I slump further onto Vik and Simon's legs, neither of the boys moving in acknowledgment. A whine rips from my throats before I can stop it. Hands then card through my fur in soothing circles.

"It's alright, Josh. They'll wake up soon."

I turn away from Tobi's hand. His touch causes every one of my nerves to scream. I know it's not his fault, but I just can't cope with it right now.

He sighs and retreats back to the kitchen where he continues cutting up the meat. I may be a wolf, but I do have standards.

Ever so carefully, I start licking the blood off of them. To me, it's like ordinary blood, but I can just tell it's different.

I can feel my mind slipping as I lap up more blood, so I stop. I close my eyes and lay my head on Vik's back.

"Josh, catch."

I turn just in time to snap up the chunk of meat that Tobi tosses my way. I lick my chops and settle back down.

Tobi starts humming a song to himself as he moves around. He ducks into the bathroom before returning with more towels.

"Josh, you're gonna need a bath now. You're covered."

He reaches forward to grab my scruff and I snap my teeth at him. Instantly, I flinch back, pulling my ears to my head. Whimpers leaving my throat and my body pressing itself into the unconscious pair.

Tobi backs off a bit. Worry swimming in his eyes.

"It's okay. You're okay Josh. I won't move you. Let me just wipe you off. You can stay there."

My hackles raise as he approaches again, but I fight the instinct to protect.

He can't touch what's mine.

The towel glosses over my paws, pulling enough blood away to leave me stained almost pink.

I feel sick now. The blood catching up with my system. My mind plummets in grief at the fact they're hurt. I'm confused as well. Why am I reacting this way?

Vik had always been my friend, my companion. Someone who understood what I needed and my boundaries. Simon, however, is new. I've only just met him, but the protectiveness that courses through me is real.

It's normal to be upset, but the level of caring hurts. My heart aches that these two are hurt and the pain only worsens the longer they sleep.

Why them?