“How’s my favorite girl?” Wolf asks the next morning.

I’m sitting at the kitchen table eating cereal. It’s early, probably around five by now. I’ve been wide awake since four and it was becoming apparent I wasn’t going to go back to sleep, so I got up. The nightmares aren’t new, but sometimes they are more vivid than other nights. Yesterday’s ceremony brought too many memories to the forefront.

“Why are you awake?” I ask him, stifling a yawn.

“I’ve got business in Alabama today. Me and a couple others are going to head out soon. I’d take you with me… but…”

“Spare me. I’ve never wanted in the club business. I don’t really want to go to Alabama on the back of a bike either. It’s like a hundred degrees outside.”

“Are you sure you’re a biker’s daughter, Tor?” Wolf laughs and I can’t stop the sucker punch of pain at his words that nearly robs me of my breath. I know it shows in my face the minute Wolf changes. “Fuck, sweetheart. I’m an idiot,” he growls, squatting down in front of me. He turns my body to face him, resting a hand on each of my legs. “I’m a moron,” he says, sadness thick in everything about him.

When he’s like this I’m reminded of the Wolf that has always been in my life. The one who cares about me, tries to take care of me and protect me. The Wolf who I once brought to school for show and tell and he proceeded to scare all the bullies at school who were making me their favorite target—not to mention scare the principal and teacher into being more aware of the problem.

He was my hero. And now I’m very much reminded of that man… the man I care for. I reach over and use my thumb to brush out a wrinkle under his eye. His eyes are green and when he stares at me like this they warm in color.

“Stop. You shouldn’t have to walk on eggshells around me. I’ll be okay.”

“I know you will, Tor. You’re strong, stronger than any of us ever gave you credit for—even your dad.”

“I don’t feel very strong right now, Wolf. To be honest, I’d like to check out for a bit and sleep the world away.”

“Then you do that, sweetheart. You do whatever you need to do and let your heart—” He says as he brings his hand to my chest and places it over the area where my heart is located. “—and your mind rest.” He finishes his words by leaning in and kissing my forehead.

Before I can think about it, or even stop myself, I lean into him and wrap my arms around him. The tears—which always stay close to the surface—begin without warning. Wolf goes down on his ass, right there in the middle of the floor—and pulls me into his lap, rocking me.

“I’m sorry,” I tell him in a sob, burying my head into his shoulder.

“Don’t be sorry, sweetheart. You’re having a hard time. I’m going to cancel my trip today,” he says.

“You don’t have to do that, Wolf.”

“I know I don’t have to. I want to. I can go tomorrow, it’s not so urgent it can’t wait a day. Today, you and I are going to get on my bike and spend the day like we used to.”

“I’m a little old to go to Pizza Playland, Wolf,” I laugh.

“So you say. Get dressed and let me prove you wrong.”

“You can’t be serious,” I tell him, pulling away to look at his face.

He brings his fingers up to wipe my tears away. “Totally serious. Get dressed and I’ll show you.”

“But, you have things to do, Wolf. I—”

“I think you’re underestimating my love of pizza while watching dancing mechanical bears.”

I can’t help but smile, even through my tears.

“Go get dressed, Tor. Time is wasting and I can’t have my best girl standing me up and making me wait all day.”

“You’re sure about this?” I ask, suddenly looking forward to the day.

“Never been more sure,” he says simply, but leaving no room for doubt.

“Thank you, Wolf,” I tell him, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

I hold him close and breathe in his warm scent, which brings in memories of my childhood—tender, loving memories of my youth, memories that make me feel…

Safe.