“Are you all right?” Alek kissed his forehead, rubbing his arms over his wool overcoat.
“Yes. I just need a little time.”
“Okay. I understand. I’m glad you didn’t say alone.” Alek took off his clothes. “I love you. I’ll see you at home later, cool?”
Bell nodded with a warm smile and watched as Wolf exploded to the surface with a grand flourish, eagerly shaking out his thick, white and gray fur. He stood almost to Bell’s shoulder as he nuzzled his wet nose into his hair, greeting him the way he always did.
“Hello, Wolf,” Bell whispered, leaning against all that softness.
“Mate,” Wolf answered. “Come on. Let’s walk.”
The End