Page 32 of Midlife Wolf Captured My Heart

Dakota

Dakota was feeling restless, so he went to the mountain with his gear. He had an idea for a new series of books that featured the flora and fauna of a specific region. It made sense to start in his home state.

Although he had always been more comfortable with his human side, animals still seemed unafraid of him as though they accepted him. They were still cautious but didn’t automatically disappear into the trees the moment he arrived.

He got pictures of bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, ibex, and pika. Suddenly, the birds started screeching and flew into the air, and the chipmunk he was focused on scampered away. Dakota heard the crunch of breaking twigs and felt the presence of another human.

Whirling around, he came face to face with three men who were armed with more than a camera.

“Whatcha doin’ there?” one of the men asked.

Dakota eyed them warily. “What does it look like?”

His grip tightened on his camera as he faced the three men. The air around them thickened with tension. The mountain’s earlier peaceful atmosphere was shattered.

“You think you’re a smart ass?” a second man asked.

“Nope. I think that I’m holding a camera taking pictures of the wildlife and that makes it obvious that’s what I’m doing here. Plus, everyone in Angel’s Creek knows who I am and what I do.”

“We’re not from around here,” the leader sneered.

“Obviously. Only tourists would act this way.” Dakota’s heart was pounding a million miles an hour. He had an idea that these men might belong to the group of hunters Zac warned everyone about.

“Who are you?” the second guy asked.

Dakota briefly wondered if the third guy ever talked but decided not to ask. However, he watched him closely because of the adage that it was the quiet ones who were dangerous. His fingers moved over his camera and he tried to tilt it so he could photograph their faces.

He sighed heavily as though it was a burden to answer the question. “I’m Dakota Higgins, of course. I’ve written a ton of books about wildlife and done several documentaries about endangered species. I’m practically the face of the nature channel.”

His tone made it sound as though the men had to be neandertals to not know who he was. Dakota hoped that if he sounded self-important enough, the men would leave him alone.

The first man took a step closer to Dakota. “Funny thing. Animals don’t usually just pose for pictures. I can’t think of any reason why they would let you get close enough unless there was something special about the photographer?”

Dakota shook his head and rolled his eyes exaggeratingly. “Animals instinctively know who’s going to hurt them and who’s not. There are tons of famous activists who have been able to get close to animals, like Jane Goodall and Steve Irwin.”

“Who?” the second man asked.

“Really?” Dakota asked, sounding bored. “Have you guys been living under a rock? I don’t have time for this. I have several pictures to get started with, anyway.”

His heart pounded as he pushed past them and started down the mountain. He listened intently for sounds of pursuit. They appeared to be arguing over something. Their voices carried through the trees although he couldn’t make out the words. Dakota finally drew in a breath when he slid behind the wheel of his truck. He didn’t even bother putting on his seatbelt until he was a mile down the road.

When he finally got home, he grabbed a beer from the fridge and opened his computer. After uploading the pictures, he sent an email to Zac.Ran into three guys on the mountain while I was photographing wildlife. I’m not sure if they were hunters or assholes. I managed to get a picture of one of them.

He sent the picture and leaned back in his chair, running his fingers through his hair.

“I’m getting too old for this crap.”

During his time in the field, he had run into a lot of bad guys, especially poachers. Normally, he had protection with him, although he didn’t think about carrying anything in his own hometown.

His computer blinged.Thanks for the heads-up. Glad you’re safe. I’ll send out a message to everyone, letting them know the hunters might be in the area.

He thought about doing some work but was too keyed up to sit in front of the computer. Normally, when he was restless, he would go take pictures of something. Unfortunately, that was what got him stressed out. Instead, he went to the gym and worked out for a couple of hours.

After he showered, he checked his phone and smiled when he saw the text from Sadie.I’ll buy pizza if you bring the beer.

He texted back,Deal. What time?

A few seconds later his phone buzzed.Come as soon as you can get here. Let me know when you’re on your way and I’ll order a large supreme with thick crust.

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