My thoughts drift into oblivion upon hearing rustling in the trees behind me. Lizzy also detects the disturbance and raises her nose to sniff the air. I focus on the source of the noise and observe two wolves emerging from the foliage. The larger wolf possesses dark brown fur and striking blue eyes that curiously regard Lizzy and me, while the smaller grey wolf appears frightened and cowers behind its companion.
Scoundrels.
Jimmy promptly rises, adopting a defensive posture before Lizzy and growling at the two unfamiliar individuals. The larger wolf retreats and transforms into a man, approximately 30 years old, with dark brown hair and an eyebrow piercing. He possesses a toned physique, though not excessively muscular, and his arms, chest, and abdomen are adorned with tattoos.
“Calm down, my friend; we seek no conflict,” the guy states, his tone tight and artificial. He elevates his arms in capitulation. “We were merely out for a run and overheard you, that is all.”
Jimmy emits another growl, prompting the guy and his companion to retreat farther. Once they are at a sufficient distance, Jimmy relaxes and sits on his hind legs, maintaining his gaze on the two intruders.
The little wolf transforms into an attractive woman with a pixie haircut and several tattoos adorning her body.
“You appear to be unfamiliar with this place,” the guy says uncomfortably, massaging the nape of his neck. “We have not encountered a wolf in this vicinity for quite some time.” Only the two of us have resided in this town.
Lizzy ascends onto the coast and endeavours to approach the female, but Jimmy obstructs her route, remaining uncertain about the two unfamiliar individuals. This may perhaps be a ruse, with other rogues poised to launch an ambush.
Lizzy inhales deeply, her gaze surveying the vicinity for additional potential threats. Convinced of their absence, she affectionately licks my cheekbone to signal the all-clear. Jimmy and I maintain our vigilance in anticipation of an assault while Lizzy approaches the couple, sniffing the she-wolf’s hands. Detecting no peril, Lizzy permits the woman to pet and scratch her.
“I have never encountered a Moonlit Wolf,” the guy remarks, his gaze appreciating my fur. “Let alone one devoid of a clan.”
Jimmy emits a grunt in response and relinquishes control once more, utterly disinterested in the topic at hand.
“I am Ruben,” he states with a smile. “This is my closest companion, Priscilla,” he continues, gesturing towards the woman caressing Lizzy’s fur. “We are… what remains of our pack.”
A wave of melancholy engulfs me when I see our similarities. I resided in a domain, although I lost my pack the day my mother passed away.
Concluding that we were secure with these two, I transitioned into my human form, prompting a slight blush from Priscilla upon seeing me. Lizzy smirked at me, and I narrowed my eyes at her to signal her to desist before redirecting my focus to Ruben. I traced my finger over the palm of my hand as if writing, hoping he would comprehend that neither Melina nor I could articulate. Unfortunately, he merely gazed at me in bewilderment.
I procure a stick and inscribe the phrase DEAF on a clean section of soil, directing my gesture towards Lizzy. Subsequently, I scrawl the word MUTE and indicate myself, hoping the Moon Goddess facilitates his understanding.
It takes him a while before he comprehends. “So neither of you converse?”He elucidates, and I acquiesce. “Ahhh!”He rubs his head in embarrassment. “Alright.” Affirmative. That is impressive. We may engage in a game of charades. “I am indifferent,” he remarks, shrugging with a playful smile. “Very well.” Thus, What are your names? Could you provide that information?
MELINA and JADI, I scrawl in response, and he practically leaps with enthusiasm.
“This is enjoyable,” he chuckles, his whole body vibrating with each laugh. “Now, where do you reside?” We would appreciate the opportunity to spend time together at some point.
MOTEL, I dismiss him with a shrug, and he scowls at us.
“Absolutely not,” he exclaims. “Unacceptable.” We cannot permit the first two werewolves we have encountered in years to remain in a dilapidated hotel,” he asserts, shaking his head. “Accompany us,” he commands, intertwining his arm with mine before I can respond. “We will arrange accommodations for you at our residence until you resolve your matters.”
I gaze at Ruben in perplexity, arching my eyebrows at him while Lizzy inclines her head to the side.
“Apologies,” Ruben chuckles. “How is ‘Mi casa es su casa’ expressed in sign language?”
I scowl at him, and he exasperatedly rolls his eyes in response. “You will remain with us.” I will not accept refusal!
I contemplate briefly. Our only asset of significance was our money, which they were unaware of, and it was evident that I was the most formidable among the four of us. Should they attempt any deceitful actions, I could effortlessly confront them.
