Page 26 of Midlife Wolf Captured My Heart

Dakota looked through his cabinets and refrigerator and sighed. “I really need to do some grocery shopping if I intend to stay in Angel’s Creek for the winter.”

He was exhausted from his whirlwind trip to see his publisher, but hunger won out over tiredness. Remembering his promise to Sean, he grabbed three books:Shadows in the Savannah: A Black Rhino’s Journey, Gentle Giants: Stories from Asian Elephant Country,andGhosts of the Rainforest: Javan Rhinos in the Frame. He shook his head. His publisher came up with the titles, not him. Dakota signed all of them and headed toHowlers’.

Sean welcomed him with a huge smile. “How are things?”

“Terrific. I hope you are.” Dakota held out the books. “I brought you those books I promised.”

“These are awesome. I’m going to get online and order the rest of your books so you can sign them while you’re in town.”

“Don’t do that. I have tons of copies of each that the publisher sends me. I’m happy to bring a copy of each to you.”

“That’s awesome. Thanks.”

“I’m pleased to give copies to my packmates, especially when they’re fans.”

Dakota slid into his usual stool at the bar and ordered a steak, fries, and a large tea. Sean put in the order and then leaned against the corner.

“Zac hasn’t called another meeting yet, but I’ve heard that the hunters are getting closer to Angel’s Creek. There were a couple of shifters killed outside of Raton yesterday. Their throats had been cut. That’s only forty-five minutes from here if you do the speed limit.”

Shaking his head, Dakota groaned. “That sucks. Sadie said that Matthias reported the hunters were using drones and trail crams hidden in trees to track shifters. We didn’t see anything when we shifted the other day, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t in other places.”

“Did you shift by the tree with the knot?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

Sean laughed. “I suppose so, but maybe we shouldn’t. If the area is being watched, a lot of traffic to one particular spot will draw attention to it, making shifters more vulnerable.”

“True, although the hunters will be watching for any kind of behavior that is different from mundane humans, such as leaving the trails and going further into the woods.”

“I guess they would. Zac cautioned everyone to avoid shifting alone. If there are several hunters in their group, it won’t matter.”

“No, it won’t. People are just going to have to be extra vigilant. I hate to say it, but until these bastards are caught, everyone is in danger – except for maybe the dragon shifters.”

Sean grinned. “That’s the truth. They have the scales to protect them and can breathe fire on people. Jade’s husband, Marvin, who is a dragon shifter, likes to say that he can “crispy critter” the bad guys.”

“I can go with that as long as he doesn’t dunk them in catsup afterward.”

“I’ve seen that meme.” Sean laughed. “I’m just really glad that the dragon shifters are on our side and are helping the bear shifter clan and wolf shifter pack with the patrols.”

“Hopefully, between the three groups, the hunters can be stopped before anyone around here is hurt.”

“I agree.” Sean paused for a minute to make a couple of drinks and then turned back to Dakota. “What’s your next project?”

“Wolves.”

“About time. Why did you wait so long to focus on our own kind?”

“Too easy. I was looking for a challenge. Besides, there are a lot of books and photographs that document the lives of wolves. The only reason I’m doing it now is because I hope I can get some pictures that other photographers haven’t been able to capture and put a different spin on the lives of wolves.”

“Maybe they’ll recognize you as one of their own and automatically accept you.”

Dakota laughed. “Doubtful. First, it’s hard to carry all my equipment around and take pictures in wolf form. Second, wolves are very territorial and aren’t usually welcoming to outsiders.”

“Maybe you’ll be the exception. You obviously have some kind of magic with animals.”

“I hope so.”

Dakota’s lunch arrived and the place was starting to get busy, so Sean moved away to take care of other customers. He was about to finish with his meal when John Curry, Zac’s father and the previous alpha, sat down next to him.

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