Lilly Among Wolves

11 Date night

The moon hung low in the sky, casting silvery ripples on the asphalt as Lilly and Ian walked from his Royal Blue 1970 challenger. It was a night that held secrets, and the air was filled with drunken cheers from a local bar. In the heart of the small college town, nestled between the neon glow of the fast-food chains and the whispering pines, stood a diner- a relic of simpler times before the wars. Its sign creaked in the breeze, proclaiming: "Pop's Diner: where Memories are Made."

The bell above the door jingled as they entered, the old jukebox in the corner playing "coal miner's Daughter". Pop's diner was a sepia-toned haven where vinyl booths cradled memories, and the coffee flowed like forgotten dreams. The waitress, A sprightly woman named Edna, winked at Ian.

"How's my favorite son doing?" Idna asked, giving them both a cup of coffee.

"I'm good." Ian smiled watching Lilly taking in every detail of the dinner. Idna smirked knowing Ian was preoccupied with Lilly. Its red and white checkered floors, chrome-trimmed bar stools that match the counter, and the faded colored jukebox in the corner.

"It's Adorable!" Lilly exclaimed, jumping in her seat. Ian smirked, torn between amusement and longing. Lilly blushed, looking away from his gaze.

They ordered pancakes-differently flavored, topped with syrup. Lilly had never had a peach-flavored pancake, birthday, or peanut butter. Ian seemed happy to help her with the huge stack when she couldn't eat anymore.

After leaving Pop's Diner, they drove to the nearby lake. The moon was higher in the sky shimmering on the lake's surface. College kids were gathering around the bonfire, passing flasks and bottles of moonshine. Ian led them to where Darius and Chester were standing. Their laughter blended with the crackling flames. Lilly dances with Chester around the fire, her hair looking as red as the fire. Ian watched, wondering how he would live without her.

As the night wore on, Lilly began feeling her alcohol, Ian had kept her close to him since she was acting a bit more friendly than usual with Chester. He knew Chester was gay, but Ian would rather have her dance on him than Chester.

Lilly hadn't seemed to mind. Neither had he before Lilly tried to nip him in the neck. Ian had to move them away to clear his mind and get them both some air. He walked them towards the lake watching Lilly so she wouldn't trip over the uneven ground. She smelt of apple moonshine entangled in her honey vanilla soap scent.

The lake lay still, its surfaces a mirror for the moon's silver glow. Tomorrow night, the full moon would rise. But tonight, the air hummed with anticipation. Lilly stood at the lake's edge; her shoes were thrown aside as she dipped her feet in the cool ripples of the lake. She giggled as she watched the water droplets fall back into the water off her feet.

Ian kept his distance watching her from an old oak tree, his heart torn between lust and restraint. The mate bond-a thread woven by ancient hands pulled at him, urging him to reveal the truth. Yet, he hesitated. How could he explain it without her getting mad he had known a long time ago. He drained the flask he had in his back pocket trying to get the courage.

As the wind rustled through the pines, Ian stepped closer. His wolf stirring- a primal creature that recognized his other half. Lilly's scent surrounded him as he got closer. Lilly turned, wide-eyed. She saw wonderment on Ian's face. Lilly could feel the invisible force that was between them stronger. It almost made her moan with pleasure when he was near her or touching her.

Lilly's birthday had changed their relationship, she didn't know why, but she would find out soon. She thought, moving her gaze away to remember how to breathe. She was a bit tipsy, and her guard was lower than usual.

"We need to head back. " Ian murmured clearing his throat. He extended his hand to help her. Lilly took it getting out of the lake and getting her shoes back on.

"Do you want a piggyback ride?" Ian offered.

"Like when you were nice to me?" Lilly blurted before she could stop herself. She bit her lip looking at Ian. He was smirking.

"I deserve that, but yes, I promise I'll behave."

Lilly giggled with a hearty laugh. Ian couldn't help but love it.

"I didn't know you could behave, Mr. troublemaker." Lilly giggled again, melting Ian's heart as they made it back to the fire. even if it was the help of alcohol he knew she was being genuinely herself.

"I can behave when it comes to someone I love. " Ian murmured as he waved at Darius before taking her back to his challenger.

"What changed between us for you to care about me now?" Lilly asked sassily. Ian was tense, not sure if this was the time to have the conversation since she wasn't sober.

"I saw the error of my ways." He tossed out, seeing if she believed him. Lilly Laugh.

"I call bullcrap!" She shouted close to Ian's ear, making him wince.

"Lilly, I have cared about you; I've just had to keep my distance from you."

Lilly smacked him lightly.

"Why? All I wanted to do was to be your friend, and all you did was run away or harm me when i got to close to your heart." Lilly stated hurt.

"It's complicated." Ian sighed pulling his keys out and opening her door before Lilly laughed and slipped off his back and into the passenger side.

"I'm complicated, try me?" Lilly snickered, trying to lighten the mood. Ian was being serious. She sighed, giving Ian her best serious face to convince him. Ian looked at her for a long moment before he started the car. Lilly sensed his inner turmoil, but he was guarding himself.

"Some things are better left unsaid until the moment is right, " Ian countered, looking at Lilly. She sighed, looking away and out the window. She knew he wasn't going to tell her tonight. The ride back to Crescent was filled with silence. Ian helped Lilly out of the challenger.

"Do you believe in Destiny?" Lilly asked Ian as they walked into the almost empty dorm hall.

"I believe that choices have consequences, " Ian answered, looking away from the curve of her plump lip.

"What if some choices are made for us?" Lilly added before going into her bedroom. Ian felt the mating bond tighten around him- a silken thread begging to confess their connection. But it wasn't time. Lilly needed to be changed to accept the soul bond. He knew if she couldn't handle his wolf, she couldn't handle her wolf well. He must wait for her sake, even if it was torture.