His scarred mate

Companion

She seemed very content to stroke my fur, and I enjoyed her touch. So I was happy enough to stay by her side. Eventually, she got ready for bed. I acted like a gentleman and didn’t follow her, although I was sorely tempted. I stayed in the nest she had created for me for most of the night. Until I hear a noise. I heard her whimper and cry. Begging someone to stop. I bolted into her room and saw nobody was there. I went up to the bed and saw she was having as nightmare. My heart broke as I saw how scared she was. I jumped up onto the bed and pressed against her. She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed tight. I flinched at she pulled at my wound. Luckily it was almost healed, so it was a minor sting. Not that it would have mattered. As long as she needed me. I would be there. Her cries soften and she calmed down and drifted into a more peaceful sleep. I am going to have to find out more about my mate. Whoever hurt her and made her so frightened is going to pay dearly.

Aria

I woke up long after the sun had risen. I felt refreshed and realised I slept well. Better than I have in 6 years. I remember having my usual nightmare, he still haunts my dreams. But then, I felt something warm and soft. And I remember feeling safe. I looked over and saw the wolf, asleep in my arms. I had even thrown my leg over him. I pulled my arms and leg back as if they had been burned. I blushed. I couldn't believe I had been spooning a wolf! Wait, why am I blushing? Why am I embarrassed? Oh god. What is wrong with me. It’s a Wolf for heaven's sake. I give myself a shake and a reality check. My motions awaken the beast beside me and he sleepily sits up and nuzzles my face and neck.

“Thank you. I don’t know how or why, but you being here helped. So much.”

I go out to the kitchen and make breakfast for us. Then I get back to my writing. Late in the afternoon I check his wound and see it is almost completely healed. I take off the bandages and just shrug it off. I don’t want to think too deeply on what is happening. My brain is still full of my fantasy world and I must be mixing it up with reality. He still has a slight limp, so I figure he will probably stay for another day or 2. I am hit with a wave of sadness when I think about my new companion leaving. His future absence tugging at my heart. I have never felt lonely before, but thinking of him leaving gives me a sense of loss. I can’t figure out why though.....

We settle into a routine as the next few days just breeze by. I realise that he is no longer limping and is fully healed. The day has come. He needs to go back to the wild. I am sure his pack must be desperate to find him. I am surprised that I haven’t heard any howling or seen any wolves in the forest. Maybe they are on the other side? I don't know how far he had gone when he encountered that brown wolf. I bend down next to my temporary roommate and stroke his face. “I think it’s time for you to go home bud. “ I head over to the front door and open it wide. He takes the few steps to the opening and then with his nose, he nudges the door and it starts to close. His front paw comes up and finishes the job. The door making a click sound as it locks shut. I then watch as the wolf gives a huff and looks at me as if I insulted him before turning and lying on the ground, not forgetting to turn away from me to let me know I had offended him. A laugh bubbled up and I shook my head. Looks like it wasn’t as temporary as I thought. I was secretly delighted, and also confused. I don’t think wild animals are supposed to be this friendly.

Our quiet and peaceful life continues. Every night he joins me in bed. He completely banished away my fears. My nightmares no longer haunt me. It terrifies me because I feel like I am needing this animal more and more. I am deeply attached and concerned how I will cope when he does eventually leave. I know what it’s like to be captive. I would never inflict that on another being.

2 weeks passed in the blink of an eye. I found myself taking to my wolf companion as if he could understand me. I talked about the story I was writing when I was hit by writers block. I talked about my parents. Finally, I confided in him my greatest fears and pain. All about my stalker Jackson. About how he hit me. Followed me. Kidnapped me and stabbed me. About my time in the hospital and how he haunted my dreams. My fear that he would one day find me.

Cam

I couldn’t help the angry growl that seemed to come from my very soul. Who could do that to someone? Especially her?! She was so beautiful. So kind and smart. Her creativity and strength was inspiring. I admired her courage to get up and face each day. I wanted to find him and make him suffer. I felt her recoil and start to tremble. I realised I was scaring her. I don’t want to do that. I never want her to be afraid of me. I try to calm down and lie down flat on the ground. Trying my best to change my selfish features into a harmless puppy dog expression. She laughs and I feel a warmth in my chest and pride that I could help banish the darkness from her eyes.

I stay by her side, always sticking close. Trying to share my strength with her in case she needs my support. When she curls around me that night to sleep, I am hit with the realisation that I love her. Not because she is my mate. But because of everything she is. I just need to figure out how to get myself out of this situation and convince her to accept me.

The next morning, I feel her shivering. I see that she is coated in a fine layer of sweat. Her clothes damp and stuck to her skin. She lets out a quiet moan and seems lethargic. The concern overwhelms me and I desperately try to wake her. She barely responds.