Page 12 of Feuding with My Shifter Werewolf

"Fine. You can stay. But just for tonight."

Chapter Five

Kristen

I stare into the fire, the flickering flames casting a warm glow across my makeshift campsite. The kindling from Zakir's cabin crackles and pops, sending sparks dancing into the night sky.

"Who does he think he is?" I mutter to myself, poking at the burning logs with a stick. "God's gift to the mountain or something?"

I can't shake the image of Zakir's piercing gaze, the way his rugged features seemed carved from the very stone of the mountain itself. There was something about him, an intensity that both unnerved and intrigued me.

I huff out a breath, shaking my head. I didn't come all this way to be distracted by some brooding, sexy mountain man. I came here to find myself, to reconnect with the wild beauty of nature.

The sounds of the forest press in around me—the rustle of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl. In the city, I always felt insulated from the natural world, but out here, I'm fully immersed in it. It's both exhilarating and a little scary.

A sudden howl pierces the night, startling me from my thoughts. It's close, much closer than I expected. But strangely,I don't feel afraid. Instead, a strange sense of connection washes over me, as if the wolf's cry is calling to something deep within my soul.

I shake off the feeling, focusing on the task at hand. I still need to set up my tent before the weather turns. The distant rumble of thunder warns of an approaching storm.

My hands work quickly, fumbling with the unfamiliar tent poles and canvas. It's been years since I last went camping, and my skills are rusty. But slowly, the tent begins to take shape.

"You've mastered harder challenges," I encourage myself. "Don't let a million freakin' poles stop you."

As I work, I sense a presence nearby. I glance up, my heart leaping into my throat as I spot a pair of golden eyes watching me from the shadows. A wolf, its fur a mix of gray and white, stands at the edge of the clearing.

For a long moment, we simply stare at each other. I know I should be terrified, but instead, I feel a strange sense of calm. It's as if the wolf and I are old friends, reunited after a long absence.

"Hey there, Wolf," I find myself saying, my voice soft. "I guess we're camping buddies tonight, huh?"

The wolf cocks its head, its ears perking up at the sound of my voice. I continue talking as I work, finding comfort in the one-sided conversation.

"You won't believe the day I've had," I chuckle, driving a stake into the ground. "I met this guy, Zakir. He's kind of intense, you know? But there's something about him..."

I trail off, my cheeks heating at the memory of Zakir's piercing gaze. Wolf lets out a soft whine, as if in understanding.

I continue chatting with the wolf as I work on setting up my tent, finding comfort in the one-sided conversation. There's something soothing about his presence, a sense of connection that I can't quite explain.

"You know, I never thought I'd end up here," I confess, tugging on a guyline. "But then I saw this documentary about the Rocky Mountains, and something just clicked. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head, and I knew I had to come see it for myself."

Wolf tilts his head, his golden eyes studying me intently. I chuckle, shaking my head. "I know, I know. It sounds crazy. But I couldn't shake this feeling that I was meant to be here, like there was something waiting for me in these mountains."

I pause, my thoughts drifting to the events of the day. The long drive from the city, the winding roads leading me deeper into the wilderness. And then Thornbrook Haven, with its quaint storefronts and friendly faces.

"I stopped in this little town called Thornbrook," I continue, hammering a stake into the ground. "It was like stepping into a postcard. Everyone was so welcoming, so eager to help. Especially Eli, the owner of the general store. He gave me all sorts of advice about camping in the area."

Wolf's ears perk up at the mention of Eli's name, and I can't help but wonder if he knows the man somehow. It's a silly thought, but there's something almost human about the way he seems to be listening to my every word.

"And then there was Zakir," I say, my cheeks heating at the memory of our encounter. "The sexy mountain man who apparently owns this whole damn mountain."

I shake my head, remembering the intensity of his gaze, the way his rugged features seemed carved from the very stone of the mountain itself. "He wasn't exactly thrilled to see me trespassing on his property. But there was something about him, Wolf. Something that drew me in, even as he was trying to chase me off."

Wolf lets out a soft whine, and I swear I see a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "I know, I know. I should probablystay away from him. He made it pretty clear that he wants to be left alone out here. But I can't help feeling like there's more to him than meets the eye."

I sigh, sitting back on my heels and surveying my handiwork. The tent is starting to take shape, but it's still a little lopsided.

"I don't know, Wolf. Maybe I'm just projecting my own issues onto him. Maybe I'm just looking for something to latch onto out here, some sense of purpose or belonging."

Wolf inches closer, his warm breath ghosting over my hand. I reach out tentatively, running my fingers through his thick fur. He leans into my touch, and I feel a surge of affection for this wild creature who seems to understand me better than most humans.

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