Page 25 of Spike

"And how do you know Juan and those other bear shifters?" I prodded, curious about Spike's connections.

Spike gave me a curious look before replying, "Aren't you full of questions today?"

"Sorry, am I being too much?" I asked, feeling a bit self-conscious about my curiosity.

"Nah," Spike reassured me with a smile. "It's easy talking to you, even easier than Nitro. It's nice."

"I can keep your secrets," I assured him. "It's not like I have anyone to spill them to."

As soon as I said those words, I felt a little sad and pathetic. Spike reached across the table, taking my hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I appreciate that," he said softly, his eyes meeting mine.

Spike took a deep breath, his gaze distant as if he was revisiting painful memories.

"It's not a story I often share," he began, his voice low and measured. "Austin was more than a friend to me. He was like a brother."

I leaned in, sensing the weight of his words. "What happened?"

Spike hesitated, his jaw tightening as he recalled the events.

"We skipped school that day and went out hunting, just the two of us. Austin spotted a deer and went after it. I warned him to be careful, but he didn’t care.”

I listened intently, imagining the scene unfold before me.

“We realize too late that a rabid shifter had entered our hunting grounds,” Spike continued, his voice strained with emotion.

Spike's words hung heavy in the air as the weight of the tragic event settled between us.

I could almost feel the tension radiating from him as he recounted the harrowing experience.

"Did... did Austin make it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, dreading the answer.

Spike's expression darkened, a mixture of sorrow and guilt flashing across his features.

"I tried to reach him in time, but the shifter was too fast," he confessed, his voice choked with emotion. "By the time I got there, it was too late..."

A lump formed in my throat as I absorbed the magnitude of Spike's loss.

"I'm so sorry, Spike," I murmured, reaching out to place a comforting hand on his arm.

Spike nodded, his eyes clouded with sorrow. "It's a day I'll never forget," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

Spike gave me a small nod of appreciation before continuing, "Losing Austin shattered me. It made me question everything—my loyalty to the clan, my place in the world."

"And that's when you left?" I prompted gently.

Spike nodded, his gaze returning to mine. "I couldn't stay there, surrounded by reminders of what I had lost. So, I set out on my own, searching for a new purpose,” he said.

I felt a pang of sympathy for Spike, understanding the pain of losing someone so integral to your life.

"Thank you for sharing that with me," I said softly.

Spike offered me a grateful smile, the weight of his burden seeming to lighten with each word spoken.

"It feels good to finally open up about it," he admitted.

"Can I give you a hug?" I asked, thinking that an embrace might be what he needed.

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