5

Reading the book is slow work considering my inability to read books in recent years. Luckily, the trials in this fantasy world manage to suck me right in. Reading about a world so far different than mine seems like such an easy way to live. Of course, it most likely isn't.  

After reading about a quarter of the book, I decide to go talk to Dante about it. I am thrilled to have something to talk to him about that does not make me sound like an innocent child. I might have only met him a day ago but I feel as if every interaction with him has been lacking on my end. Finally, I might be able to converse semi intelligently with him. 

Walking down the hallway I find his office door and go to knock when I hear angry voices. It might be best not to bother him while he is angry, so I go to turn and leave when I hear the words Midnight Coven. The name seems vaguely familiar although I cannot imagine where I have heard it before. It would have had to have been as a child but that was so long ago I cannot place the name.

"I do not care who they think they are, or who they are looking for." Dante practically shouts. "Yes, I understand that they are looking for somebody they consider dangerous. No, I do not have any rogues here. Do you really think I would let a wolf in that might be dangerous to my pack! You do that. I will keep an eye out but if I do not deem someone dangerous, I am not reporting anything. I do not work with witches, I have seen firsthand what they can do when someone crosses them." He slams the phone down with a huff. 

In a much more level voice he calls, " Laina you can come in here. Do not be worried about the call, it is nothing I can't handle."

Hesitantly, I walk in to see him visibly relaxing and smiling to me from behind a mahogany desk. Noticing the book clutched in my hand he nods to it and asks, "How are you liking it so far? It happens to be one of my favorites, although I have not read it in quite some time."

Instead of beginning discussing the book like I had originally planned, I ask, "Who are the Midnight Coven witches?" 

"It is nothing you need to worry about. Just some witches stirring up trouble but there is nothing they can do hear." He replies. "Now, why don't we discuss that book since that is what you originally came for?"

"Ok. Any possibility we can eat too? I have not eaten yet today." I ask. 

"Sure, would you like some pizza?" He asked and at my enthusiastic nod he calls to order a pizza. After he orders the pizza we head out into the rec room to chat about the book until the pizza gets here. 

By the time the pizza arrives we have pretty much exhausted the topic of the book and I am feeling much more relaxed around him. "So what is your favorite part of being a wolf?" I ask him. 

"Hmm.... that is a tough one. I like a lot of it but I guess it is the fact that as a wolf I am so much stronger. Maybe not in muscle strength but definitely in character. I am not sure if that makes sense but I have always felt blessed to have the wolf side of me." He says. 

I can relate deeply having practically lived solely as a wolf in my recent past. "I understand that. If I hadn't been a wolf I would have never survived the past few years. There is no way I would have survived the cold or gotten food when I needed. My instincts as a wolf definitely made a huge difference to how my life might have been otherwise." I relate. 

"I am sure that being able to turn into a cardinal has helped you greatly as well. You never told me how you can do that by the way. I have never seen any other wolf be able to accomplish such a feat." He queries. 

Great, now I am not only a freak that has lived in the woods for years but I am also the freak that can turn into a bird. "Um. I am not exactly sure. I do not even know how long I have been doing it for but when I found it necessary to hide it just kind of happened. I know it might seem like I am a freak and all but it just came natural to me when I needed it to." I tried to explain. 

"You do not seem like a freak to me. In fact, your ability to survive on your own is nothing short of astounding to me. Yes, most wolves can survive in the woods for years but not alone or at such a young age. If you do not mind me asking, why have you been alone?" He asks. 

With my mother's words echoing in my ears I reply, "I am sorry. I can't. I promised that I would not tell anyone but my mate."

"Well then, let us hope that your birthday will bring the relief that we both need and that you will remain safe from now on." He said with a knowing smile. 

Looking outside I find that it is getting dark which seems like a perfect excuse to stray from this topic. "Why have you not found a mate before now? You have a large pack and you seem to be well respected so surely you have had to have felt that pull with somebody else before?" I ask. 

His smile seems to get more gentle as he replies, "I am sure that I have been waiting for the perfect one. The one chosen for me. As of yet, I am officially unmated but I have the feeling I will be a mated wolf soon."

"Oh! That sounds fantastic. I hope you do. You have been so nice to me. Your mate will be just as awesome as you are" I say trying not to let the unexpected jealousy lace my voice. "I am beginning to tire though, so I think I will head to bed for the night. 

Getting up and quickly walking to the stairs I am surprised when Dante follows me to my room. "Good night Laina. I hope you have a great night and find everything you hope for soon." He says as we reach my room. Turning to say goodnight back, I am surprised when he leans in and kisses my forehead. 

Stepping back hastily I say, "Goodnight to you too Dante. Thank you for the last couple of days. They have been better than any dream." I flee into my room, close the door and try not to think on my conflicting emotions as I head to bed.