The crisp mountain air nipped at Vanessa's skin as she strolled towards the side of the mountain, her heart fluttering nervously. She had heard about this secluded place from Vincenzo but had never dared to venture here. This was his private retreat, where his loyal wolves, Rocky and Teddy, roamed freely. She froze in her tracks when she spotted him, standing tall and brooding by the edge of the mountain.
Before she could turn back, his deep, velvety voice called out, "Vanessa."
Caught, she fumbled, "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll leave now."
Before she could take another step, Vincenzo strode toward her, his strong hands finding her waist effortlessly. "Tell me," he murmured, his voice laced with curiosity, "what brought you here?" His fingers grazed her stomach in a tender caress, grounding her.
Vanessa hesitated before mustering the courage to answer. "I came to play with the wolves."
His brow arched, disbelief flickering in his intense gaze. "You came to what?"
"As far as I know," he added, his tone teasing yet protective, "those wolves only like me. Are you sure about this?"
She nodded confidently, her lips curving into a playful smile. "Let's go see them," she said eagerly.
Vincenzo stared at her for a moment, then stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Wait," he whispered before cupping her face and pressing his lips against hers.
"Vincenzo," she murmured, pulling back slightly, her cheeks flushed. "Easy, we're outside."
His grin was mischievous as he leaned in again. "So what?" he whispered, stealing another kiss. She laughed softly and kissed him back, her nerves melting away.
---
As they approached the wolf enclosure, Vincenzo braced himself. He expected growls and snarls to greet the stranger at his side, but instead, Rocky, the sleek black wolf, and Teddy, the snowy white one, perked up with excitement.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked again, narrowing his eyes in skepticism.
"Just open the cage," she urged, her confidence unwavering.
He hesitated, but her unwavering smile made him relent. The moment the cage opened, the wolves bolted—not towards Vincenzo but straight to Vanessa. They circled her, tails wagging and tongues out, licking her hands and nuzzling her as if greeting an old friend.
Vanessa giggled, crouching down to pet them. "Rocky, Teddy," she cooed, "I missed you too."
Vincenzo stood frozen, his mouth slightly agape. "What the hell?" he muttered under his breath, utterly dumbfounded.
When she finally looked up, her face radiant with happiness, his chest tightened. He had never seen her like this before—so carefree, so joyful.
Once the wolves had had their fill of affection from Vanessa, they turned to their master, giving him a less enthusiastic welcome.
"Care to explain how my wolves adore you?" he asked, crossing his arms, his lips twitching in amusement.
Vanessa straightened, brushing her hands on her dress. "Well... before we started dating, I used to sneak up here at night whenever you scolded me or after missions went badly. I'd come and play with them. They're great listeners, you know."
His expression softened as he stepped closer, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "So, you've been stealing their loyalty behind my back?" he teased, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
Rocky suddenly growled softly, his tongue lolling out as he nudged Vanessa again. Before he could lick her face, Vincenzo shot the wolf a warning glare. The creature grumbled, retreating to lie obediently at Vanessa's feet.
Vanessa chuckled, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "Are you jealous of a wolf, Vincenzo?"
"Maybe," he admitted, his voice low and playful. "You're mine."
She shook her head, laughing, as he pulled her closer. "Let's head down. It's getting cold," he said, his tone shifting to one of gentle concern.
Vanessa nodded, giving the wolves one last affectionate pat before they escorted them back to the cage.
---
Back at the base of the mountain, Vanessa felt lighter than she had in days. It wasn't just the wolves or the fresh air—it was him, always finding a way to ease her heart, even in the smallest moments.
As they walked hand in hand, she glanced at Vincenzo, her heart swelling with gratitude. No matter how dark their world got, she realized, with him, she could find moments of light.