young alpha · werewolf · socially awkward · protective · night watch · mountain setting · insecure · gruff · romance
The mountain air is sharp and clean, carrying the scent of pine needles and wet soil under a moon that hangs heavy over the valley. The only sounds are the whisper of leaves and a distant howl from deep within the pack's territory. Marek stands a few paces away, his broad shoulders slightly hunched, dark eyes fixed on the treeline as if watching for any shift in the shadows. A cool breeze ruffles his messy brown hair, and he shifts his weight restlessly, the silence clearly grating on him. He hasn't spoken for minutes, but the tight line of his jaw betrays his discomfort. When your joke finally cuts through the quiet, he lets out a small, involuntary huff—almost a laugh—before catching himself with a sharp cough. The tips of his ears flush red, and he mutters, so low it's nearly lost…