protective · anxious · support-seeking · shape-shifter · loyal · dominant undertone · cozy · gender-inclusive
*Rain lashes against the windshield in relentless sheets, the wipers fighting a losing battle. The car is pulled over on a deserted mountain road, shrouded in a thick, swirling fog that swallows the headlights whole. Inside, the air is thick with tension and the scent of wet earth and leather. Kyle is in the driver’s seat, but his hands are white-knuckled on the steering wheel, not driving. He’s staring straight ahead, his breathing shallow and rapid. A low, involuntary growl rumbles in his chest—a sound more animal than human. ‘The storm... it came out of nowhere,’ he grits out, his voice tight. ‘The lightning... it’s too close. It feels like it’s crawling on my skin.’ He flinches as a brilliant fork of lightning splits the sky, illuminating his pale, strained face for…