The bell over the bakery door jingled softly, and Eli looked up, his breath catching in his throat as Caleb walked in, looking as striking as ever---black hair tousled, wearing a simple hoodie and jeans, but somehow, he always seemed to glow in the morning light.
Eli swallowed, trying to push down the strange mix of fear and longing curling in his chest. What happened last night.... was it just a dream?
He forced a smile, ''Hey....Caleb.''
Caleb golden eyes flicked up to meet his, a faint smile ghosting across his lips. ''Morning.''
Eli fingers fumbled on the countertop. ''You....haven't been around much.''
Caleb tilted his head, stepping closer-----just a bit too close----and Eli heart raced. ''Yeah. Hand something to take care of.'' he said, voice low and a little rough, like he hadn't spoken much in days. Eli wiping counter and trembling hand,
''Did something happen?'' Caleb asked, voice softer now, almost a whisper.
Eli licked his lips nervously. ''No, I think I had a nightmare. It was probably just the wind.'' Caleb eyes darkened for the fraction of a second, then he gave a quiet chuckle, thought it didn't reach his eyes. ''The wind can be a tricky thing at night.'' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After s few days. The night air was cool as Eli closed the door behind him, letting out a small sigh. He rubbed his hands together, shivering slightly. The wind whispered through the empty street, and for a brief second, he felt it again--that strange, invisible weight, like someone was watching.
He looked around, heart picking up pace. No one. It's just wind. Just the city....
''Eli.''
The voice, smooth as velvet but low and sharp, made him jump. He turned quickly------Caleb stood at the corner of the street, shadowed by the dim streetlight, hands in his pockets, dark eyes watching him closely.
''You scared me.'' Eli exhaled, laughing nervously.
Caleb's lips twitched into a barely--there smirk. ''You shouldn't be out this late. It's...not safe.''
Eli frowned, sensing something in tone----something heavy. ''You're here every night these days,'' he said softly, half---tasing.
Caleb stepped closer, his gaze steady. ''Maybe I'm making sure you get home safe.''
Eli breath hitched. There was something in the way Caleb was looking at him----protective, intense, like he wanted to say more but couldn't. They stood in silence for a beat, the city quiet around them except for them breath in the cool air.
Without thinking, Eli gestured to his small apartment across the street. ''Do you...want to come in for a bit? I made good tea ---------might still be warm.'' For a moment, Caleb looked surprised, then a slow, almost smiled pulled at his lips. ''Yeh sure.''
Inside, the apartment was cozy, the scent of tea and sugar lingering. Caleb sat on the edge of the couch, looking oddly careful in the small space, like he didn't quite fit---like a wild thing in a too-small cage.
Eli handed him a mug, fingers brushing briefly. Caleb's skin was warm -almost too warm, like he carried the heat of the forest with him. Eli sat near Caleb Eli heartbeat fast.
Eli, not knowing why, found himself leaning in, their knees brushing. His voice was soft, barely whisper. ''Thanks for walking me home...every night.''
Caleb's throat bobbed as he swallowed. He gaze flicked to Eli's lips for a heartbeat-----then away, as if afraid of what he might do.
Eli's breath caught.
For a second, the air was thick between them---unspoken words, unsaid feeling, a tension so sharp it could shatter if one of them moved.
But then Caleb stood up, smooth and graceful. He set his mug down quietly. I should go.''
Eli tried not to look disappointed. ''okay. see you tomorrow?''
Caleb paused at the door, hand on the Handel. He looked Eli side Eli walking stood near Caleb, Caleb suddenly moving grab Eli wrist pinned agent's door press Eli lower lip deep passionate deep kiss Eli melting... Caleb holds Eli tightly soft kiss they break kiss Eli breath caught. Caleb heartbeat fast his vice almost trembling ''See you.''
He left, the door clicking softly behind him.
Eli stood there, heart thudding, hand absently touching the lips fingers had brushed his ''my first kiss'' Eli cheeks pinks.
Outside, in the shadows of the night, Caleb's eye gleamed gold as he scanned the dark street, the hairs on in neck bristling.
He could smell it------ the other wolf had been here.
And no matter what, Caleb would keep Eli safe.........................