Time carries on with us showing people around the wildlife centre or spending a few moments with Sophia when the chance arises. I never say no to it when Wayne askes me. Sometimes we do nothing in her office for small bursts of time wasting, eating lunch with her at the snack bar, or even helping when she asks with restraining or catching difficult critters.

Her hard shell exterior is giving way to a softer center. Although sassy talking seems to be her trademark and she has a light teasing personality. I have caught her stealing secretive glances at me and hiding her soft smile. The bond ebbs and flows between us. Building. Pulling. The itch to reach for her and touch her is overwhelming. My wolf has been trying to break through and its staggering at times; having to lie about needing fresh air because of the chemicals in the clinic. It’s her scent that’s too much to handle.

Today is being spent in the pack taking notes of what needs to be done and doing any small work I can while I’m out. We will need to do some repairs on a few roofs before it gets too cold. Shingles are ordered and a warm front should move up in the next few weeks. Regardless of my schedule, I will need to be there to help. Most things are small ‘To Do’ list items. Stocking freezers and cellars, winterizing outdoor spigots, finish harvesting the small gardens, sealing cracks around door frames and windows. The older wolves need more help than the youths with these things, the younger males have their homes and families ready. Offering to help me if I need it with anything.

Seems word has gotten around about my mate situation. Most wolves would be marked and mated right now, settling into their new routine together. Our routine is a small wave in comparison. I got lucky with the few moments we have had. If I manage to see her while on her busier days it isn’t much more than a quick ‘hello’ or ‘good job Hotshot’ now. Sophia refuses to call me by my name I have noticed. If she thinks I dislike the nickname she is wrong.

We have two weeks to finish preparing for our annual gathering before winter comes. Our numbers have grown over the past year and there is so much to be thankful for in the pack. Drinks and food will be passed out in the Gathering Hall, I just wish I could have her with me. I hear other wolves from surrounding packs will be joining us this year.

After I’m done with my work I’ll get an hour for dinner before I have to go on a hunt with the other males to bring back meat for the pack to share out for the celebrations. There are a few of those males that have been sizing me up more, testing the waters. Some may try and challenge soon. It’s divided. Half understand and are willing to help where they can, respecting my wishes and my decision to choose my mate, regardless if she’s human. Others see it as a weakness. They want me to choose a female that will bare strong pups for the future of the pack. Cheyenne has offered her friend to stay in case I change my mind.

I haven’t spoken to Scott almost all week. After she publicly announced during our training of ‘my choice’ in a female when I should happen to come to my senses. That night I signed the paperwork for a transfer. I never agreed to this. They knew my feelings, Kirsten and I spoke, I thought this was cleared up. I feel betrayed. Tricked. My cousin, Nick, told me I could join his pack and be a warrior down in Texas if I need to. I’ll go rogue for her if that’s what needs to be done.

He isn’t happy with either of us but he understands. If it comes to that, Scott will sign though. I hope it doesn’t. This is my home pack, my family helped build this to what it is. This is where I want my pups to set their roots,Sophia as well; I want to build a house and grow a family in it with her.

Walking up the trial after finishing the last on my list the path forks in two separate directions. Looking to the empty cabin it's starting to feel less and less like mine. Deciding to go to Grams for dinner tonight I have been trying to go as much as possible. She sends me home with leftovers and food she says she doesn’t need. I think with my prospects of a future has finally given her a reason to slow down but I’m not ready for that goodbye.

A lump is forming in my throat and I have to blink away the shine in my eyes at the thought. I feel empty with the realization I won’t have her much longer. It’s not fair. Hesitating at the front door I can’t go in yet. My hand hovers above the handle.

I can’t move.

It takes some time to reel my emotions back in, I don’t need her feeling guilty over me, she misses Pops more than anyone and wants to be with him. I can’t blame her.

Her home, like always, smells of tantalizing food, I think I even smell pecan pie. My tongue comes out to lick my lips, I never noticed how hungry I was. The Wolf yips out his delight. “Now Cage don’t you dare go over-eating before going out tonight and wash your dirty paws before you sit at my table mister.” She scolds me before reaching up to press her cheek to mine. I have to bend over so she can reach me. When did she get so short?

Jacket thrown on the back of the couch and stairs taken two at a time. I’m in a rush. Quicker I eat the quicker I can go for a run. Having to lock away my very being is taking its toll on me and strains the wolf’s and my bond. I can’t let him make his sounds to be heard, I have to look away at times when he peeks to see through my eyes, my skin itches with the crawl of him just below the surface demanding freedom.

Grams has my plate in front of my spot when I come down and it looks delicious. She looks me over with a raised brow “did you use soap?” She asks.

“Yes, Grams,” sighing, “I’m just in a hurry, that’s all.” Telling her while taking my seat. I don’t wait for her before digging in.

She watches, assessing me, before deciding to ask me questions. “How has the week been? Busy? You in a hurry to go see someone?” Her voice sounds accusing and I slow my eating before stopping completely. “I hear rumours around that you have that female being entertained nicely at home.” She continues with her fury bubbling up. “Helped you get your house ready for the winter, I’m sure she has it perfect for when you two are snowed in together. I’m just curious about how Sophia feels about that.” She is spewing the venom of her hatred for what she hears. Kirsten has made it onto her shit list it seems, I’m okay with that she is also currently back on mine. I regret even taking her off. “I thought I raised you better than that Cage. I am too old for this to repeat.” Her eyes narrow.

I can feel the heat of my anger rising. How can she think so little of me? Compare me to my mother? My molars press together hard, too hard. My breath sticks in my throat before being forced out my nose. “You did,” gritting it out through my teeth. I can’t stop my leg from bouncing up and down with the aggrivation. “Nothing is going on between Kristen and I. Not a damn thing. She offered to help me when I went grocery shopping because she wanted out of the house and I was told to be nice to her. I thought I was being nice. Those ‘rumours’ you hear are just that, rumours. The Luna thinks I should reject Sophia and it seems some wolves agree with her. I have already spoken with Scott and Nick about it, if I have to I will go to Texas. Hell, I’ll go live with mom if need be, but I will not be denying Sophia. I thought you had more faith in me than this.” Getting up my appetite has left me and I leave her sitting there while I exit out the back door.

Now I really need that run.

Fuming my body is shaking, the wolf snarles loud, shaking the nearby trees scattering the squirrels in a panick. Pulling my shirt up over my head and throwing it to the ground before reaching for the zipper of my pants.

I can’t believe what these packmates are saying. Convincing others to be truth. This has to be Cheyennes doing, Kirsten had to of told her. I should have known better than to have trusted her, I thought we could at least try and be friends. She seemed like a good wolf. I’m just lucky Sophia isn’t here, that she doesn’t do things our way, that we don’t have a relationship right now. Bad enough explaining it to my own grandmother I can’t imagine trying to beg for forgiveness from a mate over something I didn’t do and have no intentions of doing.

Letting my jeans drop I can hear my cell phone ringing. What now? Should I even answer it? I choose to pick up the call. Bending over and taking it out of my pocket. “What?” I demand my irritation into the receiver.

“Umm, is this Cage?” Sophia’s melodic voice sounds through the speaker. Confused at my outburst.

Fuck. Clearing my throat and pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration before responding. “Yes, I’m sorry for being rude Sophia. What’s up?” Idiot. I rub my hand over my face and up through my hair. Everything seems to be going wrong for me. For every step I take forward, I am forced to take two back.

She pauses for a minute. ”Is this a bad time? Is anything wrong?” I can hear the slight concern as she urges for me to answer.

“No, nothing. It’s nothing.” Trying to sound as convincing as possible.

“Are you sure Hotshot? I can let you go or call back later. Or never works for me too.” She teases me through the phone and I can’t stop the muscles in my jaw from moving upward.

“Really it’s fine, just a disagreement with someone. You can still call me later if you want though.” Telling her amd I mean it.

“Not happening, better luck next time. I’m actually calling you to see if you will still be going to the park on Monday since Wayne won’t be there.” She sounds nervous asking me. I love it. My smile grows so wide I can feel my cheeks start to strain. I feel like a juvenile again. I wonder if Wayne put her up to this. He had to be the one to give her my number to call and ask me this. He got it off my paperwork that Brenda did Goddess knows what with.

“I didn’t know he wasn’t going to be there, am I not supposed to if he isn’t there?” It’s the first I have heard of it but I haven’t checked my phone all day.

“Need him to hold your hand for you?” The girl has serious snark to her. Usually, I find that annoying. Usually.

I can play her game. “I was hoping you would.” shooting back and she laughs. I can’t get enough of it.

“I was asking because I need a ride. Wayne has been picking me up all week while my car is in the shop. He mentioned you being closer to me then he was and I rather not ask someone else for a ride. Would you be willing to?”

“Yes.” I can’t get my answer out quick enough.

"Calm down Hotshot, it’s a ride, not dinner. I’ll text you my address. Oh and we need to be up there an hour before they open, that’s when my hours are.” She reminds me but I already know her hours.

“Sure thing I’ll let you know what time I’ll be there when I map it out.” I also already know it’ll take me about fifteen minutes drive time to get to her place, I just need to take the back way from the pack’s lands. Excuse to text her later.

“Thank you. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Good night Sophia.” I can hear the small smile in her exhale before she ends the call. I can’t wait until Monday, I owe Wayne for this. He has been trying to push us together as much as he can.

Sprinting before bounding into a shift, the wolf sounds his gratitude loudly to the Moon before darting off into the trees.