The feeling of inferiority and lacking control nibbled on my self-esteem. Peter had covered me slowly in his strings with which he now regulated me like a puppeteer. I hated this feeling, so the only choice left was to cut the ties, even though without him I would be nothing else than the lifeless doll I used to be.

I shoved him away from me. " Stop being a reckless prick, Peter. It's making me ill, I am not your property to play with when you desire to. Even if I am now obliged to serve you or do some other fucked up things because of this whole alpha-werewolf-stuff, I still have feelings as well as something called self-respect. So do not mess with me. "

At least, eventually I found some strength to show him his limits, though, I was already convinced this was hardly the case. Peter would seem like this type of guy to never back off if he truly wanted it. He just attempted other ways to reach his goal.
So, instead of letting me have my peace, he offered me to dine late at night.
I accepted with a ravenous stomach. I did not remember the last time I had a normal sized meal. So I practically had no choice other than starving myself and between death and a dinner with Peter, I would definitely take the latter. Seriously, who wouldn't?

Due to the circumstances, my last meal probably was around two or three days ago.
Thus, one could imagine how the spaghetti carbonara with the medium-rare steak infused me with utter content. Despite my urge to wolf down the food like a maniac, I silently ate one bite after the other. I did not want to look like an impolite prick even in front of this douche bag.

Although my attempts to keep my mouth shut succeeded, I still could not bring myself to not look at him though. Despite all the hardship he has given to me, my body longed after him with every cell. He attracted me just too much like an addiction I could not refrain from taking.

Nonetheless, eventually this tensed silence started to bug me, hence at least some awkward small talk would be able to ease the atmosphere. So I decided to go for it:
" Peter, can werewolves transform into real wolves as well? ", I suddenly asked out of the blue.
There are a million questions to ask and I chose to ask him about that. What about this upcoming full moon or simply which day of the week we had. I mentally sighed.
Yeah, small talk was never my strong point I suppose, although the question could give me a clue regarding my dreams or nightmares.

As he looked up, our eyes met once again. I swore, my heart skipped a beat at this moment. 
" Kind of, only certain werewolves mainly born ones are able to do so. Why do you ask?"
" Curiosity", I responded nonchalantly despite my heart beating being higher than any doctor or nurse would consider healthy. No need to raise his suspicion against me or to get him involved into my mess any further.
Before my next step took place, I designed a small strategy how to smartly continue this indirect interrogation without being too obvious.

" So you are a born werewolf then?" Are you indeed this black creature slicing me apart? But is this even considered a wolf any more?
" Yes", he simply replied giving his attention yet again to the meal. Apparently, he does not like talking to me about that. It's understandable since we are not that close to share personal things openly.

I decided to let the investigation slip for now and continue to eat the delicious food. Sometimes a good meal was the best short-term remedy for your problems. It felt satisfying and energizing at the same time. A reward without doing anything for it, how convenient.

" I propose to you to stay until the full moon has passed and with propose I mean insist. I have already called the hospital to excuse you from work for this week due to a terrible flu. "
I glanced at him again: "Wouldn't staying in my flat and coming to you at the full moon also perfectly work? "

He wiped his mouth clean with a black fabric napkin.
" As much as I appreciate your effort to keep our interaction to a minimum. If you stay on your own, I cannot help you with those aches. The pain will only deteriorate to the point where you just have the wish to end it all. I rather prefer to have you under my sight. "
Did he just express his worry about me openly? As if. 
" Peter, I am a grown-up woman who is able to take care of herself. "
" Ava ", the way he emphasized my name caused a shiver down my spine. "I have never doubted that. Just because you can take care of yourself does not mean you have to do it all the time. You have missed my point. "
" Then please enlighten me", I requested with a hint of sarcasm. What do you want to tell me so badly, Peter?

The next sentence had enough power to end this discussion without another word.

" I don't want you to go, since I care for you. "

This was — how would the children say it again? — yes, an "overkill". No chance of resurrection.
I surrendered, this was it. The puppeteer was not able to leave its master after he expressed his feelings toward her.

I don't want you to go, since I care for you.
I care for you, so don't leave me.

My body filled up with warmth, I felt the butterflies going berserk in my stomach. I would have never thought that one sentence was enough to make me ecstatically delighted.
I caught myself in smiling lightly. All I ever wanted was someone to care for me.
Apparently, a higher force had heard my sole wish and decided I was worthy of fulfilment.

This was the purest and most beautiful form of happiness I have ever got to experience.
" Thank you" were the only words my trembling mouth allowed to escape.

And the tears of slumber anguish turned into ones full of utter joy.

- 

I am determined to finish this story and sorry for not updating the last few days. 

 Niam