Edmund frowned at the moon, not really sure how to feel about things. While he trusted what Bas had told him, he still wasn’t sure if he could trust this rogue wolf around his family.

Their pack was still so small and unstable, and bringing her into the fold was a potential risk. On the flip side of things, there wasn’t anywhere else for her to go. He was sure if any of her previous pack was left, they would have helped her out of this curse already. Edmund didn’t know the state of other neighbouring packs, apart from Wiker, and they would not be sending her Lance’s way.

Ed sighed and looked over to where Sebastian and Luke were fast asleep. Bas was in a sleeping bag with Luke’s head resting on his chest. The younger teen was sleeping in his wolf form. Edmund had already turned back after the pair had gone for a run under the moonlight.

Since he couldn’t sleep, he’d decided to sit and stoke the dying embers of the fire. But he just seemed to end up thinking in circles about what to do tomorrow. Whatever they ended up doing with the rogue, who was still laying nearby unconscious from the sleep spell, they’d have to talk to everyone about it afterwards. Calling another meeting with everyone was going to be annoying.

Especially if Obsidian was going to keep glaring at him the whole time. While the dragon’s glare had unnerved him at first, Ed just felt annoyed by it now. What the hell had he even done to gain their spite? Exist?

Then there would be things to deal with like getting clothes and personal hygiene stuff for her. He had some money put away, but he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to help this girl get established and make herself at home. Maybe his dad could help them.

Edmund paused as he realised where his train of thought was going. He was already trying to plan things out like he’d chosen to let the rogue stay. Perhaps he had chosen from the moment that Bas explained her situation. It was a pretty shit one to be in. Ed was sure if she had any pack left, they would be the ones helping her lift the curse instead – so on top of slowly losing her mind, trapped in her wolf form, she was likely all alone in this world.

His thoughts wandered back to after he’d first shifted. He didn’t remember what happened that first time when he got all hot, but he could rather clearly recall the last full moon. It had been so weird to see his body all furry and wolf like. Even later when he started practicing shifting, he felt strange about it. Sebastian’s first reaction to seeing him shifted in the flesh though had been quite... interesting.

He had been practicing in the staff room at the emporium while he was waiting for Bas to finish, and then Bas had unexpectedly walked in.

“Guess who got off ear– Oh.” he froze mid-step.

Probably because Edmund hadn’t been in his wolf form just yet. He was, however, very naked.

Sebastian quickly spun around. “Sorry man, I forgot you were practicing back here today.”

“It’s fine. Persephone told me I should lock the door, but I forgot.” Ed replied awkwardly.

“How’s that going by the way?”

“The shifting. Well, I don’t even know what it looks like to an outsider. And I’m not sure I want to use a camera to film this or anything.”

Sebastian laughed. “Yeah, I’m not sure you’d want that in your camera roll. I’m sure you just look like a wolf though.”

“You haven’t seen me in person.”

“Then shift and I’ll tell you what you look like now. Problem solved.”

Edmund thought a moment, nodded, then realised Sebastian couldn’t see behind himself and said, “Okay. You want to turn around?”

Bas turned with a grin. “As long as you’re consenting.”

Ed rolled his eyes even as he felt his heartbeat stutter in a flustered manner. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to clear his mind. He thought about his features shifting then felt his body morph from human into wolf. When he opened his eyes again, he saw Bas’s own eyes staring at him in awe.

“Wow,” he breathed. “Your eyes look incredible.”

Edmund felt his heart stutter again.

“They’re blue. Really blue. It’s a nice shade, though your normal eyes are pretty mesmerising too. Your fur is dark brown, same shade as your natural hair. You look like a regular wolf – apart from being significantly larger, I suppose. Do you think that’s a werewolf trait?”

Ed did his best to shrug, and Bas frowned.

“Guess we can ask the others later. Would you, uh, can I pet you?”

Edmund blinked in surprise.

“I know it’s probably a weird request, but your fur looks very soft, and I really want to touch it.” Bas explained.

Ed found himself nodding; he really wanted Sebastian to touch him. They both moved forward at the same time and as Bas’s hand touched him Edmund felt sparks on his skin. He knew this feeling well from whenever Sebastian touched him. It was warm and wonderful, and in this form it felt bigger. Ed felt as if he was walking on cloud nine in that moment. His mind was blissed out thinking of nothing but ‘BAS! BAS! BAS!’.

Sebastian giggled. “Your tail is wagging. Do you like this.”

Edmund averted his eyes in embarrassment.

“Aww. I’m enjoying it too by the way. Your fur is so soft I could bury my face in it and black out from bliss.”

Ed really didn’t know what to do with that imagery. Before he could figure it out though, Persephone came into the room.

“Oh, I thought you two had already left.”

And then the moment was over. But in that small space of time, Edmund felt so absolutely happy. His hand subconsciously went to his head where he was picturing the feeling of Sebastian petting him. Since changing, his feelings for his best friend had just seemed to get stronger. It made him feel both on top of the world and scared as hell. Because even before all this, he felt like he wouldn’t be able to live without Sebastian. If anything happened...

No. He wouldn’t let anything happen to them. He had promised Sebastian before that they’d stay together. But this time, as he looked up at the moon, he swore to himself, no matter what, he would protect his Bas.