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We’ve been on the road for over four hours, and it’s getting dark. The last sign said we’re in Tamaulipas, Mexico. We might be across the border, but we’re not close enough to our destination. “I think we should stop at a motel,” I say.
Colt frowns. “What’s wrong with sleeping out in the woods?”
“Nothing is wrong with it. But for once in your life, can’t you pick the easy option? We’ve lost our home and pack. All I want is a good night’s sleep in a nice warm bed. Is that really too much to ask for?” I let out a loud huff.
He grips his hands tightly around the edge of the seat. “It’s not the shifter way to sleep in human accommodation. It’s not safe.”
“It’s not like we’re going to transform and have loud animal sex, destroying the furniture in a moment of passion. It’s one night surrounded by a few home comforts and a chance to freshen up in some warm water.”
“Fine.” He crosses his arms over his chest before adding, “I could use a hot shower.” He doesn’t give in to my demands often, but I’m so glad he did with this one.
We drive for a couple more miles until I pull into the parking lot of a cheap-looking motel and bar. Without waiting for him, I go to reception and pay for a room.
Our temporary place is a downstairs double room with a small bathroom. I lie on the bed, staring at the ceiling, with my hands behind my head. Colt goes into the en-suite and turns on the shower. The sound of the water running is therapeutic and makes my eyes feel heavy. I’m almost asleep when he re-appears. He switches on the TV and sits on the bottom of the bed with just a towel around his waist.
I can’t help watching him as he ignores me. He’s a good-looking man with his dark features and muscular physique. In a different life, I’d be all over him. Following him to Mexico might not be my best idea, but I have nowhere else to go. The Falcon pack is all I’ve ever known.
His phone rings and he answers it, even though it’s the early hours of the morning. My wolf hearing allows me to listen to both sides of the conversation.
“Hi, Uncle,” Colt says.
“Morning. What time will you arrive at the Gulf?” his uncle asks.
“Bea was tired, so we stopped for a rest.” He rubs his eyes, proving I’m not the only one who needed a break.
“I’ve got the cabin set up for you both. Have you claimed her yet?”
He scrubs his hand over his face. “No, not yet.”
“You know you don’t have a choice, right?”
He clears his throat, shifting uncomfortably on the bed. “We’ll talk about it when we arrive.”
“Okay. Drive safe.”
“See you soon. Goodbye.”
“Bye.” The line goes dead.
I didn’t like the sound of that conversation. Colt and I won’t be together just because his uncle wants it. We both have the freewill to make the choice, despite the bond we share. I don’t want to feel like a burden on Colt, and I’m worth so much more. Maybe I’ve been given a rare opportunity to find my own way. I’ve heard stories about lone wolves and none of them are good, but it has to be better than staying with a guy who doesn’t want me. Would I go insane if I gave up on the pack way of life? Could I live amongst humans full-time and stay undetected? My mind is swirling around in circles, and I no longer feel tired.
Sitting up, I say, “I need some air, so I’m going for a walk.”
He turns to face me as I get up. “Okay.” Before he can give me a safety talk, I race out the door.
The noise from the bar seems much louder out here, although I set off in the other direction. The locals speak Spanish and it’s nice to listen to, although my understanding is limited. Everything about being here is telling me I don’t belong. Colt visits his uncle regularly, whereas I’m going to be a complete outsider.
After a few laps around the motel, I take myself back to the room and shower. Colt is the first to fall asleep on the bed, and I study his features. Would he miss me if I left? Maybe the better question is, why am I tormenting myself by following him? Tiredness overcomes me, and I can’t fight it anymore.
I’d forgotten to shut the curtains, and the light shines through the netting. It’s early, and Colt is still snoring. Carefully, I get out of bed, collect my belongings, and make my way to my truck. I’ve made my mind up. I’m going back to Texas. Colt will easily be able to make the rest of the journey to the Gulf of Mexico, but I’m going home.
As I pull out of the lot, I see Colt in the rear-view mirror. He’s standing in the parking space my truck used to occupy. I don’t stop. Instead, I look forward, ready to start my new life. Colt never appreciated me, and I’m done trying to be something I’m not.
Once I’m back on the road and heading in the direction of home, I feel like a weight has been lifted. Growing my own vegetables is going to take time, so I head to the store to stock up on supplies and find some breakfast.
I help myself to a trolley and find some packets of seeds, a pretzel to eat now, and a carton of milk. When I get to the cash register, I instantly smell an alligator shifter. The guy behind the counter has amber eyes and a deadly smile. “Morning,” he says.
Just because he isn’t my kind of shifter, doesn’t mean I have to be rude. “Morning,” I reply.
