Fight By My Side

Two days had passed since Austin had come over. He hadn't shown up since and I was resenting Jack and Vic for making him stay away. This Sunday evening, we were all lounging around the Sanctuary. Although we were now on good terms, Jack and Vic kept their distance during the day.

"Movie?" Jack suggested. Vic shrugged. We had watched a movie the last three nights and staring at a screen for another two hours seemed like torture. Crossing my legs, I stretched and yawned. Vic swung his legs over the edge of the worn furniture and used up the rest of the room on the cushions by laying out. He grinned up at me.

"Let's skip it." Mike responded. Outside, a light rain started up. Thunder could be heard from down here. Jack sat stock still as it echoed. Normally he would beg for me to make it go away. He wasn't a fierce lion but a little kitty when it came to storms.

Today, he just sat still and held his breath. He didn't want to ask for my help-it was written all over his body. The thunder boomed once again, shaking the walls. Jack closed his eyes but held still. Mike laughed and I shot him a look that made him hold it in.

"Jack, come here." I patted the seat next to me. Jack sprang upwards and didn't take the seat I offered him. He landed on my lap, wrapping his arms around my neck and burying his face into my shoulder. The tough and rumble guy shook like a leaf as the thunder boomed. I couldn't help but wrap my arms around his lean body and hold him tight, like when we were all younger and had just started the Sanctuary.

Once his breath evened out and the thunder was softer, for the minute at least, Jack looked back at me.

"Thank you." He whispered to me. I nodded and smiled. We were all good, for sure. Jack released me and I got up with a yawn. I hadn't Shifted in a while and I felt like doing it. Pulling my arms over my head in a stretch, I sank to the ground, as a wolf. When the door swung open with a crash, I knew it was to late. It seemed like time had frozen and nothing was right anymore.

I whipped around to face him. I already knew who it was. Soft brown eyes were wide with shock and his jaw had hit the floor.

Austin had watched me Shift.

Notes