You're a beautiful wolf

Everything hit her like a freight train. The feelings were too much, too fast.

“Alright, everyone, give her some room,” Bram said, as if he’d plucked the thought right out of her head. “I’ll take you to your room. We kept it untouched, no one’s been allowed in since you left.”

“Thanks, Bram,” Dahlia replied.

He fumbled with an old key before finally unlocking the door. Dahlia stepped inside, her eyes scanning the space. Bits of memories trickled back, some faint, others sharp and uneasy.

“Hopefully this jogs a few things loose,” Bram said, watching her carefully.

Dahlia moved to the dresser, her fingers brushing over a small wooden horse. She picked it up, holding it gently.

“I made that for you,” a boy’s voice echoed in her mind. “Happy birthday!”

“Thank you, Bram. It’s lovely,”

She pulled him into a hug. “I remember this. You gave it to me for my birthday.”

He hugged her back, his grip firm. “I’m glad you’re starting to remember, Dahlia. But let’s get some air, this is a lot to process all at once.”

“Can you read minds or something?” she asked, glancing up at him with a faint smile.

He chuckled. “Nah, I just…never mind. No, I can’t read minds.”

Bram's fingers found hers, leading her outside into the cool evening air.

Their footsteps fell in rhythm as they wandered the snowy grounds without speaking. When he suddenly halted, Dahlia nearly bumped into him.

The kiss caught her off-guard, sending a flutter of warmth through her core.

When he pulled back, his gaze locked with hers.

Dahlia answered by rising on her toes to meet his lips again, feeling his arms tighten around her waist.

When she finally broke away, her breath came quick and shallow.

"Bold," she whispered with a smile, then turned and walked ahead, leaving him momentarily stunned behind her, then broke into a run.

When she glanced back, the path was empty.

Dahlia halted, confused, until she spotted a large, silvery-gray wolf bounding toward her. She was laughing as he closed the distance.

In a flash, he caught up, his strong paws pinning her gently to the snow.

“You’re a beautiful wolf, Bram,” she murmured, her hands sinking into the fur around his neck.

Then he shifted, bare above her, and kissed her softly.

Her hands traced the warmth of his skin, his own sliding slowly along her body. Dahlia’s eyes fluttered shut, but just as quickly, he pulled away, stood, and walked off.

The sun blinded her as she rose, scanning the area. “Where’d you go?” she whispered.

“Right here,” his voice teased in her ear, his arms wrapping around her.

She turned to face him. “How’d you do that so fast?”

“Practice,” he said, grinning. “Lots of it.”

Dahlia stepped back, brow furrowed. Why am I disappointed? I don’t even care about him, she thought. But the image of Bram, naked, kissing her, lingered in her mind.

She let out a frustrated scream, stomping her feet in the snow.

“Something wrong?” Bram asked, his grin annoyingly perfect.

That damn smile, Dahlia thought. It’s infuriating.

“No, nothing’s wrong, Bram. Just a bit hungry,” she said, avoiding his gaze.

He took her hand, pressed a quick kiss to it, and they headed back toward the pack house.

Cubs tumbled in the snow out front, rushing over to cling to them as they walked. The pack paused, watching the scene unfold until Bram waved them off, sending them back to their tasks.

After a while, Dahlia got up and went inside. A flicker of memory surfaced, her mom lifting her as a child, handing her a small wreath to hang on the wall. The kiss on her cheek made her giggle.

“Dahlia?” Bram’s voice snapped her back to the present.

She blinked at him, then they sat down to eat. His eyes lingered on her as she picked at her food.

“You need more protein,” he said, dropping another piece of meat onto her plate.

“Thanks,” she muttered, not looking up.

When she finished, Bram reached over, his hand brushing hers. “Talk to me. What’s on your mind?”

You, she wanted to say. Instead, she shrugged. “Nothing, really.”

After dinner, she wandered outside and sat on a bench, watching the pups play. Someone was building a large fire as the sun dipped lower.

“Mind if I join?” Bram asked, gesturing to the spot beside her. She nodded, and he took her hand. They walked toward the fire, the pack gathering around.

Shirtless men emerged, circling each other in a display of strength. Bram leaned in. “Showing off,” he explained. They’ll fight”

Then Ganh stepped forward, heading straight for them. Dahlia’s hand tightened.

“I challenge you, Alpha,” Ganh said, his smile sharp.

Bram raised an eyebrow. “Really? Alright.” He stood, and Dahlia followed.

He handed her his jacket and sweater. That’s when she noticed the tattoos over his muscles.

The smell of him clung to his clothes now that she held them close. Dahlia grabbed his arm as he turned to leave. “Good luck,” she murmured. He kissed her lightly, flashing that grin of his before stepping away. She took a seat, her eyes tracking the fight as Ganh lunged, only for Bram to block and counter with ease. Ganh’s frustration grew as the pack roared for their alpha. An elderly woman settled beside Dahlia, her weathered hand brushing hers. “I’ve missed you, child,” she said softly. “You were the heart of this pack once. That light’s still there, bring it back.” With that, she rose and disappeared into the crowd just as Bram landed the final blow.

He strode back, his expression hard, and didn’t bother with his shirt. Instead, he took Dahlia’s hand and led her straight into the main house, pushing into his bedroom.

“I can sleep in my room,” Dahlia offered.

“No,” he said, tossing her one of his shirts. “You’re staying here. I need to keep an eye on you.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Where are you sleeping?”

He stepped closer, his voice low. “Next to you. Don’t worry, I won’t touch you. Promise.”

She slipped the shirt on, drowning in the fabric, and climbed under the covers. Sleep took her quickly, but Bram stayed awake, his thoughts racing. Why had Ganh challenged him? And why had Dahlia’s hand tightened when he approached? Did she remember something?