noun ~ an act of going or coming to see a person or place socially
CHARLIE

Fucking snow.

I loved it back home, but I suppose that was because I had a home to hide from it. Despite the thick double coat I had, the iciness sank into my damn bones.

I didn't enjoy getting unnecessarily wet.

But I was getting closer.

I followed the whisper of campfire stories and trailed the kill streak akin to a newly shifted beast. Calida started killing for fun and left the barely broken carcasses to rot in her wake.

Thankfully, her direction had turned southern. The past few weeks in solitude had been harder than I expected. I was battling my wolf at every corner. He threatened to come out and take over. He was unhappy with the pace I was setting, despite the necessity of it.

Calida had to know I was coming for her. The moment I even grew close, she was running in another direction or jumping in a stream. It was disheartening, but I would not leave her. I should get the hint, I know, but just being near her made everything feel so much better.

Besides, she's a wolf. She's not Calida.

And I had to be there when my Calida came back to me.

Because she will. There were no ifs about it.

Even if I have to trudge through fifty more of these damn snowy winters. And even then, I'd just encourage her to move south when the snow falls.

Like we were now. It was a bit later than I'd prefer, but warmth was coming, and I was holding onto that anticipation.

Snow was inches deep and sticking to the fur on my ankles. I would look like a pretty big idiot if I was to shake it off every step, but guess what? That's what I did.

Whoever says they like snow needs to get their brain looked at. It's not normal. It's cold, and wet, and sticky. Then it turns to slush and hardens again and turns to ice and then you break your fucking paw, trying to walk on it. Not to mention every rabbit and his cousin were burrowed underground, away from any predators.

Bet it's nice and warm in there, though.

I grumbled as my next step sent me shooting down a small hill. I sank in the snow to my elbows instantly, frustrated. I bared my teeth for good measure, making sure the snow knew who exactly was in charge.

But it wasn't me.

I was so going to write a story about this. There would be an entire chapter dedicated to my hatred for snow. I'd even make some damn fan art for the pages.

It was harder to tell what time of day it was when it was snowy. The grey clouds cast over the entire expanse of the sky, which made tracking the sun harder. It would glimmer through cracks in the clouds, and that was the only way I knew which direction I was going in.

South.

Warmth.

Sweet, glorious, dry dirt.

And Calida.

Both things were just as good as each other.

My paws dragged across the ground, my head hung low as I walked. Hours and hours, days and days of walking have tired my mind, but I have never felt so in shape. I think my stamina was the best in the world.

My terrain eventually changed. And the inches of snow grew sparser until I was walking on solid ground once more. Relief washed over me, grateful that my none stop walking had paid off. It was better than sprinting and wasting all of my energy, that was for sure.

There were more scents here, too; the perfect combination of food. Carefully, and I'll emphasise how careful it needs to be, I encouraged my wolf forward. Axel bristled, shaking out his fur as I let him hunt. He enjoyed it way more than I did, his claws digging up the dirt as he sank his teeth into a...

A fucking squirrel.

I chastised him, urging him to find something that was actual sustenance. He just wanted to hunt and play, and I felt guilty for ridding himself of that. But we weren't at home; this was surviving.

Ten minutes later, we were chowing down on a red fox, our muzzle and paws covered in blood. I'd have to find something to clean my fur in, because I did not want to parade fresh blood through no-man's-land.

Halfway through, my stomach cramped with its warning. But I had to push through it; I needed to stuff my stomach with as much food as I could. I was so cold, and so empty, and I wasn't sure when we'd stop next.

I was cleaning my snout in the grass when I heard a commotion nearby. The birds fell quiet as the large rustling of hedgerows. I paused, ears twitching as I tried to locate the sound.

It was coming from my right.

I sneezed, pushing the scent of fox from my nostrils, only to find a familiar scent.

Falling onto my haunches, I stared at the spot she was going to appear in. Her footsteps grew closer and closer, leaves and sticks crunching under her weight.

She really didn't know how to be quiet, did she?

Eventually, she stepped out. Her long, wispy hair tied in two plaited pigtails, her eyes dark with thoughts.

"Charlie, dear, there you are," Gaia beamed.

Why was she here?

I didn't like the woman very much. Phoenix was smitten with whatever Nova said, but I still didn't see how we should trust the woman. Both her kids were nutcases and her mother tried to stage a coup and kill my best friend. What's saying she isn't lying?

I lowered my head with a growl. What are you doing here?

She tutted, stopping in front of me. "You knew I was coming."

You are not quiet. I stated.

She hummed a yes, eyeing my fur. I grumbled as she reached for me, her fingers aiming for the fur on my neck. She patted down my fur, and the human gesture made me hesitate.

When was the last time I felt a human touch?

"It's been a long road, hey?" She wondered softly.

I huffed, remaining where I was as she scratched across my skin. My wolf, although psychopathic, loved a good scratch. If we were pet, I knew his rear leg would kick with glee.

A grumble rose in my chest, whether at her touch or at her words. Either way, he was pleased.

"Have you found her yet?"

You knew I had lost her?

"I watched her leave you." She mused. "I have been monitoring you."

You don't need to do that.

Her eyes softened. "I don't think I have a choice."

Nova.

I huffed, avoiding her gaze. I don't need looking after.

"I don't tell her anything." Gaia shook her head. "I won't tell her you are half the size you were when you left."

I bared my teeth in frustration. Pack life is a luxury.

"So is being alive." She shrugged, almost sadly. "But it is also a burden we all must carry."

I huffed. Have you followed me here for any reason?

"Oh, yes. I came to tell you something." She nodded.

I hesitated, waiting for her to continue. She didn't, and I pointedly stared, waiting for her to be out with it. She was busy staring at my fur, watching her fingers disappear between the hairs.

I rose to full height, and her hands limply fell away from my skin. I turned, facing her head on.

Gaia.

"I just came to warn you." She stated.

Here we go. Here's the witchy crap.

Warn me about what?

"Just to be careful."

I am being careful.

"More so than physically, Charlie." She murmured. "Calida is a feral wolf. Feral wolves don't make friends."

Is that it? I grunted. You came to tell me what I already knew.

"No." She scowled.

It seems that way. I shook out my fur. I know who my mate is and what she is capable of.

"So, you are aware this may be your life for all eternity?" She wondered.

I held her gaze, my eyes narrowed. Fully aware. If that is what it is, then that is what it is. I promised her I wouldn't leave her. Not now, not ever.

She stared at me; her eyes darted between my wolf ones. "You are a good mate, Charlie. It is a sadness that it came down to this."

I cannot change the past, Gaia. I muttered.

Her eyes softened with sorrow. "I know that more than anybody."

If you're looking for pity, you won't find it here. I stated.

Her spine straightened, as if she suddenly remembered she was in the middle of no-man's-land. Rogues would eat her for breakfast; they despised witches in their territory.

"Just take my advice and be careful." Gaia pleaded. "There is danger everywhere, and there are people who will exploit that."

Not Calida. I shook my head. She is just a wolf.

"I'm not talking about Calida, Charlie." She warned. "You are awfully close to claimed territory here. I'd be careful of who you come across."

One reason I didn't like Gaia so much: her riddles. Her half-finished sentences always wound me up.

Noted. I muttered. Is that all?

"I suppose it is."

I hesitated before walking away, glancing back at her. How are they?

She smirked, knowing something I didn't. "They're struggling. It's Christmastime."

Nova loves this time of year.

I nodded, feeling partially guilty for not being with them.

"She's expecting again."

My eyes widened, and I staggered to a stop. Again?

She shrugged a yes. "I doubt they could tell you themselves, but yes. Nova is due next month."

I laughed softly. Of course, Phoenix got to her again. Their house was a sex dungeon with pretty paint and rugs.

"Just the one this time, too," Gaia mused. "Nova is pleased about that."

Nova when pregnant was terrifying. In one way, I was glad I was not there, because the blame would always turn to me. But another part of me feared what I was missing. Nova was a sister to me, and Phoenix was my brother. Not being by her side when she was in labour had me feeling many mixed emotions.

I didn't want to abandon them if they needed me.

"She will be fine." Gaia hummed. "The baby is healthy."

You can promise it?

She frowned, her expression dropping. "I do not promise."

You can see the future. Can you promise Nova and the baby will be okay? I snarled.

Gaia swallowed, staring at my intensity with unease. "I can promise the labour will go safety."

Good. I exhaled.

That was as good as a confession as I was going to get.

"You should go." She murmured. "Calida is about to cross a pack land five miles south from here."

I cursed, spinning my head toward her trail. As I trotted away, Gaia called out to me.

"Charlie, just remember what I said."

How could I forget? A creepy old witch finding me in the middle of southern territory and telling me what I already knew. I would not forget her annoyance any time soon.

Either way, Calida was right before me and I would not let her get away from me again. I was her protector, her guidance, and she was my heart. I couldn't survive without her, but I just hoped that it was the opposite for her.