Nico's POV

"SOL WAIT-"

I couldn't stop the large, golden blur from hurdling itself at my friends, causing them to shriek and jump out of the way. I continued to scream for him, and when that didn't work I started to chase. I was finally able to throw myself in front of Jason, who Sol had seemed to target first.

Everything happened so fast. One moment I'm lunging and the next moment I'm going flying. I hit the ground with a heavy THUD. I gasped, much more stunned than hurt. The air grew silent and still until I heard a sharp whine and felt a large, wet tongue on the side of my face. I groaned at that, pushing Sol's face away.

"N-Nico.." Hazel took a step forward, staring at me with what seemed like awe. Sol whimpered again, nuzzling the side of my head and plopping down next to me.

We're so sorry, Darling..,he whined. We didn't see you..

"This is why we need to work on your listening skills," I sighed, sitting up but rubbing Sol's ear to tell him I forgave him. "Those are my friends."

I could almost hear my friend mumbling to themselves. Questioning my sanity. I tried to ignore the sickening feeling of eyes burning through my skin.

"Nico.." Percy's voice this time.

Sol crept in front of me, thankfully in more of a protective stance than pre-pounce. I still (somewhat) wrapped my arm around his neck. Just to be safe. Percy drew back, eyeing Sol nervously. I leaned forward, wrapping both arms around him.

"He won't attack you again," I reassured. "You can come closer."

They didn't move. Well, Leo shoved Frank forward a bit and ducked behind him, but other than that they were still. I sighed, standing up. Sol began to rise to, but I shoved his head back down and stepped out in front of him. Sol huffed, but laid down again. This gave Hazel the courage to step forward.

"Nico.." she whispered. "I.. we thought you were dead.."

I smiled a bit, sitting back down and leaning my back against Sol. "I would have been. If he hasn't saved me.." I reached back and patted Sol's shoulder. Sol yawned, losing interest in the conversation, meaning I had successfully convinced him the others weren't a danger to me. "I can't believe it's you guys.. It's been years.."

"We're here to bring you home," Jason stepped up finally.

Sol snarled at that, rising up and causing the group to stumble back a few feet. I reached and grabbed a chunk of the fur on Sol's shoulder, tugging him down. I then looked back at my friends. "Sorry guys, but I'm not going back there."

The group gawked at me, blinking in complete shock. I sighed, leaning further against Sol. "I.. I can't. I'm sorry. I can't go back. I'm staying here."

"So you rather live in the woods like an animal, with an animal, than come with us and live like a person?" Reyna spoke up, disbelief in her voice.

I flinched a bit. Hearing it like that made me sound insane, but they just didn't understand. I nodded, avoiding eye contact as Sol rumbled at them again. I heard a huff and suddenly a hand gripping my arm. I panicked, yanking away from the hand as Sol jumped at and snapped at it aggressively. Percy, the one who grabbed me, stumbling back and barely missed losing a chunk of my hand.

"Sol!" I jumped up, reaching and grabbing Percy's hand to make sure he hasn't been bitten. I didn't know how werewolf vemon worked, and I didn't want to find out this way. "Percy, I'm so sorry!"

"I-It's okay.. " He shuddered, pulling his hand away and hugging it to his chest. "H.. He's pretty protective of you, isn't he?"

"Yeah.." I grumbled, shooting Sol a glare which he ignored as he lowered himself to the ground once more. "A little too protective a lot of the time.. at least for my liking."

Frank seemed to hesitate before speaking up. "What.. if you could bring Sal-"

"Sol."

"-Sol, sorry, with us? Then will you come home?"

I blinked, glancing back at Sol. Well, it wasn't Sol anymore. Will's sky blue eyes replaced Sol's dark ones. He stared back at me, silently telling me to make that choice. I hesitated. Will would have to stay in wolf form all the time. Would that even be safe for him? And what would happen if he was caught?

But I couldn't just leave him. Leave the pack.. Lou Ellen.. Cecil.. the pups.. I couldn't. Maybe I just shouldn't go. But.. what if they call the police? They'd just capture me like I'm the wild animal and haul me back without another word. I guess I have to take the risk of bringing Will with me.

"Okay. I'll come with you.."