-Earlier that Week, Tuesday evening -
Malik
Heaven—that's all I could think as I snapped out of my sleep and smelled her. Her beautiful scent tickled my senses, sending them into overdrive. I looked over at her. Stunning. She slowly approached, and I stood up carefully as we gazed into each other's eyes. I walked over to her and settled myself into the plush grass. She sat herself beside me, and I happily laid my head in her lap. She started mindlessly petting my head, her hand rubbing the sweet spot between my ears. We sat for a good while before she lay back and rested her upper body against mine. I heard her breathing slow as she drifted off into a restful sleep. I closed my eyes too and let myself succumb to peace as I fell asleep.
I reacted quickly as I heard her scream, jumping into a protective stance. How could I have been in such a deep sleep that I did not sense danger? There, on the other side of the waterfall, stood my dad's large black wolf. She scrambled up, shielding herself with me. I stood tall, protecting her. "So, this is where you've been. In such a deep heavenly sleep you both could have been killed," he barked. "Father, please, you're scaring her," I pleaded. He scoffed, jumping over the small river and landing half in the water. "Take her home. Then come back immediately," he scolded. His face looked pained as my father fought the wolf off. He somehow gained control, and I watched as his face went from displeasure to pure joy. "She's beautiful, son," he said happily, trotting over.
I nudged Audra, silently letting her know it was okay. She seemed to get the message, as she stepped out from behind me, cautiously approaching my dad. He placed his large head under her small and dainty hand as a smile widened across her face, her happiness radiating around us. "What do you think, Dad? She's wonderful. We met for the first time today. I know she felt the spark; I could see it in her eyes as she looked at me." He grinned and playfully danced around her. She giggled slightly as she reached her hand out toward him. Our moment was cut short as we spotted a rogue coming for us.
I reacted quickly this time and bent down, urging her to get on my back. She understood and situated herself between my shoulder blades, tugging slightly at my neck fur to stabilize herself. My dad fought off the rogue, snarling and whimpering sounding behind us as I raced back toward her house. Once there, I set her down on her porch. She looked back at me before she headed inside, fear stricken across her face once more. I looked at her worriedly and sat underneath her window until dawn. "Malik, it's time to come home now," I heard my father say. "I'll be there soon," I responded. I headed back toward the castle, my worry for her growing, but I knew I'd be able to see her again on Saturday. Ajax had invited me to the mall with them.
---
Seven months later...
It was now the end of school. I was graduating high school in a few days, and I was sad I would not get to see Audra anymore. She hung out with Isla almost every day, but not me specifically—I was always the tagalong. I stared at her as she ate, only breaking my gaze when Ajax nudged me. "Why don't you just ask her out? You're meant to be together. I'm sure she feels the connection too. I mean, I've caught her staring at you multiple times," Ajax mentioned. I shook my head. "I can't. What if she says no? I'll be heartbroken," I said cautiously.
He stared at Isla for a second, talking through mind link, I assumed. She smiled wickedly. "So, Audra, ever think about dating?" she asked, a hint of evilness in her tone. Oh, you will pay for that, lovebirds. I scowled. "Um, yeah, I guess. There is someone I think is kind of cute. I'm too scared to ask him out though," she said nervously, smiling, her eyes flickering to mine. "Well, the end-of-year party is coming up. Maybe he'll ask you," Isla chirped. "Oh, I doubt it. He's way too out of my league," she said shyly, looking down at her hands.
Ajax elbowed me and nodded his head toward her. I glared at him, trying to make my eyes burn a hole through his dumb head. I sighed. "I'll do it after school, before she goes home," I said to everyone through mind link, defeated. They all wore victorious smiles as we finished up lunch. We headed to our next classes, and the end of the day rolled around much quicker than I was ready for. I gulped a lump of nerves down as I caught up to her. "Hey, Audra. Wait up," I hollered after her, weaving in between the crowd of students. She stopped and whipped around to look at me, our eyes meeting. She smiled softly and pointed outside the door. I nodded and met her outside. The bustle of the students was gone.
She looked down at her feet nervously and cautiously looked up, meeting my gaze. Analyzing her, I thought back to what she said to me at the waterfall. Our moment at the fair. She has to say yes, right? "Audra, I... I really like you. Did—did you maybe want to be my date to the end-of-year dance?" I asked, fumbling over my words. Her lips pulled into a smile as she nodded her head yes. "Oh my God, yes! I never thought you'd ask," she said giddily, jumping slightly. I smiled happily and embraced her into a hug. Sparks flew as we made contact, and she rested her head on my chest as I breathed in every moment I could.
A car horn beeped, ruining it. I scowled, annoyed. "I've got to go. My brother is waiting for me," she said, pulling away. No, please don't go yet, I wanted to say, but instead, I smiled. "See you tomorrow, Audra," I said, waving goodbye. She waved back and disappeared into the truck. "Way to go, dude!" Ajax said, emerging from behind a tree, punching my arm playfully. A grin formed on my face as I recounted our hug. "Let's go home. I've got to get a new suit," I said as nonchalantly as I could. Ajax rolled his eyes, and we headed off toward home.