19

ANNABELLE.

I'm pulled out of a deep sleep by the soft touch of a callous hand being ran through my thick fur. It doesn't feel threatening. And in my mindless state I rub my snout into its warmth and let out a huff, stretching my limbs until a satisfactory crack resounds.

An almost melodious chuckle follows. A few more rustling and I feel someone's body heat pressing against me, he's leaning against the tree. His hand not seizing its movements, it glides across my back to my ears. Then I hear his voice, in a delicate whisper. "Beautiful little wolf."

My Soulmark glows as he touches my ears again and I try to shuffle away. Resistant to the feel of our bond strengthening the longer he touches me. I sense his solemness as he notes how I keep backing away. Still pretending to be asleep but he doesn't need to know that.

"Why can't you always be like this...." His hesitancy makes me thinks twice before I let out an almost unidentified growl as he finishes his words. "Serene."

I want to take