The forest whispered with the sound of the night- leaves rustling, distant howls, the gentle hum of the wind. Eli walked home under the pale glow of the moon, the familiar path from the bakery feeling somehow strange tonight.
He paused, glancing around uneasily. The woods seemed alive, shadows shifting watching eyes. A shiver ran down his spine.
Eli quickened his steps, keys clenched tight in his hand.
Just as he neared his door, a low, threatening growl echoed behind him-deep, resonating, and chilling. He froze.
Turning, his eyes widened.
A massive wolf stood under the silver moonlight, its golden-black fur gleaming, eyes glowing with an unnatural intensity. The wolf stepped forward, but Eli stumbled back, fear clawing at his chest.
this wolf am knowing this wolf he whispered, his voice trembling, eyes filling with disbelief.
The wolf bared its teeth, not at him-but behind him.
Suddenly, a second wolf leapt from the shadows, larger, darker, more menacing. A snarl erupted as the two wolves clashed, fur flying, claws raking, and teeth snapping. The evil wolf (Riven) lunged at Eli, but other wolf intercepted, growing savagely, pushing the other back.
Eli stumbled, falling to the ground as the fight raged.
Blood splattered the earth, and a guttural yelp echoed. Another wolf stood over the Riven, victorious but breathing heavily, body trembling from exhaustion.
Then, under the glowing moon, wolf's from shifted---his body elongating, fur retracting, bones cracking as they reshaped.
And there he was.
Standing tall, bruised and bloodied, chest rising and falling in ragged breaths, his golden eyes locking onto Eli's
That was when it all shattered.
The wolf was Caleb.
The handsome customer.
The handsome stranger.
Eli stared, heart pounding so hard it echoed in his ears. ''You....Caleb.....you're.....?'' His voice broke, barely a whisper. Caleb's expression softened----raw, vulnerable, and yet fiercely protective.
''I'm sorry you had to see this, Eli,'' Caleb mummed, voice husky with emotion. ''I never wanted you to know like this.''
Eli felt tears blur his vision, overwhelmed by fear, relief, and a strange sense of safety. ''You protected me.....'' he whispered.
Caleb nodded slowly, taking cautions step closer. Eli flinched, but Caleb paused, giving him space.
Caleb nodded, taking a cautious step closer. Eli flinched, but Caleb paused, giving him space.
''I've always been watching over you,'' he admitted, voice low, laced with guilt and something deeper---something aching. Caleg grab Eli face
Eli moved closer, his fingers trembling as they reached for Caleb's shoulder. ''What's going on?''
Caleb's body was shaking, barely holding back the shift. His low, strained. ''He's here. I can feel him.''
Eli felt his throat tighten. ''Who?''
Caleb jaw clenched, his fangs glinting in the moonlight. His voice was a soft, urgent growl. ''Riven. The one who attacked me. He's watching you.''
Fear twisted Eli's gut.
''I can't let him near you,'' Caleb snarled, his body rippling as though the wolf was fighting to break free. Caleb hug tightly and then----without warning ----Caleb collapsed into Eli's arms, trembling........................