The Guardian: Full Moon

Chapter 5

Enya was currently both nervous and excited. The Hunters had offered to drive her to their base to get cleaned up and into fresh clothes before going home that evening, only to find that they had no room for her to sit. It wasn’t all that surprising though, since they didn’t have time to plan out what vehicle to take, considering how quickly things had happened. Leon knew it was partially his fault for rushing the Hunters. So without even thinking, Leon had offered to let her ride on his back in his wolf form. Although, Leon almost immediately regretted making the offer as his father side-glanced at him and smirked. Now completely embarrassed, Leon was fighting to keep down the blush that threatened to crawl up into his face. All the while Thorin was laughing at his predicament. To his relief though, Enya seemed to be in a similar state of embarrassment.

Enya’s P.O.V

I was surprised at first when Leon offered to let me ride on his wolf’s back, but I eventually agreed to it. And now, here I was, riding on the back of an Alpha werewolf. I could feel the autumn wind on my face, and feel his muscles working beneath me. My own heart was pounding in my chest as adrenaline coursed through my veins. Every inch of my body was trembling, thrumming with life and excitement. It was similar to when I ran with my wolf friends, but not quite the same. This was faster, and much more intense. Here on the back of Leon’s wolf, I felt like I was flying under the mid-morning sun.

Leon's P.O.V

I was nervous when Enya agreed to ride on my back. I walked behind a tree with my bag of extra clothes, took off my shorts, placed them in my bag, and shifted. Thorin grabbed the bag in our mouth and walked over to Enya. The look of awe on her face was enough to make our heart skip a beat. I would even dare to say that Thorin and I both found her reaction quite cute. She was even thoughtful enough to offer to carry the bag for us. Of course we let her. With the look she had on her face, how could we possibly say no? When we tried to give her the bag though, one of the straps caught on our teeth. She had giggled at us, which only made our heart beat faster, and then she gently removed the bag. She touched the side of our muzzle for a brief moment before she put the bag on her back, and I thought our heart would burst.

We crouched down so it would be easier for her to climb onto our back, and I swear if Thorin was a cat he would have been purring. Something just felt so right about her touch. I was hyper aware of every point of contact between us. The way her legs were nestled into our sides, the curve of her body as she flattened herself against our back, even how her breath gently blew onto the back of our neck. I almost began to wonder what it would be like to have her pressed up against my back in human form.

Quickly realizing the indecency of my thoughts, I shook them from my mind and stood up as the Hunters finished loading up into their truck. “Make sure to hold on tight Miss Drago.” My father said to Enya. “I will.” She replied. “Oh, and I would appreciate it if none of you told anyone that I was adopted by the Dragos, or let them know that I know. They may not be my birth parents, but they did raise me, and I love them.” “You have my word, Miss Drago.” My father said placing a hand over his heart in promise. “Thank you, Alpha Sterling.” She said and tightened her grip on our fur. My thoughts immediately went to how good her hands would feel running through and gripping my hair, and I chastised myself again. “This isn’t the time for inappropriate daydreaming.” I thought to myself. “Focus.” “You are focused.” Thorin said jokingly. “Focused on a certain emerald eyed beauty.” “Lay off Thorin.” I said embarrassed. “Not a chance Leon.” Thorin said laughing. I groaned inwardly and was thankful when we started moving out.

We ran alongside the Hunters' truck at a leisurely pace. Taking the time to enjoy the early November scenery, since there wasn’t any need to rush. And if I'm being honest, I just enjoyed Enya’s company. Enya had sat up a bit shortly after we headed out, and now she seemed to be enjoying the feeling of the wind and the sun on her face. She radiated so much joy and excitement, that it was contagious. If I was in my human form, I’m certain I would be grinning like a fool by now. “What is going on?” I thought to myself.

We arrived at the Hunters' base around midday and Thorin crouched down so Enya could get off. As she slid off our back and down our side, I immediately started to miss her touch. Then she took the bag of clothes off of her back, set it down in front of us, and headed inside with the Hunters. “Thorin?” I asked, grabbing his attention as I shifted back to my human form. “Yes, Leon.” He replied. “What’s wrong with me?” I asked confused while pulling a pair of shorts out of the bag and putting them on. Thorin snorted and laughed at me. “What?!” I asked indignantly. “Nothing is wrong with you Leon.” He said still laughing. “Then why am I acting so weird around Enya now?” I asked annoyed that he was finding my confusion so amusing.

“Think about it Leon.” Thorin said with a chuckle. “You're 18, she’s 17, strong, loyal, not to mention beautiful.” “I still don’t get it. Just what are you getting at Thorin?” Leon asked aggravated. “Oh Goddess, you’re dense. You have a crush on her dumbass!” Thorin said now just as aggravated as Leon. Leon blushed hard as blood rushed into his face, up to the tips of his ears, and down to his chest. Thorin started laughing again at Leon’s reaction, his amusement renewed. “Stop teasing me Thorin.” Leon said sitting down on the ground with a huff. “I'll stop teasing you, when you stop being funny.” Thorin said with a chuckle. Leon let out a heavy sigh as he ran his hands through his hair, and gazed up at the midday sky. “A crush huh?” Leon thought to himself, leaning back and supporting himself on his hands. The smallest hint of a smile creeping onto his face. Leon had never had a crush before. As a werewolf, he knew he had a destined mate planned for him by the Goddess, so he had never thought about falling in love before his mate was presented to him. He wondered what it would feel like.

Enya’s P.O.V

I had finished taking a shower and had changed into the pants, shirt, and hoodie the Hunters left out for me. I didn’t bother drying my hair though. I preferred to let it air dry, and it felt good to have it loose and clean after so long. I started to walk out the front door, but stopped as I got to the doorway. I was surprised to see that Leon was still outside. He was facing away from me, but from what I could see of his expressions and body language, it looked like he was arguing with someone, most likely his wolf if I had to guess. Then something truly shocking happened, Leon blushed.

He was as red as a tomato from his ears to his chest, and I swear I've never seen anything so cute. He was like an embarrassed little kid. I held back a laugh as I watched him sit down on the ground, assumingly defeated in his argument with his wolf. He sighed, running his hands through his light brown hair and turning his beautiful hazel eyes to the sky. I wouldn’t say that I necessarily liked him or anything, but I'll definitely admit that the man was attractive. His wolf was too, thinking back on it. Gorgeous obsidian black fur with red highlights on the tips of his ears, along his back, and at the tip of his tail, and eyes that shone like molten gold. It was practically enough to make a girl faint.

“You’re still here?” I asked loudly, walking towards him. He startled for a moment, and turned to me. Then he smiled at me, and I swear my heart nearly grew wings. “Yeah, guess I am.” He said rubbing the back of his neck, a touch of nervousness in his voice. “Just kind of felt like hanging around.” He said averting his gaze. “Ah, I think I know what’s going on.” I said sitting down beside him. “You do?” He asked, eyes widening a bit as he looked back at me. I nodded. “You’re feeling responsible for me, because you feel guilty for hurting me.” Leon half heartedly laughed and looked down at the ground, shaking his head slightly. “Am I that easy to read?” He asked glancing back at me. “At the moment, to me, yes.” I said and laughed at the defeated pout on his face.

“Listen Leon.” I said catching his attention and making him look at me fully. “You really don’t need to feel guilty about what happened to me.” Leon looked like he was about to protest, but I kept talking, cutting him off. “I’m the one that suggested I be held by the Alphas.” I watched as Leon’s jaw dropped in shock and I continued talking. “I knew some of the younger Alphas felt disdain towards me. And I knew that there was a good chance that they would lash out violently towards me. And of course, as you know, they did.”

“Wait, wait, wait!” Leon said standing up suddenly. “You’re saying that you put yourself in that situation, knowing full well that you would probably get hurt!?” Leon almost shouted in disbelief. “Yes.” I said as I slowly stood up. I took a step closer to him, hands on my hips, and looked up at him. “So there is absolutely no reason for you to feel responsible, or guilty.” Leon took a step closer to me and was about to protest, but I raised a hand up and covered his mouth before he had a chance to talk. “You were roped into helping based on the word of your fellow Alphas. It was their word against mine, and you had no reason to believe anything I said. So just stop with the self-guilt. I already forgave you, so let’s move on. Deal?”

Leon sighed, defeated, and grabbed my hand with one of his. Pulling my hand away from his mouth, he looked me in the eyes and smiled. “Deal.” We stood staring at each other for what felt like hours. At some point he had started to stroke the back of my hand with his thumb, making my heart race. Our breathing evened out, and our chests began to rise and fall in unison. We were so close together that we were practically breathing the same air. We were so close that if he leaned down just a little bit we would probably end up kissing, and to be honest, I don’t think I would have minded much if we did.

From behind them someone cleared their throat, and just like that the metaphorical spell over them was broken. They stepped away from each other, blushes evident on both of their faces. “Am I interrupting something?” Elder Athena asked smirking at the two blushing youngsters. “No, Elder Athena.” Leon said still blushing. “We were just talking, and…” “And?” Elder Athena asked raising an eyebrow, and giving him an amused look. Enya cleared her throat before answering for him. “We just got a little caught up in the moment, that’s all.” Then she turned to face Leon again. “I suppose I should be getting home before it gets late. Goodbye Leon.” She said and raised her hand up for a handshake. Leon accepted the gesture and nodded. “Goodbye Enya. I hope we can see each other again sometime.” “I’d like that.” Enya said as she smiled and released Leon’s hand.

Enya followed Elder Athena to a waiting car to be driven home. Before she got in the car, she took one last look back at Leon and waved. Leon waved back and watched as Enya got into the car with Elder Athena and they drove away. He picked his bag up off the ground, shouldered it and started walking back to the FireHeart territory. “Smooth move Leon.” Thorin said chuckling. “You actually almost kissed her back there.” “Shut up Thorin.” Leon said mockingly. “As if you weren’t thinking about it too.” Leon teased back. “Can’t deny that.” Thorin said contentedly. Leon continued walking, quietly pondering the events of the past few hours. Particularly the one he most recently had with Enya.

It was almost nightfall when Leon made it back to the FireHeart pack territory. He nodded at the werewolves patrolling the perimeter as he passed them, and they respectfully lowered their heads to him. He casually walked up to the Pack House, only to find that his father was standing on the porch, waiting for him. “My Alpha.” Leon said bowing his head to his father. “Leon.” His father said nodding at him. “How was your impromptu date with Miss Drago?” He asked, an amused smile on his face.

For a moment, Leon was dumbstruck. Blushing and stuttering like a fool as he insisted that it wasn’t a date. Meanwhile his father was laughing heartily at his reaction. It didn’t help the matter that Thorin was also partaking in laughing at him. Leon covered his face with his hands and groaned loudly. His father stopped laughing and breathed out a happy sigh. He strode over to Leon and hugged him. Leon was surprised for a moment by the sudden gesture, but soon returned his father’s embrace. Still holding him, his father spoke to him. “It’s alright if you like her Leon.” Leon stilled in his father’s embrace, holding his breath as he waited for what his father would say next. “I liked other girls too, before your mother and I presented as mates.” His father said releasing him from the hug, and placing his arm around his shoulders as they walked inside the house. “So even if you like her now, it won’t matter when you find your mate.”

“Thanks dad.” Leon said smiling at his father, though he felt a weight on his heart. “Hey Thorin, do you think it’s possible for Enya to be our mate?” Leon asked feeling a bit down trodden. “Who can say?” Thorin replied. “It’s up to the Goddess to decide.” “Don’t you think it would be great if she was though?” Leon asked. “As appealing as the thought is, I don’t want you to get your hopes up Leon. If the Goddess has chosen Enya as our mate, that’s fine, but don’t be upset if she isn’t.” Thorin said solemnly. “I know Thorin.” Leon said disheartened. “I know.”

But Leon knew he would be upset, and disappointed if Enya didn’t turn out to be his mate. The more he tried to not think about her, the more the memory of her found its way into his mind. Her emerald green eyes shining like jewels as she looked at him. Her hair, still wet from her shower, had a color more reminiscent of dark chocolate rather than its usual milk chocolate. The long tresses flowed down her back like a waterfall, and the shorter strands framed her face beautifully. At one point while she was talking, a lock of hair had brushed by her lips invitingly. Her lips had looked so soft and full, that he wanted nothing more than to get lost in a kiss with her. He wanted to get lost in her in general. Her gentle touch, her honey sweet voice, her strong-willed gaze, her passionate kiss; he wanted it all. He wanted her.