Opposites Attract

Chapter Twenty Seven

We pulled away from each other. He looked at me with sadness and doubtfulness before turning away and walking to help one of his pack members. Many of my old pack members stared at me. I wasn't sure how my old pack thought of me, and I can only hope they're good things.

My human form did not go unnoticed by my pack. I could see many of them sniffing the air and looking at me as if to confirm that the human walking towards them was truly me. Tarkik walked up to me with his tail down and his ear slumped. "How is Honey?" I asked him.

He shook his head. "Not good. She will not leave... his side." My mate couldn't muster up the strength to say his name. Ram's death would impact all parts of our lives for a long time.

I nodded in understanding. "Should I shift?"

"No," he replied. "They need to see you in human form. It'll help them to be more comfortable with it." He paused, thinking for a minute. "Do you think you are going to be ok?"

"Yeah, I do. I feel fine and, though it does feel a little weird to wear clothes again, I feel like my body is complete and right again."

Tarkik smiled slightly at my response. "Good."

"Are you comfortable with my human form?" My eyes scanned his as he thought of a response to my question.

He sat down and inhaled and exhaled deeply. "Yes, I think I am now. At first, it was an adjustment, but, now, I've realized I don't care what form you take. You are my mate and I will always love you."

I sat on the ground and leaned on my mate. Even though it was the first time, I said it without hesitation and it felt natural. "I love you too." He dug his nose into my neck to breathe in my scent. I leaned against his chest and felt his heartbeat against my head. My eyes traveled to his and started to water. He frowned at me, confused on my sudden change in emotion. "I was so scared I'd lose you today."

He licked the top of my head. "When you challenged that stupid alpha, I didn't know what to do. I wanted to fight him with you, but I knew that was your fight. I was terrified of what could have happened."

"I'm sorry I made such a rash decision without much thought. I was selfish because I thought if I fought him alone then at least you won't get hurt."

"I know I would have done the same thing. But, please, don't ever do that again. I c-can't lose you... too."

Tarkik closed his eyes.

"I'll try not to, but if I'm choosing between you and me, you know I will always choose you."

He nodded. "And I would do the same for you." We sat like that for a while, just taking in each other's presence. My nose filled the scent of coffee beans and prairie flowers. His soft fur tickled my exposed skin. My ears listened to his calm, deep breathing. His body radiated heat that I soaked up. My eyes looked up at his face. His eyes stayed closed as I memorized every detail about him. His fur sucked in any light and refused to let it go. It was so dark, yet so beautiful.

He opened his golden eyes and dove into my blue ones. Slowly, his pupils dilated. I noticed how surrounding his pupils was a thin strip of bright yellow before a bright gold hue crashed into the yellow. On the outskirts of his eyes, a deep gold mingled a bronze hue. I could spend all day staring into his eyes and forget about the rest of the world.

"I'd love to do that," Tarkik remarked as he read my thoughts. "But, unfortunately, we have three packs to take care of."

"Way to ruin the moment," I said and stood up.

He snorted. "There will be more moments like those another time."

I nodded and looked out across the battlefield. It was starting to get dark, so we need to start moving people somewhere indoors. I talked to Tarkik and Chase and they agreed. Wolves could stay outside for the night, unless they were injured, then they would be moved inside where they can heal without the cold bothering them. Injured werewolves will also be put inside, but those who are not injured can shift and stay outside for the night as well.

Chase started to talk to his pack and helped get those who were injured inside. Tarkik explained this to his pack and also helped the injured get inside. I talked to the Raw Power Pack's members about the plan and they hesitantly agreed. Eventually, we were able to complete the task just before sunset and left us to the darkness of the night. With no disagreement, all the packs fell asleep surrounded by their packmates, but separate from the other packs.

Honey stayed by Ram's side and wrapped herself around his cold body. I glance at Tarkik before shifting and trotting over to her. "I will not leave him," she warned me. Her eyes glared at me with hurt.

I shook my head. "That was never my intention."

She visibly relaxed, but was still confused as to what I was doing. I laid down next to her and pressed my back into hers. Tarkik laid next to me and leaned into my chest. Blade came over and nuzzled her head against Honey before she laid down as well. "Thank you," Honey whispered. I licked her ear in response before laying my head down and falling asleep.