Upon reopening my eyes, I discover myself in a spacious room, lying in bed with my kid nestled next me, clutching his small wolf toy to his bosom. At my feet, Jadi is seated on a chair, laying his head on my legs. He stirs and gazes up at me with tears upon realising I am awake.
“R-Ricky?” he whimpers, uncertain whether I am indeed awake or merely a product of his imagination.
I am rendered speechless as his lips collide with mine, causing my chaotic thoughts to dissipate with his gentle kiss.
“I-I reciprocate my affection for you,” he murmurs.
Therefore, My heart nearly falters upon witnessing Ricky open her eyes for the first time since her unconsciousness in the car, her warm brown irises reminiscent of swirling chocolate and honey. I had longed for the sight of those exquisite eyes.
I swiftly kiss her, yearning for the softness of her plump lips on mine after enduring hours of anticipation. Nevertheless, guilt surges within me, prompting me to withdraw and affirm my love for her.
“I-I love y-you too,” I whisper, as Ricky’s eyes brim with tears while she cradles my face to kiss me one more.
I am acutely aware that her touch is distinct, with the sensations intensifying as they traverse my skin. Her fragrance is also more pronounced, enveloping my senses with the calming aroma of lavender and rain.
Jimmy observes a change, becoming agitated as I cradle Ricky. She possesses an altered quality.
Neither of us fully comprehends the nature of our peculiar connection, attributing its intensity to my longing for her over the past few nights. I hesitantly withdraw from Ricky’s lips. Her gaze shifts rapidly, and she becomes motionless, as if attempting to perceive something. The only noises I discern are those of the River Moon clinic nurses and technicians traversing the corridors with their equipment and supplies.
“Where are we? How long have I been unconscious?” Ricky enquires, delicately supporting her head with her hand and blinking vigorously. “Ugh, and what is that noise?”
“What sound?” I enquire, as Ricky gazes at me in bewilderment.
“Do you not perceive it?” she responds, scanning the vicinity for the origin.
“What did you say?”
“The purring,” she enquires, her gaze traversing the dimly illuminated room. “Is there a feline present?”
The sole feline I observe is-
“Silence,” I retort, as Jimmy mumbles unintelligibly at me.
Ricky and I fall silent, with Bray’s soft snoring as the sole sound, until Ricky abruptly sits up straight.
“There! Did you perceive it?” she hisses in an elevated whisper, clutching my arm.
Once more, I am acutely aware that the sensations intensify, becoming more vibrant and undeniable when she places her bare hand upon my skin. Ricky appears to observe this as well, her gaze fixating on the point of contact between our skins.
A solitary tear descends Ricky’s cheek as she caresses my arms, her touch eliciting chills on my exposed skin.
“I accomplished it,” she whispers. “Oh Goddess, I accomplished it.” She examines her arms and face, beaming bashfully at me. “Do I appear any different?” she enquires.
I narrow my eyes and observe her intently, Ricky’s cheeks flushing as I examine her attributes. Despite the heavy circles beneath her eyes and her dishevelled curls, she remains remarkably unchanged. Beautiful, resilient, flawless…. Mine.
Her smile diminishes as I shake my head at her, but I place my fingers beneath her chin and elevate her head, compelling her to meet my gaze.
“Y-you appear impeccable,” I say, her exquisite smile adorning her lips once more.
I lean in for another kiss, my body igniting with sparks upon our lips’ contact. The sensation surprises us, causing us to recoil from one another in astonishment.
“You sensed that as well, correct?” she enquires with curiosity, meticulously examining her hands. “I suppose a wolf would experience the bond more intensely.”
I begin to enquire about her meaning, but Bray shifts beside her, disrupting my contemplation. Ricky gazes at our puppy, smoothing his hair with her fingers and tenderly tracing the contours of his face. She bends down to kiss his forehead, murmuring affectionate words in his ear.
“My poor child,” she laments, gazing up at me. “He witnessed everything.” Tears flood in her eyes as she continues, “He must have been terrified. Terrified to witness all that blood,” she adds, her voice tinged with wrath. “Who was it, Jadi? Who perpetrated this?”
I gulp as I reflect on the assault. It has been two days since Ricky was shot, and I have yet to truly comprehend it.
“Ca-Jaxton,” I respond, the name eliciting a bitter sensation in my tongue. “It was Ca-Jaxton.”
“Did your brother perpetrate this?”
Jimmy pushes me aside to reply, his nostrils flaring as he gazes at our companion.
“He is not my brother!” he growls on my behalf, while Ricky gazes at me in astonishment.
“Very well,” Ricky responds softly, a wave of remorse enveloping me at the pain evident in her tone. “I apologize.”
