I was handed a steaming cup of cocoa. I nodded my thanks, accepting the warm blanket Kukai had draped upon my shoulders. I blew at my drink, waiting for it to cool.

After the incident, Kukai had led me back to his place. There would be no room for conversation if Kairi had been present, so I'd agreed easily. Unfortunately, Kukai notice my constant shivering and had me sit down as soon as we'd entered. I'd noticed right away that his father was absent, which I found unusual. The uppity man was always ranting whenever I would come over in the past, but the house was surprisingly silent and still.

Kukai sat across from me, gazing at the fireplace intently. I couldn't help but notice how intelligent and strong he looked right then. He caught me looking and gave me a weak smile. Leaning forward in his chair, he clasped his hands and stared at me sullenly, as if waiting for something.

I searched his eyes as calmly as possible. The glow had vanished, replaced by the reflection of the fire. He looked so serious...my gentle friend.

Coughing, I decided to speak up.

"So...are you, like, a werewolf?"

He sighed, leaning back in his chair.

"You could say that, but not the kind you read in your books at home, Kit."

I couldn't help but blush, and his smile widened a bit. He continued;

"I don't turn into some freaky half-this half-that thing; when I turn, I'm all wolf."

I became intrigued as he picked out truth from lies, shooting him questions every once in awhile. For example, The silver thing was definetly true, although it proved to be more of a discomfort than a true threat.

I couldn't help but wonder, so I decide to persist. "Can you change for me?"

He blushed violently.

I'd rather not, Kit. You see, after we change-"

I gasped. "Oh, do you..."

He shook his head, embarassed.

"No, no! I just come back shirtless, is all...but I'd rather you not see that..."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "We were shirtless all the time as kids, whats the problem now?"

He looked pointedly at my large chest. I crossed my arms, my face growing hot.

"Alright, fine, I'll give you that, but what about you?"

He looked away from me.

"Fine. Just this once wouldn't hurt..."

Standing, he closed his eyes. After blinking a couple of times, the handsome boy I'd grown to know had transformed into a rusty colored wolf. I carefully laid out a hand, unsure how much control he had in this form. Rolling his eyes, he placed his large head on my lap.

A thought that was not my own entered my head.

I'm not some wild animal, Kit. I'm in control.

I gasped, gazing at him in awe. I rubbed his fur gently, then gave him a hug. Along with cats, I'd always loved big dogs.

"Wow, it's cool that I can hear you in my thoughts!"

He froze, looking up at me with widened green eyes.

You can actually hear me?

I cocked my head in confusion.

"Yeah, why? Am I not allowed?"

He scratched the floor and whined uncomfortable, stepping away from me before changing back to normal. I tried not to stare at the toned abs and chest set before me, instead choosing to look up into his eyes. He looked troubled.

"Are you ok, Kukai?"

He shook out his hair, leaving a messy pile of locks on his head. "I'm fine, but you really shouldn't have been able to hear me. Usually, only wolves can communicate that way-"

I perked up immediately. "Am I a wolf too then?"

He laughed nervously shaking his head. "No, of course not. I've known you forever, and aside from this tensy little thing, you've shown no signs of being like me. If you had, I would have talked to you about this a lot sooner."

I sighed in disappointment. "Alright, so who was that guy, the one at the edge of town?"

Kukai grumbled softly under his breath. "That was Ikuto. He's supposed to be the next alpha of a pack located in this area, but we'll see if he's strong enough."

I thought back a bit. "How did he know my nickname?"

He laughed dryly. "Probably a wild guess. Pay no mind to it."

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Are you part of his pack?"

He shook his head. "My true father wanted better for me than pack life. It gets a little rough out there, considering the low ratio of females, as well as constant starvation, so he had me given to the man that lives here."

I nodded quietly. "Where is he, anyways?"

He sighed. "I used some influence to have him go drinking."

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation. He shrugged dismissively.

"Influence is a type of spirit thing we can use to have people do little things for us. Nothing big, like world domination, but small thing, like getting them out of the way."

I wasn't sure what to think at the moment, and was surprised when Kukai continued.

"Ikuto seems to have become infatuated with you...it happens in a moments notice, but I'll keep you safe..."

I jumped out of my chair, spilling the warm hot chocolate everywhere.

"Infatuated? What does that mean?"

He sighed, standing to find a towel.

"He has a strong interest in you. Most likely your scent, which is, admittedly, absolutely delightful."

He smiled crookedly, and I could help but scoff.

"Right, so it's all the scent, right?"

He looked uncomfortable as he bent down to clean up my mess.

"Actually, yeah. I've gotta admit, there were times when I myself wanted to...well, anyways, it's forbidden anyways. Now that I'm considered full age, I'm supposed to be returning to the forest."

I looked down at him, my eyes widening.

"You're going to leave me?"

He scratched his head, rising to his feet. "That's the thing; it's gotten complicated now. I can't just leave you along with Mr. Badass skulking around, but I also have a duty to the pack."

I let the details sink in. I wasn't at all sure what to make of the situation. Absentmindedly, I began licking my thumb. Chuckling, Kukai handed me a handkerchief to wipe myself off.

"Thanks.", I mumbled. He shrugged off my chilled voice, looking me over quietly.

"Hey, Kit?"

I raised my gaze to his, wet handkerchief in hand. "Yeah?"

Chuckling, he leaned over and licked my cheek. I gasped in surprise, throwing the handkerchief at him as hard as possible. He just laughed, dodging it with ease.

"Hey, sorry, but there was cocoa on your cheek."

I rubbed the violated spot, trying to hide the blush beginning to rise in my cheeks. "Well, next time, just tell me, all right?"

He sighed, giving me an apologetic look. "I'm really sorry...I'm used to acting on impulse."

I decided to let the matter go, instead pointing out the cabinet in the corner.

"Game time?", I asked.

Kukai grinned. "Game on, Kit."

Little did we know, as we played our games and laughed our joy, that cold purple eyes watched were gazing over, soon disappearing into the vanishing night.