I woke up next, my eyes blurry. I rubbed them, adjusting to my unusual surroundings. My eyesight cleared and I didn't know what time it was. Just then, I heard the Hoot! Of an owl. I realized then that it was late. I scanned the room for a clock, not finding one. In the far distance I heard a wolf howl. Sam was looking for me. Just then there was a second howl, it was Leah. I developed more sense of my surroundings, finding that I was in the center of a very soft bed. I was inside of his tiny hunting cabin. It was a very small cabin, everything crammed together in the same space. The only wall inside was a partition, sectioning off the bathroom. It felt nice and cozy, even in the summertime. I saw him standing by the stove, heating up a teakettle. I let out a little cough, and he turned around to look at me.
"How was your nap?" He smiled at me as I weakly returned the gesture. I was worn out. I settled back in the bed, noticing that my arm was wrapped up. I wondered how long I had been out? Was it because of the transformation? The tea kettle began squealing, indicating that it was done. He quickly lifted it off the flame and placing it on a cold burner. He blew out the flame, before turning back to the tea. I watched him carefully pour two cups of tea, carrying them over to me. He carefully offered me the mug as I slipped it into my hands. Every part of my body ached, even the palms of my hands. So the scalding heat felt nice…
"Thank you. For this too." I gestured my arm before carefully waving the steam under my face. I was going to be in deep shit when I got back home. I hadn't even made it two days before running away, this time. So, I was enjoying my time in the cozy bubble of this magical cabin with him.
"It's the least I could do, for you ma'am. Considering… I almost killed you." I smiled at his sense of humor. He was funny and handsome, what a catch. I brushed my hair behind my ear and carefully took a hot sip. It was chamomile tea, one of my favorites.
"I bet you didn't plan your day going like this."
"What? You mean, almost getting murdered by a mountain cat and being saved by a werewolf? No, I hadn't planned on it."
"You really should have more than one gun on you."
"What would you know about hunting? Don't you just howl at the moon and save civillians from the forest?"
"My family is full of hunters. Besides, today's my first day on the job."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, today is the first day of being a werewolf. I haven't had a chance to howl at the moon."
"So the legends are true…"
"What are you talking about?"
"About the Quileute tribe being descendants of wolves."
"Oh, that. Listen, you can't go around telling people. I know that-"
"Shh. Who would I have to tell? I promise, your secret is safe with me."
"Do you know what time it is?"
"It's around ten PM."
"Shit. Um- Do you have a phone?" He nodded, getting up from the bed. To the left was a small dresser. On top was an old black rotary phone. This cabin needed an update from 1960. He picked it up, carefully setting it in my lap. I stared at the archaic piece of junk, picking up the phone. I placed my mug on the small bedside table and got to work revving up the digits to my home phone number. Finally, I completed the number and the phone rang twice.
"Joanna?"
"Hi, Dad."
"Where the hell are you? Are you alright? We heard gun shots-"
"Dad! Dad! I- I'm fine. I'm at a cabin for the night. I will come home in the morning and explain everything."
"As long as you're safe."
"I am. I promise."
"Good night, Joanna."
"Good night." I hung the phone back up, staring down at the rotary phone. I could tell me father was not happy with me. I handed the phone back to him , lying back in the bed. I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.
"Would you like a ride back, in the morning?"
"Well, I only take rides from people I know."
"Oh?"
"Are you going to tell me your name? If I knew your name, then I could say I at least know you."
"Oh! Well, my name is Steve."
"Last name?"
"White."
"HA!" I groaned, placing a hand over the side of my chest. I was so sore. It felt like all of my bones had broken and re-formed. I couldn't help, it was still funny.
"What's so funny?"
"My last name is, Black."
"And what's your first name, wolf girl?"
"Joanna, but everyone calls me Jo."
"Well it's wonderful to have met you today, Jo. Would you like to get ready for bed now?"
"Might not be a bad idea. I need to get home early in the morning."
"Yes, Ma'am!" He turned around and turned the radio on. Country music quietly played under the subtle static. He hummed along, turning off the over-head light. He lit a small lamp next to the bed, pulling off his shirt. I stared at his chiseled body in the soft warm glow of the bedside lamp.
"Would you consider yourself a country boy, Steve?"
"I prefer the term, mountain man. It's what my father raised me to be. In the off-seasons I live in a small town on the coast. It's a couple of hours from here."
"Can I ask you something, Steve?"
"Shoot." He turned off the lamp, turning the room dark. The only light coming from moonlight, casted through the kitchen window. He sat on the edge of the bed, taking his shoes off. I felt nervous to ask the question, but I had to.
"Have you- Are you- Do you feel any sort of connection to me? Like out of the ordinary?"
"Well, you are the first wolf girl I have ever met. So, I would say yes." He got into the bed, crawling under the covers with me. He was about to learn how high my new 'normal' body temperature was. I laid back in the fluffy pillows, staring up at the ceiling.
"Very funny, Steve. I mean- I think I imprinted on you…" He stared at me with wide eyes. It sounded worse than it was. I figured I would need to explain myself "It's a wolf thing—"
"I know what it means. I grew up around here as a boy. The tribe's legends extend past your own family's story tellers." I just stared at him. It was hard to imagine, other people knowing the stories of the tribe. I had thought they were sort of sacred..?
"Oh. Well, that makes it easier."
"However, I'd still like to get to know you. Maybe, take you to dinner?" I turned my head to look over at him. He was looking at me, a huge smile on his face. I felt my cheeks flush red and get hot.
"I would like that, very much."
"You're so warm, Jo." He smiled, suddenly wrapping me into his arms. He was a strong man, and his bulky arms constricted my breathing as he hugged me. I didn't mind. It had been awhile since anyone had held me like this in bed. I shut my eyes and felt my body grow heavy as I began drifting to sleep.
"It's… a wolf thing…" I muttered to him, slightly above a breath. Slowly I drifted in and out of consciousness. Finally, I shut my eyes and I was practically asleep. I heard him mumble 'good-night' to me and I gave him a small grunt back.
