Chapter 11: The Surprise Lick
The full moon hung low and radiant over the dense forest, casting a silvery glow on the clearing where Rodney and Nancy sat. The light danced across the leaves, and the forest around them hummed with the life of nocturnal creatures stirring in the dark. The air was calm, but an unspoken tension lingered between the two of them, an energy that Rodney couldn’t quite place but felt deep in his chest.
Nancy glanced up at Rodney, her wolf eyes softening as she observed his face in the moonlight. She had grown comfortable in his company over the past few weeks, more than she’d expected. He reminded her of her past self—Margot—and the life she had with him. Every now and then, she would catch herself wanting to reveal the truth, to let him know who she really was. But fear of his reaction, and the responsibilities she had as a wolf, held her back.
Tonight, though, was different. The warmth of his presence, the way he looked at her, and the sheer silence of the forest stirred something in her heart that she hadn’t felt in so long.
“So,” Rodney began, breaking the silence, “you ever just… look up at the moon and feel like you’re missing something? Something really important?”
Nancy tilted her head, her ears flicking forward as she gazed at him, her wolf instincts reading his body language.
“The moon holds memories,” she said softly, her voice low and velvety. “It’s said that if you look at it long enough, you’ll remember things you’ve lost.”
Rodney’s gaze shifted to her, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“That’s a beautiful thought. I don’t think I’ve ever looked at it that way. Though, honestly, this whole forest has a way of making me feel… nostalgic.” He trailed off, glancing back up at the night sky. “I don’t know. It’s hard to explain.”
Nancy watched him intently. She knew exactly what he meant—he was remembering her. Part of her wanted to reach out, to tell him the truth that had been weighing on her heart. But the time still didn’t feel right. Instead, she leaned closer to him, her warm, fur-covered body pressing gently against his side.
Rodney laughed softly, glancing down at her.
“You’re surprisingly cuddly, Nancy.”
She tilted her head at him, a playful glint in her eyes. Without thinking, she leaned over and gave him a quick, affectionate lick on his cheek.
Rodney froze, blinking in surprise. His hand flew to his cheek, and his face turned a deep shade of red.
“Did… did you just… lick me?”
Nancy let out a soft, amused growl and sat back, her head tilted to the side.
“It’s a way wolves show affection,” she said lightly, her eyes shining with mischief. “I thought you could use a bit of wolf kindness.”
Rodney chuckled nervously, wiping his cheek as he looked at her with a mixture of amusement and bewilderment. “I don’t think I’ve ever been… licked before. By anyone.” He cleared his throat, trying to suppress his awkwardness. “But, uh… thanks, I guess?”
Nancy watched him, enjoying his flustered reaction. She hadn’t meant to catch him off guard, but seeing his response made her heart feel lighter. She could sense his growing fondness, his awkward, uncertain feelings that seemed to confuse him more each day. And she knew why—he was falling in love with her, even if she wasn’t fully human anymore. The realization made her heart ache with both happiness and sadness.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the night sounds enveloping them. Eventually, Rodney broke the silence, his tone more serious.
“Nancy,” he said softly, “I feel like I’ve known you forever. I know it sounds crazy, but being here with you… it feels right, like I was meant to find you somehow.”
Nancy’s breath hitched slightly, and she turned her gaze to him, feeling the pull of the truth once more. But just as the words began to form, her sense of duty took over, and she swallowed them back. She couldn’t risk revealing everything—not yet.
Instead, she looked at him and gave a small, gentle smile. “Sometimes, paths cross for a reason, Rodney. I’m glad you’re here too.”
Rodney sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know it sounds strange, but… there’s something about you that reminds me of someone I used to know.”
Nancy’s heart skipped a beat, and she looked away, afraid her expression might betray her. She managed a small chuckle, trying to ease the tension. “Oh? Was she a wolf too?” she teased, hoping to lighten the mood.
He laughed, scratching his head. “No, she was… she was human. Her name was Margot. I—” He hesitated, his voice dropping. “She disappeared on her 18th birthday. No one ever saw her again. But… being here, being with you, sometimes it feels like I can almost hear her voice again.”
Nancy forced herself to stay calm, even as her heart raced with a mixture of emotions. She wanted so desperately to tell him the truth, to let him know that she was Margot, that she hadn’t meant to leave him, and that she was here now, right beside him. But the fear of his reaction, of what her life as a wolf would mean for them, held her back.
“That must have been hard,” she said softly, her gaze on the ground. “Losing someone like that.”
Rodney nodded, his expression somber. “Yeah. I spent months looking for her, hoping she’d come back, that she was somewhere out there… But I never found her.” He paused, glancing at Nancy. “I thought the pain would fade, but sometimes… I still miss her. And lately, being with you, it’s like I’m getting a second chance at something.”
Nancy’s heart ached as she listened, torn between her love for him and the need to keep her secret. But seeing his pain, his lingering longing for Margot, she couldn’t stop herself from offering some comfort.
“I don’t know what happened to her, Rodney,” she said, her voice gentle. “But if she were here, I’m sure she’d be proud of you for everything you’ve done.”
Rodney’s eyes softened, and he reached over to place a hand on her paw. “Thank you, Nancy. I… I think I needed to hear that.”
For a moment, they sat there, the connection between them deepening, both comforted by the other’s presence. Nancy could feel his affection, his trust, and she knew that, despite everything, he was beginning to fall for her, even in her wolf form. It was strange, bittersweet, but it also made her heart soar.
As they gazed at each other, the moonlight casting a soft glow over them, Nancy felt herself inching closer to him, her heart beating wildly. She wanted so much to tell him, to reveal everything. But as her eyes met his, she remembered her duty, her promise to protect her clan and keep her identity hidden.
Rodney’s face was mere inches from hers, and he looked at her with a gentle smile. “You’re a mystery, Nancy. But… you’re a good one. I’m glad I found you.”
Nancy pulled back slightly, her expression turning playful again, trying to cover the vulnerability she felt. “Maybe some mysteries are best left unsolved,” she teased, nudging him gently with her paw.
He laughed, giving her a mock salute. “If you say so. But I’ll be keeping my eyes open.”
They laughed together, the tension lifting as they shared a warm, easy moment. But beneath the laughter, Nancy knew that their connection was only growing deeper. Rodney might not know her true identity, but he could feel her heart, her intentions, and her care for him.
As they finally made their way back down the trail, Nancy glanced at him one last time, feeling both joy and sorrow. She couldn’t predict where this journey would take them, or if he would ever learn the truth about her. But for now, under the moon’s watchful eye, she would cherish every moment she had with him, even if it meant hiding a part of herself.
For as long as she could, she would walk by his side as Nancy, the wolf, the protector, and his friend. And maybe, just maybe, someday she could be Margot again.