William walked out of the shop holding Jessica as he carried her back into the main house. “Ok, little fox, where do you want to nap? In the living room, library, or my bed?” He asked her.

Jessica muttered, “Ni, ni.” As she snuggled into William. She was not providing an answer, just that she was tired.

William determined having her in the living room was probably the best location because she would know where she was. Also, the couch in the living room was more comfortable than the one in the library. As much as he would want her in his bed if she woke up not knowing where she was, she would be afraid, which is the last thing he would like for her.

Walking into the house, he brought her to the couch. He was careful lowering her to the couch. Jessica gripped his shirt as she snuggled closer to him. William kissed her hands and gently pulled them away. Seeing her facial expression change, William removed his flannel shirt that she was gripping and put it back into her hands.

Jessica grabs the fabric and brings it up to her face and breathes in deeply the smell of lemon and wood, and sighs.

William grabs a couple of pillows and moves one for her head to rest on, then puts two next to each other between her legs so her leg is slightly elevated. Finally, he pulls the blanket from the back of the couch and covers her.

Once Jessica is covered in the blanket, she snuggles her back against the couch’s backrest and pulls the blanket in close, all while still holding on to William’s shirt.

William kisses the top of her head, saying. “Rest now, little fox, and I will wake you when it’s time for lunch.” Then he rises, looking around to ensure the fire is still going, and lowers the lights.

William grabs some water bottles from the frig. Then walks back into the shop shortly after to go over the rest of the tasks for the guys. He called over the guys and handed them each a water bottle. “RJ and JR, for meal prep lunch, just make cold-cut sandwiches because Jessica is sleeping in the living room.”

“You got it, Wolf.” Taking the bottles of water, they both replied and began to finish what they were doing to begin to clean up to prepare for lunch.

“Tank?” William called out.

“Over here, Wolf,” Tank shouted from Paul’s station.

William walked over, passed them each a water bottle, and looked to see what they were doing. “What are you guys working on?” William asked.

Paul replied, taking the water bottle, “I wanted Tank’s opinion on a detail I wanted to add, but not sure how to add it or if it would be worth it.”

Tank said as he opened his water bottle from William, “The detail is quite cool, and we were brainstorming how to include it in this piece, but also how to add it to offer a complete set.” Patting Paul on the shoulder.

William looked at the two and smiled. “Sounds like your two are focused on work, but could you help me with something in a bit?”

Tank stood up, and Paul turned to look at William. “How can we help, Wolf?” They both said and chuckled.

William responded, “Ok, for the shopping trip, I want to ensure we have enough space for everything Jessica needs. Can you both do a once-over on my truck and the SUV? Also, don’t make it too clean, if you know what I mean.”

Paul nods, “I understand, Wolf.” Tank nods. Then the two of them also began to finish their work. Paul grabs his bag and heads out the door toward the garage. Tank grabs his bag from the chair at his desk and fist-bumps William before he leaves.

William heads over to his desk and sits in the chair Jessica was in, and it is still damp from her. He smiles as he can smell her scent all over the chair. He makes a mental note to ensure he is the only one using this chair. After finalizing some details, he closes his computer.

“See you later, Wolf.” The twins shout as they exit the shop and head toward the house.

The guys have cleared out of the shop, so it is his job to lock it up. William verifies all the bay doors are closed and locked. How do I already miss touching her? I want her next to me, touching me now. William wondered as he walked to the shop’s main entrance to lock the door. His attachment to Jessica was growing more substantial, and he was learning that he did want to care for her.

With the click of the lock, William jogs back to the house and walks directly to Jessica, who is still asleep on the couch. William hears her slight snore, which he finds endearing. He lifts her head, removes the pillow, and rests her head on his lap as he sits down. Gently pulling her short hair free, he twists strands in his hand. Jessica makes a sudden sound that causes William to freeze, as he intended not to wake her but to be touching her.

Not fully coherent, Jessica says, “Mmmm… Wolfie… Yum.” Moving her free hand to rest on his thigh and paws at the fabric. She says as she drifts back to sleep, “Mine.”

William’s face beams with a smile at the small dreamy statement his little fox made. Yours, my little fox. William wondered as he played with her hair and turned on the tv very low. Flipping through the channels, he found an animated movie and enjoyed the subtitles as he listened to her breathe. He noticed that her breathing sounded a little wheezy as she exhaled and could hear the slight high pitch whine as she breathed in toward the end. These were signs that her airway was starting to restrict, and eventually, she would need her inhaler. William fished the inhaler carefully out of his pocket and placed it on the table in front of them so she could see it when she wakes up. If her breathing gets louder, I will need to wake her up. William wondered as he noticed her breathing begin to steady and stay consistent but still wheezy.

Meanwhile, as Jessica slept, she dreamt of William and his scent enveloping her. The smell faded but was still around as she walked in her dream. Seeing the purple fox and large wolf again, she smiled. “Hi, friends,” she said to the animals. The fox perked its head up, excited to see her. The gray wolf’s ears flicked to hear her speak, and his tongue hung from his face. The look on the wolf’s face made her giggle. “I’m happy to see you too,” she said with a smile. The sun was setting in her dream, and she excused herself from the animals who woofed and yipped at her in reply.

Her dream carried her to the cabin bedroom, and she was lying down and felt movement and then a strong scent of wood and lemon, which had to be William. “Mmmm, My Wolfie. Smells yum.” Jessica said as she cuddled closer to the scent and released a “Mine” as she settled back to sleep. The warmth of what her head was resting on lulled her into rem sleep, along with someone playing with her hair. William would likely be the person doing it, as no one else had her permission to touch her. She felt cared for and cherished at this moment.

JR and RJ were in the kitchen prepping the sandwiches and being as quiet as feasible. William was amazed at how calm they were. He looked over to see that the twins had distributed the tasks so that neither would get in the other’s way. I guess they do want to go shopping with us. William wondered with a chuckle.

Tank and Paul came in from the side door connected to the garage. They looked around and signaled to William, asking if Jessica was still asleep. All the years in the military together, they had made communicating like this possible. William nodded, and then Tank and Paul went to the kitchen to set the table.

Paul opted for sturdy paper plates and put water bottles on the table. Nothing they were gonna be eating required utensils, but in case, he put out a picnic container that had everything they would need.

Tank assessed the work the Twins were doing and gave them each a pat on the back. RJ was making three different sandwiches, and JR was prepping sides that were finger foods.

JR and RJ finished prep and gestured to William that the food was ready, and they awaited orders on when to serve.

William looked down at Jessica, still asleep, and said 30 min with hand gestures.

The Guys all nodded and went to clean up the kitchen quietly. They were moving all the items into the dishwasher and wiping down the counters. Making sure everything was cleaned up quickly and allowing them to join William in the living room to watch the movie with him.

JR and RJ went to their regular places, and each grabbed a blanket and sat on the ground at both ends of the couch. They grabbed pillows and, in sync, put them behind their backs and rested their head on the couch arms.

They are so much alike that it is almost scary at times. William wondered.

Tank sat at Jessica’s feet, making sure not to disturb her. He tucked the blanket, ready to fall off back in place, and William nodded.

Paul gestured to sit on the ground in front of Jessica, and William nodded. Paul grabbed a blanket and pillow and pushed the coffee table away from the couch so he had space to lie down and still see the tv.

With everyone in place, they sat almost guarding Jessica as she rested, watching the movie.

The movie was nearing the end as Jessica began to stir to wake up. Starting by stretching her legs, but they ran into something. Her brow creased as she pulled her legs back. Her eyes shot open, and she looked down where her feet were to see Tank.

“It’s just me, Miss Jessica,” Tank said with his arms in the air.

She turned her head to see William looking at her with concern. “Are you alright, little fox?” William asked.

She looked around the room to see that all the guys were around her. She wasn’t expecting to wake up and see all of them staring at her. Pulling the blanket closer, she looked back up at William, and he could sense her fear.

“Hey, guys, can you give us a minute and put the food on the table?” William asked.

“Sure thing,” they all said as they got up from where they were. The twins stood first as they put the pillows and blankets they each had back onto the other furniture. Paul’s location gave her some comfort that he was in front of her. Tank’s location was, ok. It was just unexpected.

Paul pulled the coffee table back in place as he left the room.

Lifting Jessica to sit on his lap, although he would much rather have her straddle it, William asked again, “Are you alright, Little Fox?” He reached for her inhaler and handed it to her.

After administering her two puffs, she looked up, saying, “Thank You, I’m ok, I think,” Jessica whispered.

“What was wrong so I can prevent you from waking up scared?” William asked as he adjusted her so she was straddling his lap.

“Um… do they normally sit like that, on the couch?” Jessica asked.

“Well, normally, we spread out a bit more, but like myself, I think the guys wanted to be near you. The only other time I have seen them all act that way was when we were watching precious cargo.” William said, then continued, “And I think you are exceptional.”

Jessica blushed and rested her head on his shoulder. “Oh, but I’m no precious cargo. I’m just me.”

“And that is why you are precious cargo in their eyes. You are special to me, and I think because they see that. They want to help protect you as well. If it’s too much, I can have them stand down.” William said.

“Oh no, it’s ok, but maybe not all so close next time,” Jessica said as she traced a circle on his shirt.

“That I can do.” tilting her head to look at him, he asked, “Anything else you want to say, little fox?

She blushed, “Um, no… why?”

“Well, you talked a little in your sleep, and I wanted to know what you were dreaming about,” William said with a grin.

“Oh no. I’m sorry. I don’t remember, sorry.” she said with concern as she genuinely could not remember what she said or didn’t say aloud. The red flush feeling rushed over her turning her skin a bright shade of red.

“Little Fox, are you sure you don’t remember?” He asked as he rubbed the side of her cheek.

“Honestly, I don’t remember, but this happens often, and sometimes it’s embarrassing. One time I agreed to have play time, and I woke up with someone who wasn’t a friend on top of me.” Looking down, she continued, “I have been afraid since.” Twisting the blanket in her hands, trying not to shake, she peaks a look at him.

William gently grabs her hands and places them on his face. “Little fox, what you said was “Mmmm… Wolfie… Yum. And then Mine.” I am not gonna lie when my heart raced at your wanting to claim me, but if you’re not ready, that’s ok, but if you need to know. Mmmm…. Little Fox… Yum… and we will wait on the last one until you are ready.”

Jessica caressed William’s face and leaned in to give him a butterfly kiss on the nose. “Thank you, Wolfie, and I would agree. Mmmm, Wolfie, yum.” She said with a playful smile.

One of William’s hands went to her bum and squeezed it. “Mmmm, yum.” He said as he nuzzled into her neck, giving it a lick.

Jessica giggled at the sensation as her tummy growled.

“Are you ready for lunch before our shopping trip?” William asked as he rubbed her butt.

“Food sounds yummy,” Jessica said as she leaned her head on his should close to his neck and gave him a tiny bit. “Yes, very hungry.”

William arose with her in his arms. Jessica squeaked out at the sudden change in position and wrapped her good leg around William.

“I can walk, Mr. Wolf,” Jessica said with a smile.

“Oh, I know you can, but see, you were not next to me all day, so I wanna hold you for a little. Is that ok?” William explained.

Jessica wraps her arms around his neck. “I guess that’s ok, but I get to walk later. Deal?”

William sighed, “Ok, but I get to hold your hand when you’re not walking.”

Jessica smiled as William set her down in the chair. “Ok, I think that’s a good deal.”

“Great,” William says as he grabs her hand and puts it on his lap. “Don’t move your hand. I will serve you lunch.”

Jessica giggled at William’s cute behavior. “Yes, Sir. ” She said, giving a playful salute.

William smiled as he placed a ham and cheese sandwich on his plate. “What would you like for lunch? I will get it for you.”

“Hmmm, I don’t care what sandwich, but can I have cheddar chips and a sweet treat,” Jessica said with a cute smile and a gentle squeeze of her hand.

William leaned over to whisper in her ear, “If you keep looking so cute, we may never get up from this table.” And then nips at her ear.

Jessica blushes bright red “Truce?” She asked.

“Oh no, you started this. We are playing until the end!” William said as he moved her hand higher up his thigh and scooted her chair closer.

“Ok, but I play to win,” Jessica said with another squeeze of her hand as she started to scratch her nails on his thigh.

“Hmmm, well, here is your food, little fox. You may only use one hand to eat.” William said as he touched her thigh and slowly dragged his fingers along her inseam.

Catching her breath at the sudden presence of William’s hand so close to her entrance teasing her. “Hmm, if you keep doing that, I am not gonna have any clean pants,” Jessica said into his ear.

“Well, we are getting you new pants anyway.” He said as he pressed his palm against Jessica’s entrance.

“Hey, you’re not playing fair,” Jessica said, trying to hold back her moans. She then moves her hand to his crotch.

William grabbed her hand. “Little fox, now that is cheating.” He placed her hand back on his thigh. “If you want your treat, you must eat all your food.”

She hadn’t noticed the amount of food William put on her plate. “William, this is way too much food. I am trying to lose weight, not gain weight,” Jessica said with a hint of sadness as she started to pick up a sandwich.

William grabbed her hand and guided the food to his mouth. “Oh, Jessica, please don’t be sad. I put all our food on one plate so we can feed each other. It’s mostly for me.” He patted his belly, “I’m so hungry.”

Jessica continued to feed William as everyone continued the conversations at the table. The guys were ignoring the two of them for the most part.

“Hey, Ms. Jessica, do you want shotgun when we go to the mall?” Tank asked.

“Oh, it doesn’t matter; I can sit in the back. It’s ok,” Jessica said, then took a bite of her sandwich that William was holding.

“How about this? I take Jessica and Paul in the truck and Tank, and you get the twins in the SUV.” William said with a cheeky smile.

“Hey,” the twins shouted, “We all the time have to ride with Tank. He makes us listen to talk radio. Not fair.”

“It’s the only thing I can put on that you both don’t begin in on about how a song would be better or how you would change it, blah blah blah,” Tank said in reply.

“Don’t blame us for being musical prodigies,” RJ said.

“Yeah,” JR said, as he high five his brother.

RJ added, “Wolf, can we ride with you and Ms. Jessica on the ride back?”

“How about this? You both can ride with us there. You guys did make lunch and were the quietest I have ever seen you two, but your riding with Tank on the way back.” William said.

Paul looked at Tank and said, “So, country music or classic rock?”

JR and RJ’s mouths drop open.

Tank smiles, “Your choice, navigator.”

“Wait, Paul gets to ride in the front seat too. We are never allowed up there.” RJ says.

“Yeah, he sits up front, and we listen to music. Paul also sings along with me and doesn’t complain.” Tank said, looking at the twins. “If you treat people nicely, they do nice things for you.”

Jessica giggles at the conversation at the table. She puts the last chip in William’s mouth, and he sucks on her fingertips. “Hmm, my favorite flavor,” William says with a smile.

Everyone finishes up and puts the trash away. William grabs Jessica’s crutches and walker. “Do you have a preference?”

“Crutches are gonna be easier, and like you are all the time saying, if I get tired, you can carry me.” She said with a wink.

“Great,” William says with excitement as he throws her over his shoulder. “You ready, Little fox?” He said, slapping her on the bottom.

“Hey, not fair, Wolfie,” Jessica replies and slaps him on the bottom. “It appears I am ready.”

“Ok, team, move out,” William says as he carries Jessica to his lifted truck, and she would have needed help either way. “Buckle up, little fox. I’ve got precious cargo.”

“Thank you, Wolfie.” She says with a blush and a smile as she kisses him on the nose. “Thank you.”

“I don’t know what I did to deserve that, but you’re most welcome little fox,” William replied and kissed her nose as well, then closed the door and got in the truck.