I felt the cool air rush past my face. Running I was free. I was a walker. At least that was the term I was told.

My mom had first seen me turn when I was two. She dumped me at the nearest orphanage. I remember little things about her. Not her face but the safe feeling of her arms, her scent of mixed spices and baking cookies. I had one letter that she left with me. It explained that my father had been a walker. She had hoped dearly that I wasn't. She loved me but she couldn't cope with my difficulties. At least she hadn't dumped me in the desert.

My life hadn't been wonderful so far. I was 21. I had run from the home I had temporarily been living in when I was thirteen. My coyote had been fully-grown. It was easy to survive. Most of the time I had stayed in my second form so much that she and I were well acquainted. In my human form I was less comfortable. I spent far less time in my natural form. I mostly lived in unpopulated areas. I roamed a lot. I hated staying in one place.

When I would feel like company I would sneak into town and steal some clothes. It was easy no one usually watched a coyote to make sure they didn't run off with clothes. I was feeling a little lonely one night. I don't know what city I had wondered into only that it was large. I wondered through the night-darkened streets looking for a suitable pair of clothes. I found a pair of jeans and a tightly fitting top. Stripping quickly in the bushes I covered myself with the clothes and braided my curling black hair. My hair color and slightly darker skin had come from my unknown father. The curls and green eyes came from my mother. Of coarse I had gotten the coyote from my father.

I looked over and paused to make sure an innocent jogger didn't get the wits scared out of him. I walked alone through the lush park ignoring the constant pain I was having from the bullet wound I had received last week.

Bored I pulled out the roll of bills I had taken along with the clothes. I had made sure not to take much. Enough to buy a hot plate of food and a couple of drinks. I wondered through the streets. It was the sweet sound of guitars that finally drew me into one little tavern. Sitting freely on a stool was a man. When I set eyes on him I think I blacked out.

Well maybe it was the abrupt stop of my breathe at being so near perfection. He seemed to fill the stage with his presence. His face was alive with the music. He seemed so content to play. He did not notice the audience; he was so wrapped up in his music. Though the man should have drawn my eyes they instead wondered to one girl. She was wrapped tightly in the arms of another man that could stop my breath. She had been leaning in contentment against his arms but as her eyes meet mine she sat straight her body automatically reacting to mine even though her eyes showed confusion.

I wondered if she was fae. I knew they might be able to notice me but I was not sure. Probably a werewolf… the others I had met had not detected my magic but she might have. The man she was leaning against noticed her posture. He looked hostile. His eyes carefully took in my appearance and before I could react two men stood by me one at each side. One politely motioned toward the door. I glanced back to see the woman and man rising. Two more men that had been in the group were relaxing into the cushions obviously enjoying each other's company as they cuddled in the deep cushions.

I was carefully herded into a dark alley. I saw the girl's confusion mirror. In fact all the men had a slight confusion in their eyes as well.

When we were in the alley way the woman walked forward. She circled me a few times then looked at the man in charge.

"I don't know what it was. Something made me react but I have no idea what." She turned confused eyes to meet my own. "Are you fae?"

I shook my head no. "I'm human."

"How old are you?"

"I'll be 22 in a few weeks."

"And your not wolf. In fact when you walked in your scent reminded me most of Mercy."

The woman took a sharp intake of breath. The men were to focused on me to notice. She visibly relaxed.

"I'm sorry. How rude of me to forget my manners I'm Mercedes Thomson. This is Adam, the local Alpha and his second Daryl his third is inside cuddling with his boyfriend and this other one is Ben.""And I'm Jordan Cole."

"Daryl would you and Ben please go inside I need to speak with Jordan."

The other left except for the woman and the man that seemed to be in charge. Adam the Alpha I recalled.

"You're a walker." Mercy stated.

"For lack of a better term." I grinned. "I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours."

"Maybe we should take this somewhere a little more private." Adam suggested nodding to a couple passing by.

We walked to a small shop that Mercy unlocked and revealed to be a garage. Once the door was once again locked she turned to me. Without any hesitation I pulled of the stolen tee shirt and pants. Within a moment I stood on four legs. Mercy followed suit. She was a lighter coyote. Her body matched mine for size but my fur was a couple shades darker. We warily sniffed until we had exchanged scents. I had forgotten about Adam. He ran one finger lightly across the wound one the back of my leg. Instantly I turned to face him my fangs bared and a growl ripping from my throat. That had hurt.

"Is that fresh?"

I slightly lowered my head my eyes never leaving his still form.

"I think the bullet may still be inside. We should have Samuel look at it when he's through."

I had shifted back.

"I think not I'm dealing with the pain it will go away."

"You're limping. You have been all evening. I can smell fresh blood as well."

"I will deal with it." I said stubbornly turning my head. "It is not the first."

"Do you live on your own?"

"I do not live anywhere. I wonder, but yes I am on my own."

"Well she can stay at me place. I'm not using my room at the moment. That way Sam could keep an eye over her to make sure her leg heals."

"Mercy I think it would be a little bit safer if we keep her condition to ourselves. After all," he grinned " I can't claim her as a mate as well so she won't have a safeguard."

Mercy swatted him in the forehead before nodding. Adam pulled out a phone and dialed a number in.

"Hey Warren can you swing by Mercy's. I need a ride to my place. And before you leave would you please ask Sam to return home at his earliest convenience."

They talked for a moment more then hung up. We sat in awkward silence for a few minutes before I heard a car pull up in front of the small shop. Warren. The one I had seen cuddling when I had left. He stopped dead when he sniffed the air.

His eyes searched for the three of us. When he saw us all unharmed he hesitated. Sniffing the air I saw his eyes return to me.

"So boss what's been happening?"

"She was shot sometime earlier. Would you mind giving us a lift to her house."

"Kyle's in the car. Is it safe?"

"Perfectly, she is not Fae nor a wolf. She is a runaway. She'll be staying at Mercy's for a while. At least until she's healed."

We squeezed into the back. It was tight but not uncomfortable. I leaned slightly against the window careful not to place weight on the hole in my leg. Kyle was handsome and his eyes almost never left Warrens face. They chatted lightly ignoring the silence in the back of the car.

I caught myself wondering about how I ended up in the car with a bunch of strangers but I liked it. I hadn't had actual human company since I had run away. When we pulled up in front of a trailer everyone piled out. Warren came around and opened my door for me. With gentle hands he helped me to stand before following the others into the trailer. I limped after them slowly wondering if I should follow or try to run. The decision was made for me when the human put his arm through mine.

"Well hey there. I'm Kyle."

I was startled that he would so easily be familiar with a stranger. Shrugging it off I smiled at him.

"Nice to meet you Kyle I'm Jordan."

"I noticed the limp. You can out some weight on me if it will help." I nodded and adjusted my weight slightly. "So are you passing through?"

"I was planning on being here at all so once they let me I'm leaving. They seem really excited about the fact I'm a coyote as well." I paused. "Maybe I was supposed to kept that to myself I think the others were planning on not informing the rest of the pack."

"No worries I'm a lawyer. I'm wonderful at keeping secrets. Now we'd best hurry before they send out a search party."

When we got to the house I saw another man already inside. The musician.

He gave a couple quick instructions then informed me I was to lie on the bed in the back bedroom on my stomach.

I did as I was told and closed my eyes as his careful hands examined the wound. It was hard not to run. I had not let someone so close in ages. I lay there my body nearly shaking with nervous energy.

"Relax." His smooth voice commanded. "I cannot concentrate with you so worked up. I won't hurt you I promise."

It took a lot of effort but I was able to bring my body to a relaxed state. I loosened my muscles one by one as I relaxed into the bed.

"Better." he continued.

"The bullet is still inside and it's got a little bit of infection but if I take it out and clean it, it should heal smoothly. I don't have anything to numb it and I don't think it should stay in any longer. I'm afraid it will have to be done without. Mercy can you get me a needle and thread. Adam I need a sharp knife some alcohol." The others left to get the required items as Samuel went to clean his hands. Once everything was laid out and Sam was finished he started talking. I saw someone had also brought some gauze and sticky tape.

As soon as Sam got my attention he started chatting. I decided to talk back.

"So how old are you?"

"21."

"Were did you grow up?"

" Lot's of different places. I was a foster child. I moved a lot."

"Tell me about the place."

I did I hadn't noticed the knife drawing nearer to my skin until I felt the fire that irrupted beneath it. I felt strong hands holding me down as I tried uselessly to arch away from it. I noticed a couple of the people I had met holding me firmly in place. Ben was sitting one my good leg to get a hold on either side of the wound.

"Keep talking. Tell me about the woman with the cats."

I kept talking about me childhood. The pain grew more unbearable by the minute. Finally I welcomed the cool darkness around me. It was late in the afternoon when I woke up. My leg was pleasantly numb for the moment. I gathered myself to move. Carefully I flipped myself over and wandered out into the living room. Thirsty I made my way to the fridge.

"You should stay in bed." Sam's cool voice floated over from his position on the couch. I jumped out of my skin.

"And you should know better than to scare your poor patients to death." I retorted before realizing that I was talking to a stranger last night had been a blur. I think I had talked more last night than for years. I blushed and looked at my feet.

"Hey you weren't so shy last night what brought this on."

"Last night I think I talked more to you guys than I have talked to people the last three years put together." My voice was near a whisper. I opened the door and poked around. Nothing I particularly wanted. Sam surprised me by talking right next to me.

"I don't really keep much in the fridge. Mostly it was Mercy that kept it stocked but she's over at Adam's now. Since your up and about anyway why don't you throw on some of Mercy's clothes and I'll take you out.

In the end he dragged me to her room and rummaged through her closet before coming back out with a pair of dark blue jeans and a nice top. When I returned form changing he tossed a death trap disguised as a pair of heels. "These are the only things I found that looked like they would fit your feet." He examined them thoughtfully.

"I didn't know she even owned something that looked like these." I hurried to secure the shoes and stood. I wobbled for a moment then caught my balance as Sam started forward to assist.

Against my wishes he tucked my arms through his as we walked. I realized I didn't mind that much. I looked around outside. The trailer I had slept in had recently had some work done. Most of the siding had been replaced. Sam caught my glance

"Angry vampires possessed by a demon."

I didn't reply as that sunk in. he allowed me my silence. I glanced over at a small car that was parked in Mercy's yard. It had some tires removed and it was covered in spray paint. I could still make out the words "call for a good time" followed by a string of numbers.

"That is Adam's room." He said pointing to the window that would have the best view of the grafitti'd car. "It annoys the heck out of him."

I smiled at the ground. I continued on to his car. He helped me in and drove downtown. He stopped outside a small restaurant and we went inside. We were seated in the very back in a small booth. When the waitress appeared he said just water for us both. When she had left us to decide he looked at me.

"I hope you don't mind but it's kinda doctors orders. I want you to only drink juices and water for a few days." I obediently took a sip of the cool liquid. It felt good as it made it's way down my dry throat.

I looked through the menu. When the lady returned Sam placed his order and they both looked to me. I froze. My mouth opened and closed a few times and I blushed furiously.

"Go ahead." Sam cool voice surrounded me in my hesitation. I ducked my head hoping that he would talk for me as he had with the water.

"If you don't order I won't and you'll just have to watch me eat." I hoped he wouldn't. He turned to the waitress. "That will be all thank you."

I glared through my lashes. He smiled and looked around the restaurant. When his food arrived my stomach growled. He turned to the waitress.

"I think she might be ready to order."

This time his eyes remained on the food he was carefully stirring around his plate.

With another glare in his direction I reviewed my choices and finally chose one. I nearly whispered my order. She nodded and left. Sam had pushed his food to one side.

"Wasn't so hard. You were chatting away last night. What changed?"

"I rarely find myself with any company. Sometimes I forget how to act. Mostly I walk from town to town. When I want company I sit in the corner of some bar and watch people. It's been a while since I've had a one on one conversation with anyone." My eyes were downcast.

"Look up. I'll coach you."

I looked up at his chin. I couldn't make myself meet his eyes.

"Better. Now tell me your thoughts on this restaurant." He waited. "Come on I know you have an opinion. Trust me you can talk to me."

"I think it's okay. I haven't tried the food yet. It's kinda cute."

"See not so hard. Exactly how many years has it been since you had a conversation with a human?"

"I haven't really talked to anyone since I ran when I was thirteen. Except for a brief greeting. I wasn't exactly social there either."

"Oh so to long." He slowly wheedled out bits of my history. By the end of the night I was comfortable in his presence. I found myself surprised as I teased and joked with him. I was amazed I had never been this open with another human. By the time I could have been I'd been shoved into three different homes. When my food had arrived we had both eaten as we talked. Finally it was time to leave. He tucked my arm through his again and I noticed he seemed not to think about it as he did it. Once we retuned to the house I was met at the door by Mercy. She looked slightly startled by my companions face. I saw nothing unusual he was smiling at a story I had been telling and again his arm ensnared mine.

"Hey there Jordan. Come in I need to talk." Unconsciously I backed into Sam. I maneuvered until I stood behind him. He grinned as he pulled me back out and propelled me to the waiting woman.

"Remember. Don't be so shy. Mercy my shift starts in twenty minutes. I'll see you when I get off." He returned to his car and I stood contemplating running away in another direction.

"Come on. Kyle is expecting us and I need to talk for a moment before we can take off."

I entered the house. We sat around in chairs.

"Alright. I know that you told Kyle because he told Warren. Those two can't keep secrets. But I have ordered Warren to keep his mouth closed and he can't tell anyone else. So it will stay between the five of us." She dragged me to the back room again. Most of the clothes I actually wear are at Adams. Anything in the room is fair game. So our mission tonight is to see what you need and to make sure your decently attired."

"I don't have any money to pay for this." "You have to stay for a while at least. And for that you have to have clothes. If you're so worried about it then I can let you help out in the garage. All my good help seems to be going off to collage. So I can let you run the office and do all the paperwork."

I nodded. "That way you can pay me back." "Of coarse since Kyle is going you'll probably have no say in how much money he spends on you. He gets carried away really easily. Don't worry I'll try to reign him in." warren was waiting in the car when we piled in. he smiled dreamily to himself as he pulled out into the traffic.

I spent the day being ushered about form store to store with Kyle Mercy and Warren. It was the funniest thing to watch Kyle and Mercy compare men with Warren's martyred look growing with each passing man.

Shopping with Kyle was interesting. Trying to rein him in was like trying to reign in a hungry werewolf with a piece of thread. Completely and utterly hopeless.

I ended up with three pairs of shoes. One for walking one for dress up and one casual. I had to have no less then four pairs of pants and one skirt. He was not satisfied until I had six or seven tee shirts and one or two dress up shirts. He finally stopped when I growled at him as he tried yet again to make me try on one of his choices. Warren ended up carrying most of the bags. When I tried to take pity and help both Mercy and Kyle slapped my hand away.

When I protested Kyle coolly responded. "Now who was it that had a bullet dug out of her leg three days ago?"

I stopped dead in my tracks.

"I thought that was last night."

"Nope Hon. three days." No wonder my leg was feeling that much better. I had been curious.

"Now before we leave there are a few other items I'll send you to off to get." He pointed to the store that sold a few under things. I blushed and we bought a few items. When we returned I eyed a bag I did not remember buying. Kyle grinned. I forgot that it is nearly winter. The air outside is pretty chilly. I found a jacket and some gloves.

"Now we should hurry. You're looking rather pale. You should get home and get some rest." Mercy and I sat in the back. I leaned against the window and watched the lights pass by. I think I awoke briefly as Warren carried me indoors. After that it was full day when I awoke again. I wondered over to the abandoned bags and rifled through them. Finally I found a pair of jeans and a black top. I didn't bother with shoes as I opened the door. Sam was in his room. I could hear his even breathing that signified he was asleep. I moved carefully around the house to make sure he stayed that way. I had no clue when he had returned from the hospital. Again I found it strange that I was so easily accepted. Probably because Mercy, as I had, had thought she was the last. I went back to my room and slipped on the pair of walking shoes. Carefully I opened the door. I was walking over to the park past Adam's house when I was joined by Mercy. In silence we walked to the park. Once we had reached a private area I hopped into the bushes and quickly removed the clothing I had on. I left them all neatly folded on top of me shoes. I slipped into my coyote and came back out Mercy was waiting with a collar and leash. I growled as she secured the collar. Then she looked the leash over. Making a decision she pulled out a second collar and put it around her own neck. She slipped into my changing area and changed as well. She slipped out and I grinned. I charged at her and she evaded. We mock fought for a few minutes before I turned and ran. She was on my tail and we were racing through the park. A few joggers jumped out of our way as we barreled by. We ran and fought for a few hours before returning to our clothes. By then the cool nip to the night air (it had been near noon when I had woken up) didn't bother me as we jogged in human forms to the house. Sam was making something delicious smelling for dinner when I entered the house. He turned and growled softly.

"Your late. Come on I need an extra hand." He directed me around the room and I found I wasn't as shy as I had been even with Mercy Warren and Kyle.

Together we got dinner on the table and sat. We talked easily as we ate. After dinner he got a business like tone in his voice as he instructed me to lie on my stomach on my bed. He changed the bandage and checked over the stitches. Another week and they'll come out. Then you'll be free to leave."

"Maybe I'll stay." I smiled at him. He really was beautiful. He leaned in and rested his forehead against mine. "If you wouldn't mind having a room mate."

In answer he leaned down and lightly kissed me on the lips. Without thinking I answered. After we had kissed for a while he sighed and leaned back.

"I don't think I could do this." He said his eyes closed.

"And why not?" I asked slightly stung.

"I just can't right now."

"But don't you like me?"

"Yes a lot. It's just not a good time."

"Well that's mature." I got off the couch and went into the back room. I started putting all the things carefully into the closet. I avoided him the next few days. I went to work with Mercy. She let me do the paperwork and handle costumers while she worked in the back. I didn't enter the house if I could hear him inside and left after he had fallen asleep. I was biding the time until I knew my leg was healed so I could leave. Every day I exercised it until I could fell the old strength winding it's way back into the healing muscle. Finally I felt ready to leave. It was the first night I had eaten dinner in the house with Sam since he had ticked me off. It was just the two of us.

After we had eaten in silence and everything was cleaned up I cleared my throat.

"I'm leaving tonight."

He stilled. His eyes slowly met mine.

"Don't." he almost whispered.

"I'm not wanted here. So I see nothing holding me back."

"That's not it."

"I'm sorry you like me but it's inconvenient for you. I am removing the burden you feel."

"I'm sorry. I am not being fair to you. I've hit a couple roadblocks when it comes to women and I need to get over them. Please stay."

I stared at him. For a dominant wolf his voice sounded oddly like begging.

"You told me yourself you liked me but you have issues. I'm going to leave and let you get through them. So once you take the stitches out tonight I'm gone. Besides humans set my teeth on edge, especially if they are wolves on top of that."

"Last I checked you are a human too."

"Ya but I'm different. I don't annoy me."

"I'm sorry it was mean of me to lead you on and pull away like that. I was hoping you would help me. I like you and I wanted you to stay with me."

I looked into his eyes. They showed pain and confusion.

"A…alright. If you promise to not push away so hard again I will stay. But you still have to take the stitches out tonight."

"That depends."

"On what?"

"If you'll go out to dinner with me tomorrow night."

"Blackmail, Dr Cornick?"

"Of course."

"C'mon Mr. criminal I'm tired let's go watch a movie or something."

We sat on the couch curled on opposite ends as we popped in something. I'm not sure what the title was but it was interesting. As the movie progressed I slowly inched my way over. By the end I was curled under a blanket with my head cushioned on Sam's lap. His hand had reached down to curl in my hair but it had fallen limp when he had fallen asleep. I don't remember the end because I fell asleep as well. When I woke up in the morning I felt a warm presence at my back. I felt a deep breathing behind my and smelled Sam. We were lying down on the couch with his arms around my waist. I didn't remember switching places. Carefully I unwrapped his arms and crept off to the bathroom. I straightened my hair and rinsed my face before walking back out. When I entered the room Sam was sitting on the couch rubbing sleep from his eyes. I glared and he smiled.

"Now what did I do wrong?"

"You moved. I was comfortable." I pouted in the doorway until he lay back down and held out his arms. I held up a finger and went to the DVD player. I selected another disc at random and pushed play then went to lie on the couch. He wrapped his arms around me again. I realized with horror that the movie I had chosen was about werewolves. It seemed to amuse Sam though so I let it play. I even joined in the laugher as they did something to werewolves that seemed overly stupid. These people knew nothing about werewolves. When the movie was over heard my stomach growl. Sighing I got up and pulled Sam with me. Hand in hand we walked over to the fridge for lunch.

Later we both got all fancied up and went to dinner. The restaurant he took me to this time was fancy and formal.

As we drove home afterwards he pulled to a stop and put his head in his hands.

"What's wrong?" I asked as my hand reached towards his.

"Crap crap carp."

"What?" I panicked. Glancing at the moon I noticed it wasn't full so it wasn't the change. But still he shuddered.

"Sam?" my panicked voice raised an octave or two. His only answer was to shudder harder. I tried to move his head to meet my eyes.

"Please don't get panicked. It makes this harder."

"Sam what's happening?" I scanned the dark rode for danger.

"I've been so stupid. He opened his door and was running before I could say anything. He changed as he ran fully wolf before I could react. I had never driven before but I slid into the drivers seat and moved the little stick thing until it was next to the D and pushed the pedal. The car shot forward and I raced to Adam's house. I don't think I have ever felt more relief than when I jerked to a halt in front of Adams house.

'Never' I vowed to myself, 'was I ever going to drive again.' I raced indoors fighting to keep my balance in the heels. I pounded on the door for a full second before flinging it open. Adam was next to me in a flash.

"He's gone he just ran off. I think he was changing and he was definitely upset. Please help me look for him."

"Calm down and tell me what happened." He said before picking up a phone. After my story was out I asked him to drive me to the place he had run from so I could follow his scent. I changed in his bathroom and he fit a collar around my neck. When we arrived I ran after the trail. A couple werewolves split off when we lost his trail. I let none follow me. I searched until day broke over the sky and I fell asleep under a bush. It was pure luck that I found his scent again leading into the caves in the woods.

When I heard his breathing inside one of them I stood at the entrance and whined. I was surprised that he was human. The moment he heard me he spun around and I saw blood. It looked as if he had found a wild animal and picked a fight. The blood was all old and dried the wounds healed. I whined again when I saw them. His eyes flashed and he moved as if to spring.

"Go away Mercy." He growled as a spare bit of wind swirled around me and blew my scent in his direction. He noticed the difference in color and scent. He fell his knees. I whined and took a reflexive step forward before freezing again.

"Your not mercy?" his questioned.

Again I whined.

"Jordan?" it came at barely a whisper. I felt my tail give a slight wag my eyes closely watched him. His eyes closed and he again held his face in his hands.

Slowly step-by-step I inched forward. I paused every couple steps to give him time. Finally within touching distance I froze. I'm not sure how long I stood there with him on his knees before me. It felt like an eternity. Finally I got sick of the waiting and I took another step. I lowered my head and nuzzled my nose under his frozen hand. I felt it soften under my touch and slowly wind its way through my fur. Again I took another step and angled myself so that I could rest my wait against him. His arms wound around me as he sat and I let myself be pulled into his lap. He buried his face in my fur and took a few ragged breaths. I relaxed in his grip with a sigh.

"You're a coyote." He muttered.

Nodding felt weird in this form but I did it anyway.

"I'm sorry I ran like that."

I growled before licking his face and rubbing my face against his chest.

"I won't do it again."

Again I growled.

"My wolf chose you as his mate."

I froze.

As I thought it over I calmly stepped away from him. His eyes showed hurt as I pulled away misreading my actions.

I felt myself regaining my human limbs and losing fur.

"Your mine." I growled once I had regained my human from. Again I sat in his arms and pulled his arms around me. Completely content he relaxed against my body completely. The day caught up with me then and I yawned. Chuckling he arranged ourselves so I were lying entwined in his arms completely at peace. We slept.

When morning claimed the cave I woke to the utterly strange feeling of sunlight on my bare skin. I smiled and burrowed deeper into Sam's arms. He kissed the top of my head but still slept. Eventually I got bored. I shrugged out of his arms and changed forms. I hunted. I was stalking a deer across a meadow when I noticed a shadow in the trees. Mercy walked out and changed.

"How is he?" she asked as I changed to answer.

"Great. He's sleeping. I think it's the most I have seen him sleep in the whole time I've known him."

"He's healing. Let him sleep."

"Was he wounded?"

"Not physically but he's been alone for some time. Mentally he was not doing well."

"And he's healing now?"

"You helped him. I think. When you came home that first night he was smiling. It's been a while since he's done that. Come back when he's ready."

"Hey mercy. He told me his wolf had chosen me. Do you think he minds much? I mean does he still like me or is it all the wolf and he doesn't like me and is stuck?" my voice came out sounding choked.

"No I think he is happy. Both sides are in agreement in this decision."

I turned and found another deer. I hunted because I was hungry and it was kinda fun. I killed the deer and ate quickly. I splashed into the creek and rinsed my fur. I ran back to the cave to find Sam still sleeping. Bored I laid down and cradled my head on my front paws. That lasted for about ten minutes. I started exploring the cave. There were a few interesting scents but soon that bored me to. Mercy had told me he was sleeping and to let him but I was impatient and it was a struggle. I did just about everything to keep myself occupied. As I sat at the back of the cave and imagined pictures in the rock his voice startled me.

"Your so cute when your trying to be quiet."

I barked once and threw myself into the air to him. He caught me and somehow ended up on top. I growled and nipped but he just smiled. He twined his fingers through me hair and I forgot to be angry. I changed back and met his lips.

"Come on I want to go home. I need a real shower." He helped me up and dusted off the clothes he was wearing. I changed back and he adjusted the collar. He attached a leash and I led him out. We walked back to the edge of town. He found a pay phone and called a cab. He bribed the driver to allow me in and we rode home in silence. He got a look of horror on his face when he saw my parking job.

"Who did you let park my car like that?"

"Me." I said grinning. "I think I did good for my first time."

He gained a martyred expression and I grinned harder. "You're the one who left me otherwise stranded in the middle of nowhere to go running off."

"I'm sorry again."

He wondered inside and I trailed after him. Once the door was open I found his hand and wove his fingers threw mine. He seemed surprised but left them there.

He hunted for food while I watched. I realized I felt possessive. He was mine. He noticed my stare and flashed me a smile.

MINE.

After he made the food we sat together and ate. Afterward I was a little bored. I decided that I would get dressed and go down to Mercy's shop. I dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans and one of the old tops I found in Mercy's garage that looked presentable. I walked there after shaking off the insistent Sam who was convinced I needed a ride. When I arrived Mercy sent me a thankful glance and went in back to work on cars letting me deal with the costumers and billing systems. When the day was over we worked together to close down the shop and she offered me a ride.

"So," she said as she pulled out of the parking lot, "you're staying."

"If Sam is. I'm where he is."

"Then I'll offer you a job. You're going to want something to do. Not that you really need it but I need the help."

"Sounds great. Sometimes it gets so boring. So what time do I need to be here?"

"I'll just pick you up at seven thirty in the morning. We live right next to each other and we are going to the same place.