Page 38 of Midlife Wolf Captured My Heart

Dakota couldn’t fault her logic so he agreed.Come by when you’re ready.

She knocked on his door at four and they talked about his shifting struggles as she drove to the mountain.

“I talked to John Curry, the previous alpha of our pack, the other day. He told me my paternal grandfather was a mundane human, which I didn’t know. John suggested that the reason I struggle to shift is because I might have inherited some of his recessive genes.”

“That actually makes a lot of sense.”

They got to the mountain and cautiously walked to the area where they normally shifted. After carefully inspecting every tree and scouring the air, as well as the area around them, they determined that it was safe to shift.

Sadie handed one of the large plastic bags she brought with her to Dakota. They quickly undressed and put everything in the bags, then stowed the bags in the large knot in the tree. Dakota focused and after a minute was excited when he managed to completely shift.

“Awesome,” Sadie said telepathically.

“Thank you. I’ll be signing autographs later.”

I wonder if there is something about Sadie that makes it easier for me to shift? Maybe I’m borrowing from her abilities.

They started up the mountain in a different direction than Dakota had gone when he encountered the potential hunters. It was a cool day and the breeze ruffled their fur as they traipsed through the trees. The sun streamed down on them and the birds were singing loudly. A lot of animals were milling about, enjoying the afternoon.

As much as Dakota loved being able to wander over the mountain in his wolf form, his enjoyment was tamped down because he was on constant high alert, looking for possible threats. He didn’t breathe a sigh of relief until they were back in her car, heading to his place.

He grilled some hamburgers, and they watched a movie, snuggling on the couch. Sadie reluctantly left around ten because she had to get a little bit of sleep so she could be on her toes with the kids.

Dakota workedon his Angel’s Creek book instead of his wolf book the next morning. He very much enjoyed exploring the wildlife in his own neck of the woods. He only stopped because his stomach was staging a loud protest. Although he had some lunch meat for sandwiches, Dakota decided he wanted a good steak so he headed toHowlers’.He grabbed one copy of the rest of his books and autographed them for Sean. Stashing them in a bag, he headed out.

He slid into his usual seat at the bar. Sean was busy, so Dakota started reading a book on his phone. Dakota was engrossed in the adventures of the protagonist and didn’t pay attention to the younger man who walked up to him.

“You’re Dakota Higgins.”

Looking up from his phone, he glanced at the man next to him. His face was red and his hands were clenched. “That’s what they tell me.”

“You’re the old man who’s been taking advantage of Sadie.”

Dakota met the other man’s gaze calmly. “We haven’t met, but my guess is that you’re Billy. I’m not taking advantage of anyone.”

Billy ground his teeth together before yelling, “You’re too old for her. What could you guys possibly have in common? You’re just using her while you’re here and will throw her away like yesterday’s garbage when you leave.”

Silence fell over the bar and grill, and people openly stared at the scene playing out.

“Sadie is a grown woman. She is smart and capable of making her own decisions. If she wants to be with you, then more power to her. But from what I’ve seen and heard, she’s made up her mind.”

Dakota was certain that Billy was about to take a swing. He hoped that wasn’t the case, because he didn’t want to humiliate the man in front of everyone – any more than he was already humiliating himself.

“If you really cared about Sadie, you’d respect her choices, even if the choices don’t include letting you back into her life.”

Billy glared at him. “You don’t know anything about us. You don’t know what we had.”

“You’re right, I don’t. However, I do know Sadie now, and I respect her enough to trust her judgment. Maybe it’s time you did the same.”

Dakota watched Billy closely. The man’s chest was heaving, and the vein in his neck was throbbing a million miles an hour. His hands were tightly clenched fists. Without another word, Billy stormed out ofHowlers’.

Everyone started talking again, and soon the noise level was back to normal.

Letting out a long breath, Dakota looked at the plate of food being put in front of him.

Sean had a smile on his face. “That was quite a show.”

“Not exactly how I planned to spend my lunch break.”

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