Werewolf Boyfriend Rudolf (special preview)

“We make special chocolate for the werewolves of the world,” she told me, one day while Rudolf and I packaged orders. “I know you aren’t a were yourself, but when we shift, it can be painful at times. Sometimes, there are feelings like motion sickness or body aches. My family has been working on these chocolates for generations. Originally, they were trying to cure lycanthropy, but now, it’s a comfort.”

Rudolf and his moms had left Hearthway Hollow to return to Germany, where both of them were from. Rudolf and I sent letters back and forth well into high school, although the amount of them dwindled to maybe once or twice a year before they eventually stopped altogether.

This was my first time seeing him since fourth grade. I felt slightly nervous. I had missed him so much, but would we even like one another now?

I watch as people come and go from the shop. It’s always busy, never a lull. Then, right as the hour changes, I see someone walk out from the back of the shop. He sees me across the street and makes a mad dash towards me.

I stand up, and when I do, he tackles me in a great big hug. I gasp, nearly toppling over, so I cling to him for support. His arms are warm and he smells like vanilla. I squeeze tight onto him, feeling the same comfort and warmth from when I was little.

“I’m so happy to see you!” Rudolf cheers as he lifts me off the ground and shakes me. 

I squeal and giggle until he sets me down. I look up into his face, realizing how handsome he’s become. I still feel like the slightly banged potato I’ve always been. I tuck my hair behind my ear and smile nervously up at him.

“I didn’t even know you had come back,” I look him over. “How are your moms? Mimi and Anna.”

“They’re here, they’re the ones working right now,” Rudolf is still grinning. “I am just-” he laughs. “I’m so happy to see you, you have no idea!”

I nod along. “I’m kind of shocked, really,” I tuck my hair again. “I don’t know what to say or even do. It’s you!”

“It’s you,” he murmurs.

I giggle softly and I just stare up at him. My heart is going a million miles a minute and I can barely contain my excitement.

Rudolf reaches out, taking a hold of my hand and squeezing it. “I must admit,” he starts off. “I was a bit heartbroken when you weren’t here waiting on me.”

I frown slightly and look away. “I was at school,” I reply. I look up at him. “You also never told me you were coming back.”

He squeezes my hand and sighs. “I hate that we lost touch.”

“Me too.” I murmur.