Page 15 of Protected By the Wolven

I don’t know what the next ninety days will bring, but I’m all in. Zoya deserves a chance at happiness, safety, and love. And damn if I don’t want to be the one to give it to her.

One pierogi at a time.

Chapter Fourteen

Zoya

The late morning sunlight streams through the windows as Lash and I finish our breakfast, the comforting aroma of coffee and syrup lingering in the air. Miska prances around our feet, her tail wagging with excitement.

“I was thinking,” Lash says, leaning back in his chair, “before we head to the Naga Community Center, why don’t we take Miska to the park nearby? She could use some playtime, and it’s a beautiful day.”

“What’s at the Community Center?” It’s so thrilling that Lash has given our day so much thought. Max never wanted to do more than have me cook for him and “claim his husbandly rights,” as he used to put it.

“I think you’ll love it. That’s all I’m going to say.”

A small smile plays at his lips. I’m learning his moods. When he’s neutral, or pleased, the tips of his upper fangs peek out between his lips. When he’s happy or angry, the lower fangs are also on display. I’m still learning the difference between his threatening face and when he’s in a good mood.

“A surprise! That sounds perfect.” I smile, my heart warming at his thoughtfulness.

After stopping at the little grocery store inside the fenced Zone to buy a ball, we’re strolling through the small park, Miska bounding ahead, her little legs a blur. Lash tosses the ball, sending Miska into a frenzy of joyful yips and leaps.

I can’t help but laugh as I watch Lash play with her, his strong form crouched, his tail wagging in sync with Miska’s. There’s a lightheartedness to him here, a playful side that makes my heart flutter.

He looks up, catching my gaze. His grin is infectious. “Want a turn?” He holds out the ball, his silver eyes sparkling.

I join in, and soon we’re both breathless with laughter, taking turns tossing the ball for an ecstatic Miska. It’s a simple moment, but one filled with a joy I haven’t felt in longer than I can remember.

Though I’ve only known Lash a few days, I sometimes forget how different he is from me. Now, though, as he bounds across the grass, his furred tail wagging, the hair at the tips of his pointedears translucent in the sun, the noises coming from deep in his chest more like animal yips than human words, it’s hard not to notice how… Other he is.

Instead of terrifying me or making me want to run in the other direction, I find him all the more attractive. Maybe it’s the way his wolven form is so masculine, or perhaps it’s just that he’s the nicest male I’ve ever spent time with.

You thought Max was a good man when you first met him, too, Zoya.I caution myself.Go slow. Stay safe.

As the sun sets, I wonder where the day has gone. I guess I can track the time: I rose late, cooked at my leisure, we played at the park with Miska, then swung on the swings as we talked about our childhoods. The discussion was tense, though neither of us mentioned it.

It was obvious that both of us were sharing only good memories, keeping the bad ones hidden inside for a time when we trust each other more.

After a quick purchase of roasted turkey legs from an orc street vendor, we’re finally on our way to the Naga community center. The happiness of the day with Lash buoys my steps. The distant rhythm of music and drumming draws us closer, promising wonder.

Stepping inside, I’m immediately transported. The hall is transformed into a shimmering oasis, with a shallow pool at its center, surrounded by lush foliage and intricate woodencarvings on thick wooden columns. Is this like his home place, An’Wa?

“Lash, this is magical,” I whisper, awestruck.

He smiles, pride evident in his voice as he explains the nagas’ resourcefulness in creating this sanctuary. I trail my fingers over the carved column of the naga goddess J’Dess, marveling at the artistry.

The room is filled with so many species from the Zone. I knew about nagas, orcs, minotaurs, and wolven, but there’s a blue fawn-like creature and a small, shy winged woman reminiscent of a fairy from a storybook. My chest feels full, expanded as I realize how well all these species get along, sitting side by side on the rising bleachers.

Lash’s large hand is splayed at the small of my back, steadying me. How can such a gentle touch convey so much emotion? I feel protected, maybe even cherished. I like the wolven’s touch. Shaking my head to get the thought out of my mind, I can’t help but wonder what those long, thick fingers would feel like as they touched other places on my body.

As the Naga performers begin their display, I find myself utterly entranced by their serpentine grace and fluid movements. They move in perfect sync as they approach the water from two doors at the rear. The room is filled with candlelight, which shimmers against the walls and makes the nagas’ scales even more vibrant in the glinting, soft light.

Lash and I watch, shoulder to shoulder, as the dancers weave their spell. I feel a growing sense of connection, of shared wonder.

It feels so comfortable, as if we’ve sat like this dozens of times, his hand pressed against my back, our knees touching as we lean forward for a better view. My favorite part is when Lash leans close, his breath warm and comforting as it grazes my cheek when he explains something.

“This is an ancient dance, welcoming the full moon.”

He grips my hip and tugs me even closer. Funny, it doesn’t seem sexual or intrusive. It’s as though he just wants me as close to him as possible.

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