Trick or Motherfucking Treat

On the morning of Halloween, Raphael didn’t want to part with Fritz. Carmelo was back at home but Raphael had asked him to stay in his room, and he kept Fritz largely in his own. Fritz didn’t want – didn’t feel like he could – see other people yet. But Raphael knew Fritz wouldn’t get better holed up in his room – he needed to see his pack, most importantly. Still, when he woke up that morning, Raphael didn’t want to get out of bed. Fritz was sleeping next to him, dreadlocks spread out on the pillow, eyes closed, mouth slightly parted... his skin was warm from sleep. Raphael knew, because he touched his cheek, brushed his fingers down his neck... it was strange. Raphael wasn’t a wolf. He didn’t get influenced by instincts and scents, like werewolves did. And yet he had this strong, dominant need of protecting Fritz, from everything and anything. There was a second instinct, softer, that Raphael tried to ignore – the in