly. She enjoyed his company, and he enjoyed hers.
"My sixteenth birth-moon comes up in two moons, and we are going to celebrate it in the general forest park."
"I have less than four moons until my fourteenth birth-moon; my spirit skips," she murmured.
"The best thing you did was open up to me. Trust me, I won't let any strange he-wolf touch you."
"Please, I want to see my parents , especially my mother. Do not tell anyone about this."
"He is taking advantage of your young age and innocent spirit. Allow me to handle this properly."
"Oliver, no, something happened between them and my blood mother. I…I…want to obey his commands so he will reveal everything."
"Emma, he won't tell you anything. My guardian is wise, and I tabled the matter before him. He thinks your father snatched or hid you from your blood -mother. If not, why would he think of hiding you?"
"He is not hiding me; he is tired of spending on me. He wants me to repay everything he spent."
"Who does that? If he truly adopted you, he wouldn't complain."
"Something happened and I want to know."
"Have you talked to any of their she-wolves?"
"None of them knew," she whimpered, fixing her gaze on the door, wondering who was touching the handle slowly. She looked at Oliver; he seemed relaxed and unbothered.
"Emma, open the door," Lunara's tiny voice called. Oliver stood and leaned on the wall beside the door. She opened it slowly and positioned Oliver behind her.
"I perceive a new scent downstairs; did you buy a new cologne?"
"I did not."
"Are you hiding a he-wolf in your chamber?" She asked, moving forward. She quickly stopped her.
"Yes."
"A wolf with expensive perfume? I want to see him."
"No."
"I'll report you."
"Lunara, please, he is my moonally."
"I want to see him."
"No."
"Well, you are free to act as you wish. In five moons, you will leave, and your moonally will be gone," Lunara said and turned. She noticed her mood changes every time Lunara reminded her of father's decision, but she stayed steadfast.
Lunara glanced back to mock her shivering form. She stood fearless, protected by Oliver's presence.
"Hi, Lunara," Oliver said with a grin. Lunara blinked and shook her head.
"I…I…"
"Now that you have seen me, will you still report her to father?"
"I…"
"Come," Oliver beckoned, and she walked in coldly. Oliver slowly closed the door and sat again; she did the same.
"Sit," he said to Lunara. She obeyed quietly.
"I have a little she-wolf and I wish she was a he-wolf," he grinned. "I love her, and I wish I had two she-wolves."
"I wish she was a he-wolf," Lunara mimicked. They giggled.
"What do you wish?" Oliver asked Emma.
"I wish my blood -mother had her moon cycle the day my father came to her."
"Emma," Oliver called, making eye contact. Lunara ignored her and focused on the game they played.
Oliver taught her how the game worked, letting Lunara win purposely while challenging Emma seriously. She felt slight jealousy but concealed it.
They were so engrossed that the evening passed unnoticed. Father's peculiar horn reminded them of reality.
"Oh my moon goddess! He will kill me if he finds a young he-wolf visited me."
"Don't worry, I'll follow him and distract him while you sneak out," Lunara said and left.
"She is very pretty," Oliver said with a smile toward her path. Jealousy pricked Emma's heart.
"What is it?"
"I noticed you like her, and she likes you," she said, sorrow filling her tone.
"Yeah, I like her because she is your little she-wolf. I wish she was mine also."
"What about me?" He moved close, arms around her stomach.
"My heart beats for you, Emma. I love you, and I'm going to claim you as my mate," he whimpered, looking pathetic. She lowered her bright eyes. "I have many mischievous thoughts when I see you."
"Mischievous thoughts," she frowned and grinned simultaneously.
"You won't understand."
"Am I flawed?"
"You are the most beautiful she-wolf I've ever seen. Your face and spirit are precious."
"But Lunara is prettier."
"You both are unique, but your exotic dimple cheeks and structure are bewitching. I care for your personality, not your body."
They kept silent when father and Lunara passed. She opened the door and ensured they entered father's chamber before beckoning Oliver. She led him out. He grinned and waved, his golden eyes gleaming.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he whispered, soft and steady, fading his eyes slightly. She felt her spirit flutter with anticipation.
"Are you coming tomorrow?" she asked, bright eyes meeting his golden gaze.
"Yes."
"Alright," she nodded and slowly shut the chamber door, the quiet scent of the evening lingering like a whispered promise.
The chamber felt empty now, yet her spirit pulsed with him. Every step toward her private space echoed with warmth of his presence. The moons could not pass fast enough. She yearned for the next meeting, knowing each moment apart was a countdown to being near him again.
Even under moonlight, the forest around her seemed alive with anticipation. The scent of dew and earth mingled with memory of his closeness, making her pulse race. She whispered softly to herself, "Tomorrow… I will see him again," and quiet excitement settled deep in her bones.