The air in the hidden cave was damp and cool, a sharp contrast to the adrenaline still coursing through their veins. Luca turned to Amy, his eyes reflecting the dim light. "Thank you, Amy. Truly. I don't even know how I can repay you for this."
Amy waved him off with a tired but playful smirk. "Forget about it. You owe me one, sure, but we're friends. I don't expect a paycheck for saving your lives." She turned her gaze to Jimmy, her expression shifting to one of mock-seriousness. "And you? You should be counting your lucky stars. I didn't even hesitate to save your ass back there. If I hadn't, you would have been a meal for Luca's brothers by now."
Jimmy felt a chill run down his spine. "Should I be terrified, or what?" he muttered, the reality of this world sinking in further.
"Keep that fear," Amy warned. "It'll keep you alive." She stood up, checking the cave entrance. "I have to go before my brothers realize I'm missing."
Amy's family was large and complicated. She was the middle child of six, caught between the terrifying authority of her eldest brother, Max, and the unpredictable energy of the youngest, Sky. Along with Ruyla and her two sisters, they formed a pack that didn't take kindly to secrets.
When Amy finally made it back to her people's territory, she found Max waiting. He was a looming shadow against the stone, his eyes sharp. "Where were you?" he asked, his voice like grinding gravel.
"I was with Luca," she said, keeping her voice steady despite the flutter of fear in her chest.
Max stared at her for a long beat before grunting, "Fine."
As soon as he turned his back, Amy didn't go to her bed. Instead, she became a ghost in her own home. She began creeping into the other caves, her heart hammering as she scavenged for supplies. She was terrified. if she were caught stealing from her own kin for the sake of an outsider, the punishment would be severe. But she pushed the fear down; Luca and Jimmy were counting on her.
Back at the hideout, the silence of the night was heavy. Luca was still awake, his body tense as he watched the entrance.
"Won't you at least rest?" Jimmy asked softly. "You've been protecting me all day. You need to take a moment for yourself."
Luca didn't look back. "And what if I decide to take a nap and they come? How am I supposed to protect you then? I can't risk it, Jimmy."
"Let me try," Jimmy insisted, stepping closer. "I might not be a warrior, but I'm not helpless. Besides, we're so far away now. I don't think many packs could even find us here."
Luca looked at him then, a small, genuine laugh escaping his lips. "You? Jimmy, you can't even kill a roach, and you want to protect me?"
Jimmy felt a heat in his cheeks that had nothing to do with anger. "At least I can try! I may not be perfect, but I'm here."
Luca's expression softened. "That's true, I suppose." He finally let his guard down, laying his head back. "But we have to stay alert. We don't know what's coming."
Within minutes, Luca was deep in sleep. Jimmy, however, was wide awake. He watched the steady rise and fall of Luca's chest. His mind was a storm of anxiety. What if we don't get out? What if this escape is a disaster? But then, his thoughts shifted. He looked at Luca's face. the sharp jawline softened by sleep, the way his hair fell over his forehead. Damn, he looks so good, Jimmy thought, his heart skipping a beat. He thought about Sarah back home, but the feelings he had for her felt pale compared to the burning jealousy he felt whenever Luca and Amy talked. He wanted to be the only one Luca looked at.
"I wish I could just kiss him," Jimmy whispered into the dark. "One kiss wouldn't hurt... he's kissed me before, right?"
He leaned in, his breath hitching, but he stopped himself just inches away. No. This is greedy. I can't do this while he's sleeping. Frustrated with his own heart, Jimmy gave himself a sharp slap across the cheek. "Wake up to reality," he hissed to himself.
Restless, he crawled toward a small hole in the cave wall that acted as a window. He stared out at the moon, its silver light bathing his face. He watched it until his eyes grew heavy, eventually falling asleep against the cold stone.
When Luca woke up at dawn, the first thing he saw was Jimmy slumped by the window. He looked so fragile against the jagged rock. Luca felt a pang of guilt. He must really miss his home, Luca thought sadly, completely unaware that Jimmy had been dreaming of him.