Let's make it worth it

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ℝ𝔸𝕀ℕ hummed to herself as she chopped vegetables in Emily's cozy kitchen, the scent of fresh herbs and roasted meat filling the air. The pack had a way of making meals feel like a grand occasion, even if it was just a regular lunch. Emily worked beside her, a small smile playing on her lips as she prepared a salad.

"You've got that smile on your face again, Rain," Emily said, glancing at her with a knowing look. "Thinking about someone special?"

Rain grinned, not even trying to hide it. "Maybe," she said in a sing-song voice. "Just trying to decide if I should bring a book or a snack next time. Although, I think he'd prefer me over a book, so I might just show up empty-handed."

Emily chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling. "Sounds like you've got him wrapped around your finger."

"Who, me?" Rain asked with mock innocence, tossing a handful of chopped carrots into the salad bowl. "I'm just a humble girl making lunch for a bunch of werewolves. Nothing suspicious here."

Before Emily could respond, the front door creaked open, and a chorus of voices spilled in from the living room. Rain's heart skipped a beat when she heard Erian's voice among them. She quickly wiped her hands on a towel and tried to look casual, but the excited flutter in her stomach betrayed her.

As the guys made their way into the kitchen, Erian appeared in the doorway, looking slightly flustered with no shirt on, like the rest of the pack, and only wearing denim shorts. His eyes immediately found Rain, and a warm smile spread across his face. Paul and the others piled in behind him, greeting Emily and Rain with nods and grins.

"Smells amazing in here," Paul said, rubbing his hands together as he peeked into the pots and pans. "What's on the menu, ladies?"

"Something delicious, as always," Rain replied with a grin, but her attention was already drifting back to Erian, who was hovering near the door, looking adorably out of place.

Emily nudged Rain with her elbow, smirking as she whispered, "Go on, talk to him. I've got this covered." Rain didn't need to be told twice. She set down the knife she'd been using and wiped her hands once more, moving towards Erian with a playful sway in her step.

"Hey, stranger," she teased, leaning against the counter near him. "You clean up pretty nice."

Erian chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, I try. Don't want to scare everyone away before lunch."

Rain's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer. "You sure you're not just trying to impress someone?"

Erian's cheeks reddened slightly, but he grinned back at her. "Maybe. Is it working?"

Rain pretended to consider it, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, I don't know. You might need to try a little harder."

Erian laughed, shaking his head. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Impossible?" Rain gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Me? I'm a delight, thank you very much."

Erian's grin softened as he looked at her, his gaze warm and affectionate. "Yeah, you are."

Rain felt a blush creeping up her neck, but she quickly shook it off, determined to keep the mood light. "Don't get too sappy on me now, big guy. We've got a pack of hungry wolves to feed, and I need you in top form."

Erian smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Oh, don't worry. I'm ready for anything. Bring it on." Rain tilted her head, giving him a teasing smile. "Anything, huh? Even if I challenge you to a carrot-chopping contest?" Erian raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "A carrot-chopping contest? That's what you've got?" Rain shrugged, trying to hide her own grin. "Hey, don't underestimate me. I'm pretty handy with a knife."

"Is that a threat?" Erian asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Rain leaned closer, lowering her voice to a mock-threatening whisper. "Consider it a promise."

Erian laughed, the sound rich and warm, filling the kitchen. Rain couldn't help but join in, the playful banter between them lifting her spirits even higher. Paul, who had been eavesdropping the entire time, finally couldn't resist jumping in. "Hey, if you two lovebirds are done flirting, how about we eat? I'm starving here."

Rain shot him a playful glare. "We're not flirting, Paul. We're...strategizing."

"Sure you are," Paul replied with a smirk, giving Erian a nudge. "Good luck with your 'strategizing,' man."

Erian shook his head, still smiling as he turned back to Rain. "You ready to strategize, partner?" Rain grinned, grabbing a knife and holding it up like a sword. "Ready when you are, partner." Erian grabbed another knife and positioned himself beside her at the counter. "Alright, first one to chop all the carrots wins." Rain narrowed her eyes, her competitive spirit kicking in. "You're on! And if I win, don't be a sour wolf." Erian's smile faltered for a second as he processed the nickname. "Sour wolf?"

Rain pouted teasingly, tilting her head to the side. "You know, all grumpy and brooding."

Erian blinked, then burst out laughing. The sound was so genuine it made Rain's heart skip a beat. "Sour wolf, huh? Alright, you got me there. But just for that, I'm going to beat you in this contest, little mermaid."

Rain laughed along with him, the playful atmosphere between them making everything feel lighter, brighter. "We'll see about that. On three—one, two...three!"

They both set to work, chopping carrots with a speed and precision that would have impressed any chef. The rest of the pack watched with amusement, cheering them on as the pile of chopped carrots grew. Despite her best efforts, Rain couldn't help but glance over at Erian, watching the way his hands moved, the concentration on his face. She was so caught up in the moment that she almost didn't notice when Erian finished first, raising his hands in victory.

"Done!" he declared triumphantly.

Rain blinked, looking down at her own pile of carrots. "What? No fair! You distracted me!" Erian grinned, setting his knife down. "Distracted you? I think you're just a sore loser." Rain stuck out her tongue at him, unable to suppress her own laughter. "You cheated." Erian laughed, stepping closer to her. "I don't remember cheating being part of the rules, Raindrop." Rain's playful pout returned, but her heart swelled at the sound of her nickname coming from him. "Well, I demand a rematch. Same stakes, same rules."

Erian smirked, leaning in a little closer. "You're on. But next time, I won't go so easy on you."

Rain's pout turned into a mischievous grin. "Oh, I wouldn't want you to. It's no fun if I win too easily."

They stood there, inches apart, their playful banter giving way to a comfortable silence. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in that moment.

Erian's gaze softened as he looked down at her, and for a brief second, Rain felt her breath catch in her throat. There was something in his eyes, something warm and sincere, that made her feel like she was the only person in the world.

But before either of them could say anything more, Paul clapped his hands loudly, breaking the moment. "Alright, lovebirds, enough with the flirting. Let's eat!"

Rain and Erian both jumped, snapping out of their trance. Rain couldn't help but blush, but she quickly covered it with a playful roll of her eyes. "Fine, fine," she said, turning back to the counter. "But just so you know, Erian, this isn't over." Erian chuckled, his eyes still sparkling with that same warmth. "Looking forward to it, Raindrop."

As they all gathered around the table, digging into the delicious meal that Emily and Rain had prepared, the kitchen was filled with laughter and light-hearted banter. Rain felt a sense of contentment wash over her as she sat beside Erian, their shoulders brushing occasionally as they ate. The playful teasing continued throughout the meal, each little exchange between them only strengthening the bond they shared.

By the time lunch was over, and everyone was helping to clean up, Rain felt lighter, happier than she had in a long time. As she and Erian stood side by side, washing dishes in the sink, she couldn't help but glance over at him, her heart swelling with affection.

"Thanks for today," she said softly, her voice sincere. "You made it a lot more fun."

Erian smiled down at her, his eyes warm. "I could say the same to you, Raindrop. I haven't had this much fun in a while."

Rain's grin widened, and she bumped her shoulder against his playfully. "Don't get too used to it, sour wolf. I'm going to win the rematch."

Erian laughed, the sound rich and full of warmth. "We'll see about that. But I have to admit, I'm looking forward to it."

As the last dish was set on the drying rack, Rain wiped her hands on a towel and

turned to Erian, a playful gleam in her eyes. "You better be. Because next time, I'm bringing my A-game."

Erian leaned in slightly, his voice low and teasing. "I wouldn't expect anything less, Raindrop."

And with that, they both burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the kitchen as the rest of the pack watched them with knowing smiles. Rain felt a sense of peace and happiness settle over her, content in the knowledge that she had found something special with Erian—something that was just beginning.

As they all headed out of the kitchen, ready to face whatever the day had in store, Rain couldn't help but feel excited for what was to come. And as she walked beside Erian, their hands brushing occasionally, she knew that whatever happened next, they would face it together, with laughter, warmth, and maybe a few playful contests along the way.

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By: SilverMist707

I hope you enjoy this chapter with Erian and Rain, I hope it is alright. <3