His infectious smile spread quickly as I found myself smiling back at him. 

" Well. After I figured out how to switch back, it started becoming a bit easier. But either way, I was still pretty much a homeless kid running on the streets with the small twist that I could turn into a wolf to scare the life out of people. " I said adding the last part to make light of the ominous tone I started off with.

Felix chuckled as he took a sip of his hot chocolate in response. But even though he was playing along with the light atmosphere now, I could see the frustration that was building inside him. 

Was it because of me or was it because of my disturbing past, I wondered.

He opened his mouth but before he could speak, two loud whines erupted from nearby. We both turned our heads in the direction and looked for the source of those whines.

Keyu and Hyun were running towards me while calling out for me in whines. " Ninyaaaaa " they whined together, making me chuckle. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Felix looking at the approaching pups in amusement. 

" Ninya when- " Hyun stopped mid whine as he froze, finally noticing Felix next to me. Stopping in their tracks, Hyun and Keyu looked back and forth between Felix and me. 

With a last laugh, I said, " It's alright guys, come on. He won't bite you. " while petting my lap to invite them over. 

Crooking their heads over in his direction, they cautiously started making their way towards us. Halfway here they looked up at Felix again. Their eyes wandering all over his face to check his emotions. 

" You know, they're being so cautious that I'm really tempted to suddenly jump up. " Felix whispered as he leaned to me and let our shoulders touch, making me suddenly feel very self-aware as my thoughts drifted back to earlier that evening when he wrapped me in his arms.

I stared at him in disbelief as my frown softened from seeing the amusement in his eyes. " Don't you dare. " I replied, the ends of my lips curling up in a smile when I saw him flash that model-worthy smile of his. 

And wait- how did I not noticed before that he had dimples? He muffled his laugh as he turned his attention back to the pups who were by my side now.

" Ninyaa. When will you take us on a herb run? " Keyu whined as she bumped her head on my legs and rubbed herself against them as Hyun tried to push her off to claim the "premium" leg rubbing spot. 

Herb runs were something Keyu really looked forward to. Whenever I went on a run to pick some herbs she'd always tag along, but out of all of them, the lantana bushes were her absolute favourite. 

She'd go absolutely crazy and jump into them and run around till she goes into a sneezing frenzy when the tiny flowers get stuck in her nose. The most adorable and wholesome sight ever. 

" Does my baby girl want her lantanas? " I said as I gave her pets. " Is that even a question? " Hyun asked as he finally succeeded in nudging his head between my arm and leg as he rested his head on my thigh and looked at me with big comforting eyes. 

I smiled at him warmly and pet him too. " The Alpha's leaving tomorrow morning, right? " He asked in a whisper as his eyes flickered to Felix in a low gaze. 

" You know, I can hear you. " Felix said with a laugh as Hyun stiffened up and stared at him wide-eyed. " Yes, yes I am leaving tomorrow. " He said still smiling at Hyun's reaction as I turned to face him. And that was when his smile instantly faded as his eyes met mine. 

Our gaze stayed for a moment too long before we both looked away embarrassed and I suddenly found myself annoyed with myself. Why did he affect me so much? Why was I so... depressed that he was leaving? 

It's probably because you haven't gotten a lead yet. Yes, that's it. I told myself, masking myself from the obvious truth that lay in front of me. 

His gaze darkened too like his thoughts were on the same lines as mine. Shaking the thought away, I gave the pups a final pet as I ushered them away. 

" It's getting pretty late. How about you get some sleep and conserve your energy. You have a long way to go tomorrow. " I said as I picked up my empty cup without looking at him as I spoke. With a nod, he picked his cup too and followed me back into the house.

He remained silent throughout and just as he was about to head back to the couch I reached for his arm and caught hold of one of the long sleeves.

Surprised by the sudden action, he turned to observe my face. " Hey... Um... Thanks. For everything. " I said as I felt myself bite my lip in nervousness again, a habit that had been hard to get rid of. 

His face softened as a small smile emerged. " Don't mention it. " He said, his eyes looking at me sadly. And in a moment we were both headed for our beds to get some rest which I was later very grateful for.