She crossed the frozen creek where she and Lizzie had once spent an entire afternoon chasing each other through drifts taller than either of them.
For one breathtaking moment…she almost felt another set of paws beside her.
Something warmed inside of her.
Lizzie was here.
She slowed down to a slow trot before stopping.She lifted her head toward the moon. The ache in her chest was still there. It always would be, but tonight, something else had joined it.
A set of warm brown eyes.
A laugh that filled the room.
Gentle hands brushing her cheek.
Keena walked slowly to a large boulder atop a small ridge that overlooked Evergreen Hollow. The town glittered in the distance beneath thousands of Christmas lights.
It was beautiful.
She stood there quietly before she turned and headed home. By the time the cabin came into view through the trees, the moon was high in the sky. Keena’s paws slowed. Something was different. Her wolf lifted her nose and inhaled.
A familiar scent drifted toward her on the breeze.
Vanilla, coffee and something sweet.
Brice.
Excitement surged through her so suddenly she nearly stumbled.
Mine.
This time, Keena didn’t argue. Her heart raced as she trotted toward the dark sedan that was parked beside the cabin. Brice stood near theporch wrapped in her thick winter coat. Her hands were tucked into her pockets as she looked out into the trees.
Keena hesitated for exactly one second before she allowed her animal to make the final decision.
She bounded across the snowy clearing toward their mate.
Keena stoppednear the bottom of the stairs. Brice turned and froze in place. Her eyes widened as she took in Keena’s wolf. She smiled and gave a little wave.
“So…” she said softly. “There you are.”
Neither of them moved.
The forest surrounding them seemed to hold its breath. Brice slowly walked to the stairs and made her way down. Instead of walking to her, she lowered herself down onto one knee. She rested her hand on her knee and waited.
Keena tilted her head and studied her.
“I came here looking for Keena.”
Keena’s ears perked up at thesound of her name.
“But I’m really happy to see you too,” Brice said. She held out her hand toward Keena’s wolf. Keena’s tail began to wag slowly at first then it picked up speed. “Do you know who I am?”
Without hesitation, Keena’s wolf closed the remaining distance between them until she stood directly in front of Brice who hesitantly reached out a hand and brushed Keena’s head.
“They’re your eyes,” she whispered. Keena’s wolf let out a quiet chuff. A giggle escaped Brice’s lips. “Hi, beautiful.”
Keena’s wolf had no shame. She leaned into Brice and forced her to keep rubbing her head. Brice’s fingers slipped gently behind one ear and Keena’s eyes fluttered closed as a low rumble vibrated deep inside of her chest.
