White Fur

Episode 15

Skyler’s POV

I use both of my hands to push him away from me.

“Let me catch my breath.” I said as I gasped for air, I clearly wasn’t expecting such a greeting. I was minding my own business cleaning up my apartment when right at 5:30 I heard a knock on the door. I looked through the peephole. My suspicions were confirmed when I saw Kanto standing there. I opened the door and next thing I know Kanto plants a deep hungry kiss on my lips. And now here I am trying to remember how to breathe.

Kanto let out a low chuckle and then in a raspy voice so quiet I don’t think I was meant to hear he said “Told you.”

I tilted my head up to see Kanto’s face. That’s when I caught it, the darker shade of hazel with a hint of hunger in his eyes. “Told me what, Zenith?”

For a split second his face was surprised but then he cracked a big grin at me clearly happy I could recognize it was him. Before I could re-ask my question, he scooped me up around my waist and started heading towards my bed closing the door behind him. I winced a little at his initial grab because of the slight bruising that was still there but I couldn’t hold back my laugh when he plopped me down on my back on my bed. Zenith trapped me in his arms and continued his previous attack on my lips.

I let Zenith get in a few more kisses before gently pushing him back again. “Work must have been awful today.” With the mention of work, Zenith groaned and rolled onto his back. I couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction. A part of me was upset that the make out session ended but I don’t want to get carried away like we did yesterday. It was a close call, I don’t think I could be that committed yet, I’m not ready so it was a good thing we stopped when we did.

“I’m never going back to work again.” It became very clear to me that Kanto’s wolf was not a fan of architecture.

“That bad huh?” I rolled onto my side to face him.

“The worst. I missed you so much little mate.” He pulled me on top of him and wrapped his hands around me. I placed mine on both sides of his head and began to play with his hair. Zenith closed his eyes and let out a low growl that I could feel through his chest. I’m starting to think that these low growls were the equivalent of purring.

“So what did you tell me?” I went back to my earlier question.

“Nothing, little mate. That was for Kanto.” He took a deep breath and grinned. After a bit longer in the comfortable silence, Zenith opened his eyes again, they were still the dark hazel as before. “Little mate?”

“Hmmm?”

“How did you know it was me and not Kanto?” He tilted his head to the side inquisitively.

“That’s top secret information.” I teased putting on a fake serious face. “I don’t know if you have the clearance for that.”

“Oh?” He lifted his head to peck my lips. “How about now?”

I giggled “Maybe I’ll tell you someday. As for today, you need to tell me what you’d like to eat for dinner.”

I pecked him on the lips with speed, then hopped up onto my feet and scurried to the kitchen before he could catch me again. I opened the fridge and stared at the food thinking of the dishes I could make “What would you like me to make? I went to the store today so we have a couple of options.”

Zenith got up from the bed and walked up behind me again wrapping his arms around my waist resting his chin on my shoulder. He whispered in a smoother, deep voice “Or you can let me finally take you to a real restaurant like a real date.” I turned to face him and saw his eyes were the lighter hazel I’ve come to know.

“That’s a sweet offer Kanto.” I saw the pure joy in his face again at me being able to recognize Kanto being back in control. “But I think I should let me bruises heal a bit more so I could look more date worthy.”

“You are always beautiful, Skyler. But if you don’t want to go out until you’re healed, I can wait.” He kissed the top of my forehead and gave me an endearing look. “Any chance we could have spaghetti and meatballs?”

“Spaghetti and meatballs happens to be one of my best dishes.” We started grabbing out ingredients and began to cook.

I was happy we were staying in, I wasn’t ready to go out at night yet. When I went running and to the store today, I noticed my heart starting to beat faster and my breath getting more rapid every time I passed an alleyway. I would start to panic until I walked away from the alley, so I started to pick up the pace when I knew one was coming so I could get by the alley quick. I also kept looking over my shoulder to make sure no one was following me for too long. I felt so paranoid, so I didn’t want to go out for a while, I didn’t want to make Kanto worry. I’ll keep working on this on my own, I’m sure I can handle it but for now I plan to stay in at night.

“Do you have marinara sauce? I can’t seem to find it.” Kanto snapped me out of my thoughts, I gave him a warm smile and walked to the cabinet where I kept the sauce. The smile stayed on my face as I watched him help me make dinner. He must have caught me watching “Are you ok? You’ve been staring for a while.”

I felt my cheeks turn into the same shade as the marinara sauce “Yea, I was just thinking.”

“About?”

“That you are ok with just spaghetti and meatballs for tonight, instead of going to a restaurant or somewhere nice.” I started to feel guilty for not being. . .more. Kanto’s a successful CEO, he’s caring and thoughtful, he’s a bit naive at times but that makes him adorable, not to mention his godlike appearance. While I’m just a high school teacher, with a small, bare studio apartment whose fanciest possessions is probably my phone. I don’t think I’ll ever be enough for him. “Sorry it’s not very classy or extravagant.”

“First of all, spaghetti and meatballs is one of my favorite foods and I’m going to devour every bite. Second, I’m not a huge fan of the grand events. If I do something like that it for something or someone special.” He stopped cooking to turn and face me. He cupped my face with one of his hands and I instantly felt warm. “Lastly and most importantly, just as long as I’m with you everything is perfect.”

I felt tears start to form in my eyes but I didn’t want to release them. “Are you sure?”

“Im sure, nothing in the world could keep me away.” He paused to push my hair aside even though it wasn’t in the way. He gave me a gentle smile “As I told you, I really really like spaghetti so I’m sure I have to be here.”

I faked a smile to hide my reaction to his joke. I used the spoon to scoop out some of the noodles that were being cooked. I blew on them to cool them down, then threw them at his face playfully. He didn’t hesitate to take some of the marinara sauce and smear it on my face. A couple more food items were exchanged before we decided we should save some of the food to eat.

After cleaning ourselves up and dinner, we snuggled up to watch some tv. It wasn’t long before I heard light snoring behind me. I chuckled and took that as my que to also go to sleep. I turned off the tv before wiggling closer to my snoring giant.

Wednesday passed in a similar fashion to Tuesday. Kanto whined and complained about going to work until I practically forced him out the door. I went for a run after he left, speeding past the alleys and constantly checking over my shoulder. After showering, I did laundry, cleaned the dishes, and other stuff around my apartment trying to convince Kanto to stay at work via text throughout the day. Dr. Garcia stopped by to switch out my cast for an arm brace due to my wrist healing so quickly. Then as if he sprinted from work again, he showed up at my door again. We made dinner and talked for a long time until it was time to go to sleep.

Thursday morning I woke up and was instantly filled with dread. Today was my meeting with Mr. Rodriguez. I glanced at my phone to see that the time was 7:13am. I let out a long sigh before getting up to take a shower, Kanto waking up as I went into the bathroom with the clothes I gathered. I blowdried my hair and put on the amount of makeup I’d usually wear to to school but adding some lipstick to look a little more fancy. I put on my white, flowy shirt with loose sleeves that went down to my elbows. I then put on the black pencil skirt that went from my waist to the top of my knees, I made sure to tuck in my shirt but pulled it a little so it still looked a little loose. I double checked my outfit and makeup. Luckily the bruise that I had on my face was almost gone, so it was easy to cover it up with makeup. I looked at the splint on my wrist, my wrist was feeling significantly better, but it was still sore so I decided I’ll keep the brace on until I’m at the school, take it off for my meeting, then put it on again after. I made a fishtail braid go from one side of my head towards the bottom of the other side and continued the braid until all of my hair was contained.

Once I was pleased with my appearance so far I ventured out of the bathroom. I saw Kanto’s jaw drop and his eyes go wide. He has been seeing me in significantly more casual clothes, the fanciest outfit he’s seen me in was the one I wore on the day we met. I cleared my throat hoping to bring him back to reality but it did nothing he still just sat there staring, his eyes no longer wide but filled with lust. I went over to my dresser where all 10 pieces of jewelry I owned we laid out. I picked out a long, gold pendant necklace, some gold hop earrings and a simple gold bracelet. Of course it wasn’t real gold just gold colored, but it made the outfit look so much better.

I glanced again at Kanto who no longer had his mouth gaping open but still not saying anything. So I continued with what I was doing. I went to my small closest and grabbed a pair of black closed-toe heels with two ankle straps. I sat back on my bed to put them on and that when Kanto learned to speak again.

“Yea there’s no way I can go to work if you keep wearing that.” He crawled over to me and hugged me from behind, kissing my exposed neck.

“So you would prefer I not wear anything?” I teased as I put my shoes on. “Well you have to go, because I have a meeting to go to. And if I have to go to work so do you.”

“I thought school was over.” Kanto paused the kisses to say but quickly returned to it.

A small moan betrayed me an snuck out making Kanto bolder. His kisses migrated to my lips which I had to end, unfortunately. “If you mess up my makeup, I’ll look unprofessional Mr. Boterea. They are reviewing my contract today and I won’t get fired because of my boyfriend and his inability to keep his lips to himself.”

I went back to the bathroom to fix my slightly smudged makeup. I finally checked the time and glared at Kanto. “Speaking of professional, it already 8:45am Mr. Boterea. Aren’t you late for work?”

“Uhhhhh.” He groaned, he’s been much more annoyed with work over these 3 days. “How can you expect me to go to work when you look like that?”

“I’ll keep this on until you get back, ok?” There was hope in his eyes for a moment before despair set back in.

“I have to go back to the pack house tonight, they need me there.”

“You’ve mentioned the pack house before, do all the werewolves in your pack live there?” I didn’t ask many questions about his pack house or even where he was living. He’s been staying at my place since Sunday and it’s been nice having him here. It’s made me feel a bit more protected.

“Some do but definitely not all. Most do have houses around it though so they are close. But just like how some pack members work in the city, some live here too.” He explained as he got dressed and ready for work.

“Do you live in the city or with your pack?” I really haven’t asked many questions about his werewolf life since I initially found out.

“I live in the pack house, which is why I need to go back. There are things there that need my attention.” He still had a sad expression on his face.

“Ah yes, dirty laundry is a very demanding chore. Don’t worry I understand.” I tried to lighten the mood because I noticed that I also didn’t want him to leave. “Well it’s only for one night. Then you can come back once everything it taken care of.”

This made him a bit happier but Kanto still looked a little sad. I walked over to him and put one of my hands on his cheek. “There’s no time to be sad, especially because you are late for work.” I got on my tip toes and pulled him down to me so I could peck him on the cheek leaving a lipstick mark on his face. Then I walked him to the door. “I’ll text you after my meeting. You’ll be fine. And who knows maybe we can go out for a real date on Saturday.”

He snuck one more kiss onto my lips before smiling and heading out the door. “I’ll see you as soon as I’m free.”

I smiled and closed the door behind Kanto as he left. That’s when the dread reset itself. I really didn’t want to go to my own meeting especially since I’m almost certain I am going to get fired. But there’s only so long you can postpone the inevitable. I grabbed my larger black purse, put my important things in there and left my apartment.

As I walked towards the school I tried to think of all the possible negative things they could say about me so I could come up with a good respectful counter argument. I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I noticed I wasn’t freaking out every time I walked by an alley. Or at least I wasn’t until I noticed I wasn’t. I took a deep breath of the summer air as I got closer to school. I started coming up with potential backup plans if I do get fired. Or what would happen next year if I didn’t have this job, where would I go?

That’s when I paused in front of a familiar building. I looked up at the Boterea skyscraper and imagined Kanto looking down at me from his office. My mind went back to our first date and how much has happened since then. But then another thought came to my mind. If I can overcome almost being killed, I can overcome this meeting. The worst thing that could happen is I get fired, right? That would suck but I always find a way to keep going on, this time won’t be any different. I can do this.

I started walking again with newfound determination. Maybe this meeting won’t be bad, that’s also possible. My confidence was returning slowly and even when I was a block away from the school I still held my head high. When I made it to the school, I made sure to take the brace off my wrist. I walked up and gave the front doors a tug to see if they were unlocked, they were. I took a deep breath before stepping into the hallway. As I walked I took a look around the empty school. The school alway felt weird without the students, more haunted than it’s usually lively energy. A couple papers were scattered on the floor still, but all the posters on the walls were missing. I walked down to the main office and headed inside to the tiny lobby. I walked to were Mr. Rodriguez’s door was and gave it a loud knock promptly at 9:50.

“Yes?” A voice came from behind the door.

“It’s me, Skyler McCarthy.” I didn’t open the door yet since I was a bit early.

“Ah yes Ms. McCarthy, won’t you come in please.”

Well, here goes nothing.