Chapter 3

I nodded and snuggled closer into his arms. I didn't understand why, but I felt so good, safe for once in my life.

Man: Do you know your age?

Angel: No,

I replied with a resigned sigh.

Man: How long has he been giving you the treatment?

I thought to remember how long…

Angel: It started two winters ago, a few days before the first snow, a few days before the autumn equinox, I think.

Man: So that makes two years! You must be about twenty, that's good, it's not too late…

I didn't understand.

Angel: Too late?

Man: He didn't teach you anything, did he?

My eyes filled with tears, I signaled no.

Man: It's alright, Angel. Not all wolves manifest at eighteen. Sometimes, a person can wait until they're twenty-one to have their wolf. It's rare, but it happens.

Angel: And... what happens if... at twenty-one, the person doesn't have a wolf?

I saw him smile gently.

Man: We'll discuss that later. I need to check a few details. But what I do know is that the later the first transformation, the more painful it is.

I swallowed hard as I looked at him. Hadn't I suffered enough already?

Man: I'm sorry, Angel. I wish I had found you sooner...

He sighed and continued,

Man: When the Moon Goddess appeared to me in a dream to tell me that my companion was in grave danger, I... I searched everywhere for you, but... I couldn't find you. Now I know why.

He tightened his embrace around me.

Man: Goodness, I didn't know you, I still don't know you, but I knew I had to find you no matter what. My angel, we'll discover who you are together, okay?

I nodded and buried my nose in his neck. I felt him laugh.

Man: Are you sniffing me, Angel?

I felt myself blushing to the tips of my hair. Goodness, that's what I was doing, wasn't it?

Man: What does my scent remind you of?"

The question surprised me. Why was he asking?

Man: To me, you smell like autumn, the scent of fertile earth being plowed after harvesting the vegetables. For me, it's a comforting smell because it's a sign of prosperity. So, what do I smell like to you?

Angel: Well... I imagine I must smell like that to everyone, right?

Man: No, my angel, to others you probably don’t feel anything special, but to me, your companion, you feel this good, fertile earth.

I looked at him incredulously, then whispered,

Angel: A coniferous forest in spring, a sign of renewal, hope, and freedom.

He smiled at me, his face softening, before kissing me on the tip of my nose.

Man: Come on, Angel, it’s time to eat.

He got out of bed, carried me in his arms as if I were a feather, and took me into a small kitchen where he gently placed me on a chair. He took two dishes from the oven, which had been keeping warm, and brought them to the table, placing one in front of me and lifting the cloche. The plate before me brought tears to my eyes; it contained a piece of red meat, accompanied by buttered potatoes and grilled green vegetables. Everything smelled divine. I felt my body tremble; I was hungry. The effect of the liquid he had given me earlier was beginning to wear off, but old fear reflexes were taking over again. What would I have to do if I ate? He sat down next to me and gently stroked my cheek. Instinctively, I pressed my cheek against his hand, which made him smile.

Man: You have nothing to do but eat. Nothing is expected in return, and you will never again be asked for anything in exchange for food. You are my companion, and it is my duty to take care of you.

Angel: I… I don’t…

I sighed, shocked at myself. I was afraid of everything: afraid to speak, afraid of being hit, whipped, tortured. I had to pull myself together and learn my new reality. I looked up at him and saw that he was gazing at me tenderly.

Angel: I don’t feel our connection yet, but… a part of me knows… I… I’m… sorry… I… what’s your name?

He burst out laughing and took my hand to his full lips.

Alexander: My name is Alexander, but my friends call me Alex.

Angel: Alexander… I like that name. Thank you for coming to save me.

He smiled gently at me, and I had the fleeting feeling that all my worries vanished.

Alexander: Eat now, or it'll get cold.

I took my first bite of meat. The beef was cooked to perfection, slightly pink. It felt like it was melting in my mouth, and I moaned with pleasure. Realizing what I'd done, I bit my lower lip and risked a glance at Alexander. He was eating slowly, smiling. Suddenly, I heard his voice in my head.

Alexander: Hmm, I love hearing you moan with pleasure.

I nearly choked on my mouthful and stared at him, stunned. His voice was still in my head; his words had sounded so sensual, good heavens…

Angel: Xander, please, let me get used to all this, it’s…

Alexander: Sorry, my angel.

I squinted at him. He looked anything but sorry; he even seemed rather happy…

Angel: Please, it’s all so new to me. I mean, just yesterday I thought I’d never have a wolf, never a mate, and then you came along. I mean, apart from what I saw at the Domain, I…

I sighed, finally admitting the obvious.

Angel: … I know nothing about the world, about wolves, about the Gift. I didn’t even know you could…

I gestured from him to me and back again.

Angel: …that you could speak to me like that's it just...