Web Fic
Something was off
Nikolai’s POV
Something was off. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was definitely up. I knew that there were wolf people who never transformed their entire life, but in most cases it was either the result of a wolfman and a human mating, or vice versa. And Liyah was a purebreed, from purebreed parents, so that wasn’t even remotely possible.
The only other situation for such an occurrence was when a spell was cast on the werewolf in question. But I wouldn’t even be considering that because as far as I knew, witchcraft was forbidden.
I opened the refrigerator to kill time as I thought of what to do. From what she had told me tonight, she had been put to work at a young age. So my hunch was that her wolf was not yet mature because she hadn’t had the time to develop. That could be helped. But she needed time. Lots of it.
A soft gasp made me look up and I stared at Liyah’s startled form. “Uhh, I’m sorry I didn’t expect to run into anyone,” She blurted, clearing her throat and moving toward the coffee maker. “I couldn’t sleep.”
I didn’t point out the fact that she didn’t need my permission for anything anymore. Instead I nodded, and raised my glass to my lips. I watched her carefully and expertly begin to work the machine. She stood awkwardly as she waited for it to get ready.
“Do you want some?”
It took me a few moments to realize she had spoken. I still hadn’t gotten used to the sound of her voice.
“Yes,” I nodded, although I wasn’t thirsty anymore. I didn’t let myself reflect too deeply on it. Instead I reached out to accept the mug she handed me.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.
As we drank in silence, I snuck glances at her at intervals as she clutched her mug in her hands, her head bowed. The memory of her confession about her wolf flashed through my mind, and I suddenly felt a tightening in my chest. She had gone through so much, I just wanted to make everything better for her, but I didn’t know how.
After a few moments of deliberation, I dropped my half empty cup of coffee on the counter. “I’ve been thinking about everything you said. And I think your case might be one of underdevelopment. If my hunch is right then it can be fixed.”
Her hand froze halfway to her mouth, and she dropped her mug on her counter and faced me fully. The hope that had begun to glimmer in her eyes made me wish I would be right.
“You’ve been through a lot, right from a young age. And so I’m guessing that your wolf has not had the time, strength, nor breathing space to develop. If that’s true then it’s a probable reason for this. You are a purebreed, and so the chances of this being natural are zero to none.”
“So you think there’s… a chance? That I could have a wolf?”
From what I knew about the situation, it was a pretty slim chance. But I couldn’t bring myself to diminish the hope in those bright blue eyes. So I nodded.
“But before then, I don’t know what sort of things you’re going to encounter, but I do want you to be able to defend yourself. Well enough that you wouldn’t panic in tight situations. It’s your choice, Liyah,” I added when I saw her look away nervously. “I just think it’s a skill worth having.”
She was silent for a while and then she nodded. “Thank you.”
I wasn’t sure why I felt relieved but I brushed it off. “Okay then. We’ll start tomorrow. I’ll teach you all I know about self-defense. So even if you ever get into any sort of trouble, you would be able to get yourselves out of it.”
I paused when I saw the surprise in her eyes. It was almost utter shock. I realized that hearing me talk calmly and offering to help must still be shocking to her. I realized that maybe I should slow down. “We can wait until you’re ready…”
“No, no, tomorrow is fine. I’m just a little bit, um, surprised. If I have a chance then, that’s a good thing. I’d do everything I can to get to that point. That’s… great.”
I saw her try and fail to conceal the small smile that began to form on her face. She muttered a ‘thank you’ as she rubbed her hands up and down. I dipped my hands into the pocket of my jeans to keep from smacking my face as the corner of my lips started to lift in a smile.
What on earth…
I hadn’t realized she was at the door until she muttered a “goodnight” and walked out. I raked my fingers through my hair absentmindedly. I hadn’t felt so exhausted in a long while. But the only difference was that alongside this fatigue, there was also a calming sense of relief I don’t think I had ever felt.
And it was comforting.
Liyah’s POV
It felt like I was breathing for the first one. Now when I inhaled, the air felt cleaner. For the first time in my life I had received positive news. The possibility that I could actually have a wolf filled me with so much happiness. It meant that there was possibilities of redemption for me. I wouldn’t be so useless anymore.
For the first time, I wiped tears from my ears and they weren’t those of pain, or anger, or helplessness. I actually had hope now, something to look forward to, something to get me through the hard days. Having a wolf would mean having a companion. I would finally have someone to talk to.
As I got into bed and drew up my duvet to my neck, my hands shook from the excitement. I shut my eyes, mentally reminding myself not to be so excited when I wasn’t completely sure yet. There was no need to get ahead of myself.
But still I couldn’t stop the smile that spread on my face as I drifted away.