Page 5 of Coming Home

It took me a little while to find my clothes, and then I started heading back on my walk of shame. I didn’t know it at the time, but everyone assumed I had gotten lost in the night and a search party was out looking for me.

I had found my way back to camp and retrieved all of my things, even though my unit had abandoned the little they had contributed. As my stomach growled, I realized they had no problems helping themselves to all of my food.

Grumbling, I turned and made my way back to the barracks. Jeff was there evaluating three specific recruits. It was the first time I’d met the man.

“There’s an entire squadron out there searching for you, son,” he said.

I shrugged. “Sir, sorry, sir. Tripped over a log and twisted my ankle, then I got mixed up on the way back. Waited it out until morning. Those asshats ate all my food.”

“One of them called in reports of a wolf in the area. Where there’s one wolf there’s always more. You’re damn lucky.”

“Didn’t cross paths with anything to be afraid of. Next time I’ll remember to bring my flashlight with me when I go for a piss.”

I’m not sure what part of that talk triggered Collins on to me, but for the remainder of boot camp I was on his radar. And I had been ever sense.

Now it was Jake’s turn to be on radar. I smirked.

“Jake, let’s see you run that course again, son,” I yelled as I maneuvered my chair towards him at the obstacle course.

He shot me a cocky smile, waved, and took off for another round.

Shelby

Chapter 3

Finally, a completely free weekend! I purposely didn't assign any homework due the second half of the week just so I could have this break. Who knew teaching was so all-consuming? I was still young and in great shape, but those kids wore me out.

We were closing out the first quarter already and testing prep was beginning next week. I needed a little downtime before that started.

The school year was flying by. I was doing a decent job of keeping up with the workload. It sure was a lot worse on this side of school than it was as a student. Boy, did I take so much for granted when I was in their shoes.

I was up early, just like every other day of my life lately. I tried to force myself back to sleep, but it was not happening. I gave up after about half an hour of trying, jumped in the shower, and headed for Kate's Diner. My sister Peyton worked there and made the best breakfast ever.

I parked the car and walked inside.

"Hey, Shelbs. We haven't seen you around here much lately," Kate, the owner, greeted me.

I sighed. "I know. It's not on my way to school and I always seem to be running late."

I heard a laugh behind me. "You were born running late, sweetie."

I turned towards the voice to see my parents already there and seated, and looking much brighter than I felt. My brother Thomas and his mate, Lily, were both there, too.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked, then yawned.

"Kate, coffee for Shelby, stat," my dad teased.

"I'm on it, sir," she replied good naturedly.

I pulled a chair from a nearby table and sat at the end of their booth.

"I don't recall you being invited to join us," Thomas said with a smirk.

"Bite me," I said under my breath.

"Was she really late to her own birth?" Lily asked, ignoring us both.

"Two weeks past her due date," my mom said.

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