4- Harper

Nixon has been haunting my dreams in the most pleasant of ways and I keep replaying the small moment of hope I felt when he called after me the other day as we walked down the street before we went our separate ways.

His one word 'Mate' also plagued my mind. It's not lost on us that Brayers, Willows Brook and Carver are bordering towns to a wolf pack. We've been living along side them since the eighteen hundreds.

The fact that he called me a human man mate excited me but also scared me. Most wolves from what I know or have read in books reject humans out of fear well corrupt, their pure wolves blood. There are a few wolves who live among us here in town and an actual married or dating humans women and from what I've heard they prefer to live here in town so they can live in peace.

Who ever the Alpha is of their pack is a dick if they have to live here out of fear or rejection from the people who are supposed to protect them.

"Harper"

"What now mom" after I came home the other day I found all my clothes in black trash bags by the trash cans outside and got into a huge argument with Avery and my mom.

"I don't think you should stay here anymore" I stare at her in disbelief "Giving your um lifestyle I feel it's best if you go find people more like yourself"

"Wow so your kicking me out for being gay?" Gathering my laptop and other papers from the kitchen island I stand and look at her.

"I didn't ask to be this way, I didn't think it would disturb your life so much but I was clearly mistaken" I start to walk off but stop and turn back around.

"I am proudly gay and if your can't accept and support me for it then your right I am better off somewhere else. Have a good life mom" with tears brimming my eyes I go upstairs to my room and pack two duffle bags.

One with my clothes and toiletries and the other with all my camping gear. She doesn't want me here fine I'll leave.

I could go to a motel but I'd much rather go were I feel free and accepted, I'd much rather be were I can be at peace.

I've always felt drawn to nature and the woods, I've always loved the smell of pine tees and wet dirt, I've always loved the sound of rushing river water as it wash's along the rocks and falls.

When I was ten my dad took me to this small clearing up river close to the rapids, the water comes to a slow stream before it reaches a wide openings that falls into a cave like cove and comes back out about a mile downstream.

When I was younger my dad has boughten these special lights that had gps in them and we followed them down river and watched as they disappeared into the cave then out again.

Moments like those are ones I wish I could relive.

The hick to my favorite spot took about two hours with the extra weight of the over stuffed duffle.

Reaching the small clearing I set up camp closer to the tree line to use the tall trees as cover so my tent doesn't get water logged if this rain doesn't let up.

Gathering what little dry wood I could I quickly build a fire to help keep me warm and dry.

My wet clothes stick to my body, taking my hoodie off I toss it to the side then grab the hem of my shirt and start to take it off only to halt when the snapping of branches catches my attention.

"Hello" I call out into the woods.

Listening closely I don't hear anything so I one again start to lift my shirt up and over my head tossing it along side my hoodie on the ground.

A low growl echos around me and I stand tall but unsure "If I'm trespassing on Night Moon territory I can leave"

I don't want any trouble with the pack and I don't want to be seen as trespassing on their land.

Years ago a hunter killed some wolves saying it was self defense, later it was told that the Alpha released a statement that the wolves that had been killed were rogues and not pack members. To insure that hunters didn't get to close to pack lands there was a treaty made to keep humans out of their lands.

The sound of heavy steps and snapping branches gets louder as a large silver wolves emerges from the shadows.

"I'lol only need a few minutes to pack up my gear" bending over I pick my wet shirt up and go to put it back on.

The sound of bones cracking makes me turn back around to see Nixon standing in front of me completely naked.

"Why are you out here" he asks.

I don't answer.

Taking a pair of basketball shorts out of my bag I toss them to him, he slips them on and walks closer to me.

"Why are you out here" he asks again this time with more authority.

"I have nowhere else to go" it's not a complete lie, I could of gone to a motel but that wouldn't of done any good because I'd be right back in this same position tomorrow.

His eyes gloss over then clear again "Follow me" I bend to grab my bag but he tells me to leave it.

We walk through the woods silently before reaching the forest edge revealing a town.

He walks ahead of me with purpose, nodding in greeting as we pass pack members.

"Alpha Marsh" a little girl shouts and runs at him.

"Hey kiddo" he picks the little girl up and continues walking.

The little girl chats on and on as we walk "Who's that" she ask pointing to me when we come to a stop outside of a two story white house with blue shutters.

"A friend"