Her One and Only

The Visit

By the time Miles got back from the airport with my family, it was already six o'clock.

I wished I had more time to catch up with everyone, but the long drives had clearly wiped them out.

Miles and I showed them around, explained the sleeping arrangements, and I started dinner with my moms.

"So you really are happy out here? All by yourself?" Marianna questions.

"I'm hardly alone, Momma. Miles and I hang out constantly."

She nods.

Alanis puts her hand on my back, "I'm glad you have good company. You two seem very close already."

I smile. "If Miya hadn't already taken place as my best friend, Miles absolutely would hold the title."

They glance at each-other, and back at me. Mom smiles.

"Your father did say Miles was a wonderful young lady, seems like he was right about you two."

"Right about what?"

They share a look once more.

"He just- he said he thought you two would be very happy, is all. He said he hoped you two would connect. You know, he's always wanted you to have strong influences in your life. Miles seems like a positive one."

I roll my eyes and nod in agreement.

"Yeah, I'd say I've been a bit of a negative influence on her. It's fun to be the older one for once, even if it's just one month older."

They both smile.

"So, where's your tomato sauce, darling?"

"Back to your Italian roots tonight, Momma?" The excitement in my voice is obvious. Who doesn't love pasta though?

I hand her two cans of sauce from our pantry, receiving a forehead kiss as p*****t.

"Yes, I figure it's best. Seeing as we don't have your father around to tell me the things I'm forgetting as I go." Mom laughs at Momma's complaint.

I always loved the blend of cultures in my family. My Dad is Japanese, Momma is Italian American, and Mom is Irish American. Growing up we had such interesting foods, generally them being a blend of flavors I had never thought to put together. Dad tried to make sure we got primarily Japanese cuisine, considering we lived in America and couldn't get authentic food very often. None of us complained, of course. My Dad is an amazing cook.

But I did really enjoy the food my moms made, too. When the pack started really growing, I finally got to know the true love of potatoes and cheese. I can't believe I went so long without cheese fries.

Although, as nice as it is to have my moms cooking for me tonight, I really miss my dad's okayu. He made it whenever one of us was sick or sad. I swear it warms your heart from the inside. The soft rice, the savory broth, whatever vegetables he'd decided to throw in. It always hit the spot.

Nevertheless, the smell of marinara fills my nose, and my heart.

I love my family.

______

Miles POV

Nyght spent most of the night helping her moms cook dinner. They decided on baked ziti, apparently it had always been her favorite. I get why, her moms really do know how to cook.

She and her family are sitting in the living room, now. On the couch I usually come home to find her after training. The couch we watch movies on together. The couch I will be sitting at alone when all of this blows over. The couch that will probably always smell faintly of her.

Dishes clang in the sink and draw me from my own thunderstorm of thoughts.

"Need any help?" Aries' voice booms from behind me.

"Are you sure? You wouldn't rather be with everyone else, catching up?"

He nods.

"They're talking about that 'Alex' guy. He pisses me off." He takes a plate from the dish rack and begins wiping it dry.

I chuckle, "He's rather skilled in that, it seems."

A smirk spreads across his face.

"She seems happy out here. With you."

My heart lurches.

"Yeah, I'm gonna miss her when she inevitably leaves. It's been a lot of fun not being alone."

He scoffs. "You mean it's been fun being with her. I know just not being alone would do it for you. You want to be with her."

I raise an eyebrow.

"I know you're gay, Miles. I know how you look at her. It's not the way friends look at each other."

I wrack my brain for an excuse, or some kind of argument.

I find nothing.

"I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, I just. I don't know. I felt like I needed to say something. Protective older brother sh*t I guess. I love that kid."

I give him an understanding smile.

"I don't think I need to worry about protecting her anymore, though."

He presses his palms to the countertop for balance.

"I think you've got that covered."

His words stew in my mind for a moment.

Does he mean I'm doing well on the assignment? Or does he think I'm protecting Nyght because I have feelings for her? Or is he just trying to make me less nervous?

"You mean with how your Dad gave me the body guard job?"

He laughs.

"Yeah, sure."

He and I finish the dishes together, and make our way back into the living room with everyone else.

"I can't believe Jilly-bean lost her front teeth! Just like I did when I was seven! That's so cute!" Nyght beams.

Her moms smile, the wide proud smile a mom gives her grown child.

"Alexi's got freckles in the same places you did too." Aries adds.

"They really are your little twins!" her mother, Alanis gushes.

I can see pride and love all over Nyght's face. Even if she wasn't constantly talking about how much she loves her family, you'd know it just by the look in her eyes when she's around them.

In moments like these I do get a little envious of her. I wish I had a family like hers, or a family at all.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful for her father and how welcoming everyone has been to me, even if it is temporary.

But, I wish I had moms who cooked my favorite meals.

Or a brother to protect me, even if I don't need it.

Sisters to watch grow.

A family who loves me so much they spend eight hours in a car to get to a place that's 30 minute away.

Instead I have a cottage.

A cottage I built myself.

A cottage that was falling apart before the Alpha found me.

A cottage I spent nine years all alone in.

A cottage with no family photos.

No heirlooms.

No memorabilia.

Just Miles.

I am going to miss Nyght so much.

_____

"Thank you again for this. None of this could have happened without your help and planning. I don't think there are words for my gratitude, honestly."

I smile softly.

"It's really not a big deal, Nyght. I know how much your family means to you. And I see how much you mean to them, no wonder they agreed to it all immediately."

She's facing away from me but I can see her smile and watery eyes.

"I'm just really grateful for this time with you, and my family." She laughs "And for your agreeing to share a bed with me again!"

"If only she knew how easy it is."

If by easy you mean maddeningly difficult, sure!

Lumen truly never shuts off.

It was fine until recently, it's like she's just constantly filling my head with suggestive comments and catcalls. There isn't a moment in the day we aren't thinking about new positions to put Nyght in--and we haven't even had s*x.

From what I know, it's because of my birthday this week. The veil between you and your wolf gets thinner and thinner until you finally reach your birthday. Then it's basically halfsies on your brain.

I'm not very excited about that.

Not a huge fan of the constant reminder I will never get her.

I mean, I know it isn't Lumen's intention. But seriously, why only Nyght? I have been around other women! Actively, in fact, I had a full conversation with Miya moments ago and Lumen said nothing. What is it about Nyght specifically? Again, besides the fact that she is bewilderingly attractive.

I snap out of my intense internal discussion to find Nyght getting thoroughly comfy on the opposite side of the bed. I take it as a sign to grab my own blanket, and get comfy.

"Goodnight, Miles!" she chirps.

"Good night, Nyght."

Please don't have any s*x dreams tonight.

✨🌙☀️✨