An icy wind blows past me, ruffling my hair and indicating that winter was really beginning. I can't help but smile, because this is the best time of the year, Triton soon notices my joy and blows lightly in my ear, I shiver and growl softly at him. -
I found a new hobby. - he laughs. - Tease you, Kristine.
And once again I feel like my name was pronounced very well, I find myself looking at their lips and I can't stop imagining what it would be like to be kissed by them, anywhere on my body.
I blush and compose myself, I look ahead and see that we've already left the center, thankfully, because all that fuss was irritating me.
And I notice that Triton is also more relaxed, his not very wide shoulders are kind of loose, his arms are thrown at his sides and the only thing keeping them still are his hands that are in the front pockets of his pants.
I hear a bark and smell a familiar smell, I stop and look back, it's the puppy from that night, but now he's on a leash and has an owner, a blond man who looks forty, tall and chubby.
As soon as he notices me, the dog barks and wags its tail, I nod and smile, his owner smiles and waves, probably thought I was talking to him.
I turn around and leave, I just watch until they turn a corner, then I look ahead again and see Triton watching the moon, I get closer and notice how beautiful his eyes are, as well as his face.
I blush when he realizes I'm watching him.
"The moon is very beautiful today," he smiles.
I blink twice as he stares at me, this time there's no malice in his gaze and, in a way, there's gentleness. I look away and stare at the moon, it's really beautiful, eye-catching as my aunt would say.
Before I give one of those nostalgic smiles of mine, I notice something wrong with my body, I lose my strength and fall to my knees, I hear the noise of my bag fall and I feel my forehead touch the ground, my nails scratch the floor as my legs shift and adjust to the new shape, I am about to lose control, then Triton rocks me while holding my shoulders.
I force my head up, I can only hear him and my vision is terrible.
"You can control it, you know you can.
No, I can't. My human part, which until yesterday was stronger in me, affirms incessantly. I bite my lip, the taste of blood invades my mouth reminding me of who I really am.
I scream when my back cracks, twinges of pain make me lose my mind, my vision is blurry, and my skin feels like it's coming out of me.
I feel her being stretched and pulled, my nails are starting to turn into claws.
"Kristine!" Triton's voice is right in front of me. "You can't give up, you have to accept the wolf that lives in you and live in harmony with her!"
Living in harmony with a wild animal? Another bone breaking, I scream and feel my teeth turn into sharp canines. My body shudders and I'm about to give up, but as soon as I hear Triton scream my name, I'm reminded of how much fun I had this afternoon as a wolf.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, Triton kept screaming my name, it's so nice to know that someone cares about me... Before I know it, I'm smiling because it doesn't hurt anymore, and I'm still in human form.
"I knew I could do it," he says as my vision returns to normal.-
What can I say? - I joke. - I had a great teacher.
And beautiful too, but I keep that to myself. He stretches out his hand helping me up, he is strong and I easily get up.
I grab my bag and pull out my cell phone, midnight past fifteen, it's been a long time since I've had such a busy and fun night, I sigh as I remember that tomorrow is Monday and that I have college.
-Triton.
I call out to him as we walk slowly.
"Yes?" he says when he realizes I haven't said anything yet.
- Do you work? He doesn't
respond right away, so I dare to look at him, but he doesn't even notice it because he's focused on the path.
"It's kind of hard to work when you have to go out to do some board errands, but someone has to pay my bills, right?"
He stops and I notice that we are in the abandoned park, where the third victim was attacked, I walk slowly to get to where the wolf was when I saw him.-
It was here. - I point out, even if it wasn't accurate, Triton must have already smelled the wolf. - And where do you work, when do you work?
- It smells terrible. - makes a disgusted face. - Well... I always work in the same company and I don't get as long as the board doesn't fill me up. - He rubs his nose, apparently this smell bothers him too.
- It's a different way of living. - I say and turn to leave.
We leave the playground and the smell is gradually removing from my nostrils, I take a deep breath feeling the aroma of nuts and smile, it is so delicious that it gets addictive.
"Do you work?" he asks, takes a quick look at me, and then looks away.- I
used to work, but I'm looking for a job. - sigh. "But I'm finishing college this year." - I mean seriously.
- Interesting, college of what?
-Chemical engineering.
"Good luck in the last year," he smiles and I see that amused expression on his face. - I did Electric, after five years our mind and body get a little tired, but we have to keep the pace.
"I've been told that," I comment. "And I hope I'm ready."
- You look strong and determined, I'm sure you're ready.
I'm so happy to hear someone trust me as Judely did, that I can't hide my joy in my response.
-Thanks.
We were already on my street when he stops and turns to me.
"Last year, right?" he asks, looking at me.
- The college? Yes, why? - I feel confused.
"You know you can come to our pack whenever you want. - he states. - It would be really nice to have you there. - smiles.
And I don't know why, but my heart quickens, blushes and looks away.
"I don't know if I want to go there," I say. - And also, I'm terrible at paths, I would never get there alone.
- You'll have a whole year to think. He lifts my chin and looks me in the eyes. "And I can come and get you."
Now, so closely, I can see what is different about his eyes from Bryan's, I'm attracted to this strong caramel, not smooth like Bryan's, Triton's are more intense and remind me of a wolfish feeling, a kind of wild feeling.
I feel a shiver, he manages to move my body in a weird but good way. He smiles mischievously and gives me a kiss on the forehead, it's so silly, but enough to make me happy, at least for an instant. However, I remember him talking about his hookups.
"I'm not going to be a hobby for you." I walk back and hear him follow me.
"Do you really think I just want to take you to bed?" he sighs and walks beside me.
I don't answer, it's obvious that he just wants sex, why else would he be so kind and loving to a girl he just met. There's also the fact that I'm a newbie, easily influenced by him.
"Kristine, listen to me." He stops in front of me, barring my passage.
I look at him, my eyes must be on fire, I feel ashamed and angry.
- Why do you think I only want to have sex with you?
"You've told me about your hookups and I think you've given great signs that I'm just a hobby," I say, emphasizing hookups and pastime.
"How stubborn you are!" he raises his voice.
For a moment I'm scared, because his scent tells him he's angry, but he takes a deep breath and calms down.
- I'm not the kind you're thinking of. - he comments. - I'll explain further, it's true that I don't date them, but I get with the girls, only I didn't date any of them and I always liked all the girls I hooked up with. - He fiddles with his hair, looks kind of embarrassed.
- But that looks like dating.
- For humans it's dating, only with us it's different, there's no commitment like dating.
I'm totally confused.
- I'll get better. - he explains. - While I stay with a girl, she may very well be with another one on the same day. Just like I can too, not that I've ever done it, because I hate this thing of two or more and when I like one person it's a single woman.I
look at him in bewilderment and maybe I've exaggerated a bit.
- I'm sorry for judging you. I say awkwardly and I'm afraid he's mad at me.-
You don't have to apologize. - he smiles and I feel relieved. - I didn't explain myself properly.
"But why are you telling me all this?"
We continue to stand still and I see that he is blushing, it's little, but I notice.
- It's something you still don't understand. He walks over and runs his hand over my cheek. - When you're older, maybe a year from now when you finish college and come to join the pack, you'll understand.
"Can't you explain it to me now?" I ask, pouting.
"Maybe later," he jokes. "But not today, you have to sleep to go to college tomorrow, am I right?"
Yikes, college! I nod and he removes his hand from my cheek, and I'm disappointed that I don't feel his touch anymore. We walked to my house in silence, him watching the moon and me looking at the ground, I feel small and naïve.
We are already on the street from my house when I smell two familiar smells, I don't even need to look to know that Bryan and Felipe are in front of us, I raise my head and see Bryan stare at me and then at Triton while Felipe is with his arms crossed, observing the scene.
"I didn't tell you she changed you. - Felipe comments quietly, but I listened to him.
Bryan ignores him and comes towards me, walks straight past Triton without even looking at him and stops in front of me.
"So, is this guy who's been bothering you?" he points at Triton, still not looking at him.
Triton turns around, ignoring the accusation and just watches, I'm afraid he wants to fight, the two of them wouldn't stand a chance against him.
- What are you talking about? - I widen my eyes. - Does this have anything to do with me being weird? Do you think it's Triton's fault?
"Triton, isn't it?" Bryan turns and faces him. - Leave her alone!
And before I can stop him, Bryan punches Triton in the face, he doesn't dodge and I think it was on purpose so he could get back at him. I
see a smile form on Triton's lips and fear for Bryan, I put myself in the middle of the two, but Triton doesn't seem to want a fight.
"What are you doing?" I push Bryan away from Triton.
- Felipe told me that you ran out of the restaurant when you were having lunch with this one. Bryan grits his teeth.
- Ah, but did Felipe tell you why?
I'm so angry that I could give Felipe a flying shot.
"He said this guy was bothering you. - he said, now calmer.
- So, your friend has been lying to you. Triton comments. - Kristine did run, but it was because your little friend there was teasing her while talking about you.
Could it have been more shameful? Now Bryan is staring at me with an apologetic look, but I can't just forgive him. And before anyone else can ruin my night I shout,
"That's enough!"
The three of them look at me in amazement.
- It's late, I have college tomorrow and if you don't have anything to do it's not my problem! - Stomp the floor. - Excuse me, I'm going home! I
pass by them all and none of them dare to stop me or talk to me, it's better that way, I think. When I'm already inside the house and with the door locked, that's when the tears come, still leaning against the door I cry and hope that this confused feeling goes away.
Finally, I wipe away my tears and go to my room, put on my pajamas and throw myself on the bed, I'm so exhausted that I fall asleep quickly.