In Wolf's Clothing
Ch.7
The sun's rays shone through the window creeping toward the slumbering wolf. As the light moved along the dusty floor to land on the wolf, he rolled over with a soft huff. Not deterred, the light followed his movement, extending further into the quiet room. An eye lid peeled back, exposing a vivid emerald iris.
Ezra stretched his front paws as far forward as he could, extending his claws into the wood board beneath his feet. A yawn escaped him, giving the world a clear view of his white teeth. His head dipped toward the floor between his paws before thrusting forward and arching toward the ceiling. He pushed his chest forward moving the stretch to his back limbs.
He cocked his head toward the saloons entrance hearing the familiar soft thump of Vin's footsteps. Ezra caught sight of the man as he passed the left window before stopping in front of the swinging doors. He stood mesmerized. The tan fringed jacket and curly brown hair radiated into a golden halo around the scruffy man.
"Good you're awake, let's go."
And where exactly are we going?
"You'll see," the corner Vin's lip rose.
Ezra stood still a moment watching Vin mount his horse before following along. Birds flocked along behind a wagon dropping feed as it traveled down the street, their calls to each other creating a pleasant tune. A buttery scent, mixed with heady spices, flowed through the gentle wind as they passed the towns restaurant. Cinnamon and nutmeg blended with the rich scent of apples as they passed the last building on their way out of town.
The world seemed brighter today. Green grass along the side of the road were richer in color than he remembered. Even the leaves on the trees seemed to be thicker. In the distance snow capped mountains sparkled under the big yellow disk. Thin wispy clouds meandered above.
Vin led him toward a watering hole not far from the town. He could just make out the tops of the buildings from their location. Laughter and splashing drew his attention.
"Bout time, you boys sure took your time getting here," Buck's booming voice called before JD pushed his head under the water's surface.
Ezra watched the young man swim from the area as Buck resurfaced sputtering water. Around the water's edge, a rainbow of flowers released sweet scents attracting bees and butterflies to feed and spread their pollen. Looking around he spotted Nathan and Josiah reading under a large canopy of tree limbs and leaves created by two big trees. A hawk's cry caught his attention. He watched it dip around the puffy clouds scattered across the azure sky above him.
"Got ya boy," preceded another splash.
He looked back in time to see JD being pushed under by the water by the larger man.
"Come on Ez, water looks good."
He followed his friend, who ignored Nathan's reminder to not get his stitches wet. The water was just a bit on the cool side. Ezra sighed as it penetrated his thick coat. He could feel the dirt lift from his hide. A large rock offered him the perfect place to lay his head while his body stayed submerged. Closing his eyes, a soft sigh escaped him. Laughter floated around him broken only by the soft buzzing of bees as they traveled from flower to flower.
The silence brought him to awareness. Looking around he saw the six men resting under the trees where Nathan and Josiah were reading before. Considering himself clean, he headed toward the others. Cool water drifted down his sides and tiny drops found refuge in his right ear. He twitched his ear in irritation. It didn't work. He shook his head, twisting left and right. A shiver ran through him until his entire body shook back and forth. Thousands of droplets flew from his coat to land on the slumbering men below.
"EZRA," six voices shouted.
Ezra didn't worry about it, there was a drop of water in his ear that refused to dislodge. Bracing his front legs he shook his head with more vigor. He felt the drop slide out of the ear canal and allowed the rest of his body to complete its shake.
"Feel better now Ez?"
Delightful Vin.