SCOTT'S POV
"Diana, how do I smell?", I faced her and courageously asked to finally know if she could sense my scent even a tiny bit.
She paused and moved closer to my neck. Her warm breath sent an electrifying impulse thoughout my body. I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw.
"You smell of peppermint and tobacco, just like the first time I met you", she answered in a very serious face. She was about to move away when I gathered all my strenght to hold her hand and rest it on my chest.
"Does your heart beat this fast too?", I stared right into her glistening sapphire eyes, then I shifted my gaze down to her tempting red lips.
"Does that line always work out with girls?", she pushed me and laughed out loud. The sound of her laugh was music to my ears that wasn't even offended from what she said at all. The starlight that shines in her eyes is far more beautiful than all of the stars together. Surely, I'm in a place where I wanted to be. You're my Luna, Diana. Why can't you see?
More splashes of water went everywhere, that we both ended entirely wet. Our laughs filled the lagoon, that I wished the night would never end. As soon as I saw Diana shuddering from the cold, we both then decided to go back to the stables.
But this time, I let her ride Apollo on her own as I walk alongside of her. Earlier, I kept holding my breath from time to time when we're riding together, and I somewhat regret why I placed myself in such torturous position. I tried so hard holding myself back because at any rate… I would lose control.
The night is getting colder, so I gave Diana my shirt to keep her warm. Everytime I touch her, her skin feels so cold. How bizzare for a wolf. Makes me wonder how unique my Luna could ever be.
So even though that I can see clearly in the dark, I still asked her to take the flashlight and light the way. Afraid of freaking her out, I'd rather have everything set as normal as possible since I haven't confirmed her awareness about wolves.
We were quiet on our way back. I'm a bit frustrated for cutting our time together too short. I wanted more of her. So many questions that were piled up were still seeking for answers. When I took a glance at her, I noticed her fidgeting with the reins, as she has been clearing her throat more than few times. "Spill it, Diana", I ought to ask for it seemed like she's been wanting say something for a while.
"Umm.. Why is Apollo mean to others?", Diana blurted out.
"Heh.. I thought you'll never ask." I said with a smirk. "Apollo is my dad's precious horse. He spent his tender age with Apollo. One night, when the moon was full, Dad went out and rode with Apollo. The next morning, he came back carrying his precious horse bloodied and severely hurt.", I told her as I graze the deep scar on Apollo's body.
"We thought Apollo's going to die. But we were glad he didn't. Ever since, Apollo has been scared of other people, even animals. He bites and tramples them. Only I was able to tame him", I continued.
"So, what happened that night? Why was Apollo is in such terrible state?", Diana curiously asked.
"I never really knew.. I was only 10 when it happened." I said as we trail carefully. "Do you believe in humans changing forms into… wolves?", I asked Diana hesitantly.
"No, I haven't heard of such thing", she answered. Her fair answer led me to a conclusion that Diana doesn't know of her origin, and more importantly, the existence of our kind.
"All my dad said is that they were attacked by a big bad wolf.. And after that night, my dad's been anxious of the full moon.. He isolate himself from us before the full moon conquers the night sky. He said that the big bad wolf is after him and that it's safer for us if we separate during the full moon. ", I continued as I click my tongue to lead Apollo.
The wolves worship the moon because it blesses us our maximum strength when it's full. But for my dad, he tremendously feared it. Upto this day, I don't know what really happened to him.
"A big bad wolf?", she uttered.
"Yes.. Days passed, my dad changed drastically, like he's fearsome and violent. The biggest mistake my parents made was when that damned doctor came into the picture", I can't hide the anger that still lingers in my mind everytime I remember the man who killed my father.
"My mother hoped every night that the doctor will be able to cure my dad. And everytime he sees my dad, he's condition worsens, like there's no sign that he'll go back the way he used to. One day he's fine, then the next day he's like a corpse. The doctor didn't really helped my dad at all", I continued as we have entered the fences.
As soon as he reached the stable, I helped Diana dismount the saddle and take Apollo back to his stall. Diana patiently and intently listened to my story. Eventually, we headed out still locked in with my history. It was fascinating to see how she gaze at me closely. It was as if I could melt in those fixed stares. She frowns focusing in every word that I say, unsure if my story makes sense or if it bores her.
We then walked out to the stone pathways back to her bungalow. I continued to finish my story so I can still have all her attention on me. "One day, my dad came back with my dead mother's body in his arms. He said the big bad wolf came back, and attacked my mother killing her. That was my first heartbreak.", I decided to lead Diana to the flowerbeds of wild red roses nearby. A detour that would be extending our time together. Besides, I know she liked them the last time we trailed there.
I noticed her shiver a little, that I decided to rub my hands together and warm up her cold cheeks. "After the sudden death of my mother, my dad met the doctor more often. He never had time with me.. he never sleep, he never eat.", I'm so glad she didn't pull away this time.
Diana stayed still for a while. I guess she's really cold. Just when her flashlight caught a glimpse of the wild roses, she left.. She bent over and picked some wild flowers. She specifically chose the red buds that were about to bloom. "Was he ever cured?", Diana asked as I held her arm to help her stand up from picking the roses.
"He said that the doctor found the cure, but he refused to give him. I overheard one time that they were fighting about it. The next thing I know, my dad was already burned to death by the doctor.", I smiled bitterly at my painful tragic family history. "The pack said, the doctor had someone to help him kill my father. If only the incompetent bastard gave my father a chance to live, I would've still be with my dad today. I can never forgive them, including his entire clan. I hated doctors ever since.", I continued as we reach Diana's bungalow.
"Your family now are.." Diana said as I cut her.
"The Devlins. They adopted me and treated me like a real son", I smiled and nod at her as we reach the door of her bungalow. Diana removed the shirt I lent her and handed it over to me.
"You're still lucky. That despite all that, you found yourself a family", she said as she held her shoulders.
"Couldn't disagree to that", I admitted. The Devlins were too kind.
"And, thank you for sharing a very personal story with me. I'm sorry you had to go through it all over again. Must be hard, you're just ten back then", she smiled a little as she look into my eyes. How could a smile that's so little can warm my heart easily? "But just a piece of advice.. Don't dwell too much on the things you have no longer control.", she said as she held my hand nonhesitantly.
For the first time, Diana touched me without me reaching out to her. "Your past may be painful, but sometimes, it's more easier to let go than to grip hard.", she squeezed my hand tightly. I held her cold hand right when she loosened her grip. "And I hope, you find forgiveness somewhere in your icy heart. Besides, not all doctors are the same, Scott.", Diana said with a gentle smile.
'Forgiveness. Is it something I can do?', I asked myself.