At that moment, Laura also rubbed her eyes and woke up.
Suddenly, their eyes met. Laura stared blankly at the man before her. He was very handsome—handsomer even than foreign male models she’d seen—his gaze deep, his features sharp, his muscles firm, though now he lay weakly before her.
Derek also clearly saw his little wife for the first time. In wolf aesthetics, Laura was very beautiful. Her skin was smooth and fair, her long hair slightly curled. She was more beautiful than any plant on the beast continent. Her round bright eyes were impossible not to look at, yet he hardly dared.
Like the legendary Moon Goddess, Derek thought.
The big gray wolf had woken up. Honestly, Laura had been very nervous at first, she’d even mentally prepared a suicide note. But when she saw the scene before her, she suddenly relaxed.
Because she saw that this seemingly calm, composed wolf actually reddened around the eyes under her gaze. He looked flustered, as if wanting to hide somewhere, yet unable to move, only able to secretly tug at the animal skin on the ground to cover his bare chest.
Laura was curious—was he… shy?
But here, wasn’t it normal for males to go bare-chested? Could he be a very shy and sensitive wolf?
Laura didn’t know how scorching her gaze felt to Derek. His whole body burned, yet he couldn’t help straightening his chest, wanting to display his proud masculine strength—only to realize he was still badly injured and his thin body wasn’t attractive at all.
The wolf was about to cry when Laura finally stepped forward.
“Mr. Big Gray Wolf, why don’t you eat first? It’ll get cold later.”
As she spoke, Laura mentally labeled him as shy and sensitive. Somehow, she didn’t feel as afraid anymore.
“I can do it myself.”
The wolf’s voice was unexpectedly low and clear. Laura nodded. Thinking he might be blind, she thoughtfully placed the bowl into his hand.
The faint contact as she let go made the big gray wolf burn all over again, nearly dropping the bowl.
“I’m sorry. I moved in here without asking last night. But don’t worry, I definitely won’t hurt you. I brought dried meat, and when I cook, I can share it with you. Please don’t drive me away, okay? Or… at least wait until the snow season is over before you chase me out.”
Laura only wanted permission to stay, but the sensitive wolf completely misunderstood.
She wanted to leave? She didn’t like it here and wanted to find Gray Wolf instead?
Of course—his place was poor and broken, and he himself was ugly. Plus, she liked that Gray Wolf so much…
Blow after blow crushed Derek’s self-esteem. Even his spiritual wolf ears drooped weakly.
“It’s fine. You can stay.”
For a lifetime would be fine too.
Derek added in his heart.
But he knew it was impossible. She would go to the big gray wolf one day.
Hearing his agreement, Laura smiled, and somehow, she found the courage to exchange names.
“My name is Laura. What about you?”
Laura. Such a nice, clean-sounding name.
“Derek.”
After saying this, Derek fell silent again. He disliked how his voice sounded now. He felt disfigured already; if his
voice was unpleasant too, he would surely be despised even more.
He had to at least remain a cold, aloof wolf.
Laura thought to herself.
Derek listened to Laura as she talked. She talked a lot—from how she came here, to how much she had suffered on the way, to the fact that she could actually cook many delicious things, just that there were no ingredients now.
Derek listened quietly the whole time, looking at Laura with his good eye. His gaze was focused and strangely loyal.
That look alone made Laura’s desire to talk explode.
When she finally came back to herself, Derek had already finished eating and was still holding his bowl.
Seeing this, Laura quickly smiled awkwardly and took the bowl back.
“Sorry… did I talk too much?”
Her roommate had also said she was quite the chatterbox.
But Derek didn’t find it annoying at all.
“No. It was interesting.”
Laura: “…”
This big gray wolf sure knew how to coax people.
Their time together in the cave was unexpectedly harmonious, and Laura slowly figured out the wolf’s
personality.
Mm. Surprisingly cute and sensitive!
Once you get used to someone, it gets easier. This time, Laura was already skilled at melting salt stone in hot water to rinse her mouth before starting to cook.