Big Bad Wolf

SCOTT 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 courage to hold her hand and place it on my chest.

"Does your heart beat this fast too?", I stared right into her glistening sapphire eyes, then 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. The starlight that shines in her eyes is far more beautiful than all of the stars together.

'You're my Luna, Diana. Why can't you see?', I thought.

We both decided to go back to the stables but this time, I let her ride Apollo as I walk along side 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 any minute I could 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. Even though 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 was still flustered from what happened earlier. I have so many questions in mind for Diana, then I noticed her fidgeting with the reins and has been clearing her throat a few times.

"Ask away, Diana", I suddenly said for her to ask a question that seemed like she's been wanting ask for a while.

"Umm.. Why is Apollo mean to others?", Diana blurted out.

"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 in the dark. "Do you believe in humans changing forms into… wolves?", I asked Diana hesitantly.

"No, I haven't heard of such thing", she answered.

Her answer led me to a conclusion that Diana doesn't know 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 clicked 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 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 be cured. One day he's fine, next day is like a corpse. The doctor didn't really helped my dad at all", I continued as we have arrived at the stables. I helped Diana dismount the saddle and take Apollo back to the stable.

Diana patiently and intently listened to my story. She frowns focusing in every word that I say.

"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 said as I led Diana to the flowerbeds of wild red roses, because I know she liked them the last time we trailed there.

"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 said as we stopped for a while at the wild roses. Diana crouched down and picked up some flowers.

"Was he ever cured?", Diana asked as I held her arm to help her stand up from picking some 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.." 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. "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 10 back then", she smiled a little as she look into my eyes.

How could a smile 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.