Special Chapter 3:

Warren's large gray wolf form crouched low, his bushy tail wagging in invitation. He let out a soft, encouraging whine, his intelligent amber eyes looking up at Derrick. His fur shimmering under the sunlight, Derrick's eyes widened with curiosity. The little boy toddler closer, his chubby hands reaching out to touch Warren's soft fur.

Warren's wolf form leaned in, his long snout nuzzling Derrick's hand affectionately. Derrick giggled, his small fingers threading through Warren's fur as he climbed up onto the wolf's back. Warren stood up, his large paws steady as he balanced the tiny toddler on his back.

Warren's wolf form began to walk, his gait slow and careful with Derrick riding on his back. The boy's legs clung to Warren's sides, his tiny hands gripping fistfuls of the soft gray fur. Warren's tail swished playfully, brushing against Derrick's legs as they strolled through the house.

"Be careful if Derrick gets injured, I'll hurt you." Dan speaks behind with a remarkable tone.

Warren's ears perked up at the stern warning from Dan, his tail wagging a bit slower as he continued to walk with Derrick on his back. He knew better than to disregard Dan's words, especially when it came to their precious son.

Warren approached Dan, his amber eyes filled with a mix of playful mischief and careful obedience. He lowered himself to the ground, allowing Derrick to slide off his back. As soon as the toddler was safely on the floor, Warren shifted back to his human form.

"I promise, I was being extra careful," Warren said, his voice soft as he looked at Dan with a reassuring smile. "I just wanted to give Derrick a fun wolf ride."

Dan's expression softened, his eyes flicking to Derrick who was now toddling around the room, clutching a stuffed toy wolf.

"I know you would never hurt him intentionally," he said, his voice gentler now. "But he's still so little, and I can't help but worry."

Warren nodded understandingly, stepping closer to Dan and wrapping his arms around his waist. "I get it. I worry about him too," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to Dan's neck. "But I promise, I'll always be super careful with our little wolf cub."

Dan relaxed into Warren's embrace, his body melding with Warren's as he returned the affectionate squeeze. "I know you will," he whispered.

As if sensing his parents' affection, Derrick turned around, his tiny face lighting up with a big smile as he saw them. He toddled over, his little hands outstretched. "Ma ma," he chirped, looking up at Dan.

Dan's face lit up at the sound of Derrick's words, his heart swelling with love. He crouched down and scooped Derrick up into his arms, nuzzling his nose against the little boy's cheek. "Yes, it's Mommy," he cooed, his voice filled with warmth.

"And where is Daddy?" Dan asked, gently bouncing Derrick in his arms. "Can you point to Daddy?" Derrick's eyes darted around the room, his little hand reaching out to point at Warren. "Da da!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands with glee.

Warren's face broke into a wide, proud grin at Derrick's words. He stepped forward and gently took Derrick from Dan's arms, lifting the little boy up and twirling him around playfully. "That's right, little man! Daddy's right here,"

Derrick giggled uncontrollably as Warren spun him around, his tiny legs kicking with joy. As Warren finally slowed down and brought him close, Derrick threw his little arms around Warren's neck, planting a wet, open-mouthed kiss on his father's cheek.

Warren laughed warmly, his heart melting at the pure, unconditional love in Derrick's gesture. He nuzzled into his son's cheek, breathing in the sweet scent of baby shampoo and innocence. "I love you too, little wolf,"

Dan watched the scene unfold, a soft smile spreading across his face. It was moments like these that filled his chest with a sense of contentment and love.

He stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Warren's shoulder. "You're a natural with him, you know that?" he said, his voice warm with admiration.

Warren looked up at Dan, his expression softening as he met his partner's gaze. "He makes it easy, honestly," he replied, gently bouncing Derrick in his arms.

Derrick let out a gleeful giggle, his tiny hands reaching out for Dan.

Dan chuckled and took Derrick from Warren, holding him close. He cradled the boy against his chest, peppering his face with gentle kisses.

Warren smiled at the sight, his eyes filled with affection. "He's growing so fast," he mused, his hand coming to rest on Dan's back.

"He really is," Dan agreed, his voice filled with both pride and a hint of sadness. "Feels like just yesterday he couldn't even hold his head up, and now he's babbling away and walking around."

Warren wrapped his arm around Dan's shoulders, pulling him closer.

"It's crazy how life can change so quickly, isn't it?" Warren's voice was laced with a mixture of awe and melancholy. He gently nuzzled his head against Dan's, drawing comfort from their closeness.

Dan nodded, his gaze still fixed on their little boy, who was now reaching out his tiny fingers to tug at Dan's hair. "I just hope we're doing right by him," he said quietly.

Warren's arm tightened around Dan's shoulder. "Hey, of course we are. We're doing the best we can, and that's all we can do," he assured.

Derrick wiggled in Dan's arms, sensing the hint of seriousness in the air. He let out a soft whimper, his eyes darting between his parents with an expression that was both curious and concerned.

Dan immediately softened, tickling the boy's belly with his fingers. "Aw, it's okay, buddy," he cooed, showering him with more kisses. "We're just having a grown-up chat."

Warren watched the scene with a fond smile, his heart swelling at the sight of their little family. "He's sensitive, just like his parents," he remarked affectionately.

Dan chuckled, looking at Warren with a knowing gaze. "He definitely gets that from you, you big softie," he teased, although his voice was filled with affection.

Warren feigned offense, pressing a hand over his heart. "Me? A softie?" he exclaimed, though the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his amusement. "I'll have you know, I'm tough and rugged, just like a proper wolf."

Dan couldn't help but roll his eyes fondly at Warren's playful antics. "Tough and rugged, my foot," he muttered, but there was a smile on his face.

Warren chuckled and held his hands up in surrender. "Hey, I'm just saying, I know how to be tough when I need to be," he said, a hint of mock defensiveness in his voice. "But yes, time for bed."

Dan looked down at Derrick, who was now yawning widely, his eyes half-lidded with tiredness.

They made their way to the bedroom, dimly lit by a single lamp on the bedside table. The room was filled with a cozy, calm atmosphere, the soft glow of light casting gentle shadows on the walls.

Dan settled Derrick onto the plush, soft surface of the bed, tucking a favorite stuffed wolf toy into the boy's arms. Derrick immediately cuddled up to the toy, snuggling into the blankets with a content sigh.

Warren moved to the opposite side of the bed, crawling under the covers and settling down beside Derrick. He reached out and gently ruffled the boy's soft, baby-fine hair.

Dan climbed into bed next to Warren, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. He watched as Warren continued to fuss over Derrick, who was now half-asleep, his eyes fluttering shut.

"He's such a little angel when he's sleepy," Dan whispered, a soft smile on his lips.

Warren nodded, his voice equally hushed. "He's like a little wolf cub, all tuckered out after a long day of playing," he replied, his fingers gently tracing patterns on Derrick's back.

Derrick stirred slightly in his sleep, his little body moving closer to Warren's warmth. He let out a soft, sleepy whimper, his tiny hand clutching the stuffed wolf toy tighter.

Warren instinctively wrapped an arm around the boy, pulling him in against his chest protectively. His hand continued to slowly rub Derrick's back in soothing circles, his gaze fixed on the child with tenderness.

Both of them close their eyes.

END….