After dinner, Soren ushers Grey off to take a bath, his authoritative yet gentle demeanour ensuring that the young boy complies without protest. 

With a promise of two bedtime stories to follow, Grey disappears into the bathroom, leaving Soren and I alone in the quiet of the evening.

Soren begins to tidy up the kitchen, I hover nearby. I try to help but break a plate, and after that, Soren makes me stop trying to help him. 

I scratch my head trying to find words to say,  I wanted to have a conversation with him but I am so bad at talking that I don't know where to start. 

However, I'm saved as Grey's voice echoes from the hallway, his footsteps padding softly against the floor.

"Can Sam read me a story tonight?" Grey's request catches Soren off guard, his brows furrowing in surprise as he turns to face the young boy.

I can sense the hesitation in Soren's response, his usual composure momentarily shaken by Grey's unexpected request. 

But after a moment of consideration, he nods, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Of course, Grey. Sam would be happy to read you a story," He replies, his voice warm and accommodating. 

Turning to me, he offers a reassuring nod, silently conveying his trust in my ability to handle the task.

Does he not want me to read him a story?

 Maybe he's not comfortable with me getting too close with his brother.

"Grey has never asked anyone else to read him a bedtime story"  Soren explains, his voice tinged with a hint of fondness for his younger brother.

The genuine warmth in his tone eases my worries. A  swell of pride and affection swells in my chest at the realisation that Grey has accepted me as part of their little family unit.

"But who wouldn't like you?" Soren adds with a playful smile, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he gives me a knowing look. 

His words elicit a chuckle from me. I walk upstairs and look for Grey's room; I haven't been in there yet, but I find it quickly.

I enter Grey's room, and the sight of him curled up in his sports car bed with a book in hand brings a soft smile to my lips. "Hi," he beams upon seeing me.

His room is a reflection of his playful spirit, with walls adorned with pictures capturing moments shared with his pack members, but most prominently with Soren.

My heart swells with empathy as I take in the images of the two brothers, their bond evident in the laughter and closeness frozen in time.

It is clear that Soren has been more than just a brother to Grey; he has been a parent figure, a mentor, and a constant source of love in the pub's life. 

I settle into the chair beside his bed and start to read Grey a story; he drifts to sleep halfway through. 

I close the book with a soft smile, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me.

Carefully, I approach his bed and gently tuck the blankets around him, ensuring that he is snug and comfortable.

With one last glance at Grey's sleeping form, I quietly tiptoe out of his room, taking care not to disturb his peaceful slumber. 

Making my way down the hallway, I find my own room and step inside, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me as I catch sight of my bed.

Without hesitation, I collapse onto the soft mattress, my body sinking into the familiar comfort of the sheets. 

As I close my eyes, the events of the day replay in my mind, each moment etched into my memory.

A sense of weightlessness envelops me, accompanied by the familiar scent of Soren, fills the air around me.

Though I remain in a state of half-awareness, I can feel the comforting sensation of strong arms encircling me, cradling me with a protective embrace.

 I sense myself being lifted gently from the bed, the motion seamless and effortless as Soren's arms support me with unwavering strength.

Though my mind remains clouded by the haze of sleep, I find solace in the warmth and security of his touch.

I am carefully placed back on the bed, the softness of the mattress welcomes me back with a gentle embrace, lulling me into a deeper state of relaxation.

With Soren's arms still wrapped around me, I surrender to the tranquility of the moment, allowing myself to be cocooned in his protective embrace.

(*)

The next morning, I wake up alone in Soren's room. 

I stretch my limbs, relishing in the comfort of Soren's bed. I don't question how I got here, I know that Soren brought me here last night. 

As the minutes pass, a sudden surge of wanting my wolf out courses through me, prompting me to seize the day with a newfound purpose.

Today, I decide, will be the day I  Will let my wolf out for a run. 

I rise from the bed and begin to prepare for the day ahead. I pick out shorts and a singlet from the closet that belonged to Soren.  

I feel a surge of excitement course through my veins as I make my way out of the house and into the crisp morning air.

I shift, my human form dissolving into the sleek, powerful physique of my wolf, every muscle instinctively responding to the call of the wild.

With a surge of exhilaration, I bound forward, my paws propelling me effortlessly across the forest floor. 

The cool breeze tousles my fur as I navigate the unfamiliar terrain, each stride bringing me closer to my true self. 

In this form, there are no constraints, worries, or fears. I am one with the wilderness; my senses heightened and attuned to the rhythm of the natural world around me. 

The scent of pine and earth fills my nostrils, and the sound of rustling leaves and distant birdsong guide my path.

I run without purpose or destination, simply allowing the primal instinct within me to guide my movements.

Every leap, every twist, and every turn is a celebration of life in its purest form, a testament to the wild spirit that dwells within me.

As I disappear into the depths of the forest, the boundaries between man and wolf blur, leaving only the exhilarating rush of freedom that comes with embracing my true nature.

(*)

I don't realise that I have been out the whole day until the sky gets dark. Panic and dread fill  every fibre as I run back to the tree near the house where I put my clothes. 

Once there, I shift back to my human form, put my clothes on and run back to the back.

Breathless and disheveled, I collide with Soren in a whirlwind of panic and confusion.

 His eyes widen in surprise as he steadies me, concern etched into his features.

"Sam, what happened? Are you okay?" Soren's voice is urgent, his grip firm as he searches my face and body for any signs of distress.

"I lost track of time," I gasp out between ragged breaths, my heart still racing from the adrenaline of my sudden return. 

"I didn't realise how late it had gotten."

Soren's brow furrows with worry, his grip tightening as he takes in my disheveled appearance.

 "You had me worried sick," he admits, his voice softening with relief. "I thought something had happened to you."

I shake my head, trying to slow my racing heart as I lean against him for support. "I'm okay; I just lost track of time in the woods," I explain, my voice tinged with embarrassment.

Soren's expression softens even more, his concern melting into understanding as he nods in reassurance. "Let's get you inside," he says, guiding me toward the house with a steadying hand on my shoulder.

 "We'll talk about it once you've had a chance to catch your breath."

As we enter the house, we walk to the kitchen Soren gives me a glass of water, his hand lingering on my wrist as I drink the whole cup.

 There is a sense of comfort in his presence. As he takes the empty glass from my hand, his fingers intertwine with mine, holding me in place with a subtle yet undeniable strength. 

We walk up the stairs to his room. I sit down on the side of the bed. Soren goes into the closet and comes back.  His touch on my wrist startles me, his grip firm.

I meet his gaze, confusion flickering in my eyes as I watch him retrieve a robe from his pants pocket.

Before I can inquire about his intentions, he swiftly secures both of my wrists together with the fabric.

"what are you doing?" I ask, my voice tinged with fear as I feel the knots tighten against my skin.

Soren remains silent, his expression unreadable as he focuses on his task. With each tug of the fabric, my heart quickens, a sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach.

"Why are you tying me up?" I demand, my voice rising with question as I struggle against the restraints.

Soren's gaze finally meets mine, his eyes darkening with an intensity that sends a chill down my spine.

There is an edge to his demeanour, a hint of something primal lurking beneath the surface.

"You scared me," he admits, his voice low and tinged with urgency. "I thought you were leaving me, running away. I have to do this so you can't leave" 

Author's Note: 

 🚩 

I don't know why I write character's that are full red flags...