Strolling in through the entrance of the refuge I can tell something is already off. An odd vibe sends a shiver through my back and it takes strength to hide it from the others. I feel like my wolf is pacing in my mind.

Scott looks over raising a brow in question. There is no hiding things from him. "Cold chill." I lie. He opens his mouth to speak but Cheyenne grabs his attention back to her and I'm grateful to avoid the question.

Something isn't right here.

I try to ignore the itch I'm beginning to feel under my skin and focus back to the females walking in front of me, more specifically the one trying to get my attention. The Luna thought this would be a 'cute' idea to head out here for the day with their pups. Make it less of a 'date' for me and her. She informed me when we bought our tickets, reminding me once again to behave and put in some effort.

Raking my eyes from the top of her head to the tip of her shoes, Kirsten's a looker I will say that. I may not like the flashy doll type but she has a body. Curves in the right places and muscles to fill the in-between, but she's not her. I'm looking for a good lay, not a fill-in. Waiting for my mate seems to age me more every year. My thoughts haven't stopped. I wonder where she could possibly be, I hope I can find her in Europe, a nice foreign she-wolf to spark me to life. Subconsciously scratching my chin through my thickening beard, I should probably shave it I just don't have the desire to care enough.

This female has been without her mate for years now and I can't relate, as much as they want me to, I can't. They think she just isn't out there, that I'm not a lucky one. Move on and take a female. I feel like I am being backed into a corner with no way out. I relate more with the wildlife of this park. Restricted.

The females push the strollers ahead gossiping and giggling while Scott pulls back. Whispering low in my ear for them not to hear "so how was the drive? what do you think?" Continuing to follow them my eyes rest on her swaying ass and I can tell she is putting in the extra effort. "Sure I can't just fuck this one?" Shooting him a sly grin. He cracks a smile but pushes my shoulder with his, "You know I can't agree with that idea, Cheyenne will murder me. Besides Kristen is a good female. Come on man, at least try." He gives me a pointed look I know all too well.

I went with him to the different packs when he searched for his mate, hoping I might find mine. It wasn't a success for me though but he allowed me a few weeks a year to look around even after he found Cheyenne. As the year's pass, wolves start to wonder if their mate is even out there.

The hope I have is small but it is still there. My wolf pushes me to find her.

He believes she's out there, shouldn't I?

Walking past the deer pens has my stomach is knotting up. My wolf paws at the front of my mind like there is an itch to be scratched. He is trying to break free and it is hard to hold my control. Making a mental note to go for a run the moment we get home, he clearly needs it.

My thoughts are interrupted when I almost step on Kirsten. They all seem to be looking at me, the females do not look pleased. Did I miss something? "What?" Shooting them a quizzical look, I'm in no mood to be here; I'm in even less of a mood for this shit.

Chey doesn't seem pleased. "Kirsten asked you a question." She says in an are-you-stupid tone. I try hard not to grit my teeth, good friend or not she's still Scott’s mate and my Luna. "My apologies, the deer distracted me." Trying to sound as sincere as possible. Scott can't hold in the bubbling laughter. "Hangry bro?" My lip tugs up in a slanted half smile. "Well, breakfast wasn't that satisfying."

"Dude do you want to go for the small 'show' with the wolves?" He bunny ears the word show like it's nothing but nonsense and I have to agree. Talking about 'wild' wolves held in captivity.

Looking over to the females I can see they want to go. Scratching the nape of my neck before smoothing my hand up through my hair letting out a sighing. "I guess, let's go." Gesturing for them to continue walking.

I can hear a slight southern voice coming from a speaker and the itch is back. Coming around the corner the wind blows towards us and I stop in my tracks as my eyes trace up to the girl in the exhibit.

Dark chocolate brown hair pinned in a ponytail, her natural curls bounce with her movements. Eyes of a storming ocean light up like thunder rolling through the swirling clouds. My eyes linger on them as the excitement is expressed from her moving lips but I struggle to hear a damn thing as the pounding of my heart takes up the canal of my ear to beat off the drums. I cannot take my gaze off those lips now as she continues speaking with her sing-song and cheerful voice. The colour of rose petals has my mind mulling over the thought of if they fell as soft as the flower. My body shivers but this time I can't contain it even by the slightest and I can feel my companion's eyes watching me. Trying to gauge if I have lost my mind. Finally getting my eyes to function with my brain, sweeping them over her body. Dark tanned skin kissed by the sun; she spends her days outside. Dressed in a t-shirt with the name of the reserve on it and a pair of tan shorts that don't hide the curves she holds. They give way to strong toned legs that walk towards the animals in the enclosure and I move closer. Ignoring the voices asking me 'what the hell' and telling me to come back.

I have looked too long - year's spent on this moment - to stop.

Moving to the front her eyes meet mine and lock for a moment. They swirl with confusion and excitement before one of the wolves whining brings her back from her thoughts and she looks back out to the crowd. Clearing her throat she continues on with her program.

The passion she holds is shown through her pitch and tone. I'm absorbed into everything she has to say.

This show just became very interesting.

Introducing the wolves by name and breed. Most being rescues and outcasts to end up here.

"....Seath was a failed attempt at reintroduction. Cath is a grey wolf from northern Ontario. Being the runt of the litter she was lost and eventually abandoned by her pack..." Her tone saddens when mentioning the few real misfits in the group and I suddenly have the urge to actually care about the animals. She continues to explain why they have come here, mentioning that the organization is volunteer-based mostly with just a few paid staff and help is always welcomed. Wrapping up quickly she glances back my way making me grin. Her neck tinges to a light crimson that only makes my growing grin widen. She retreats out the exit door of the den I need to find where that exit is.

Before I can even take a step Scott’s grip is pulling me back by my shoulder. "Cage? Man, what the hell was that?" I can't even look at him when I whisper "It's Her", I'm too focused on the task at hand. He's stunned, releasing me and I take the opportunity to move towards the back entryway.

Everything else fades away.

Rounding the corner her scent hits me like a brick wall. I thought the light aroma earlier was delicious, this is mind-blowing. Her smell makes me feel at home. I can't help but to try and adjust before I continue to look for where she could have gone. Inhaling it deeply in before following it to a ‘staff only’ door. The temptation to go through is overwhelming.

Reluctantly moving towards a window farther to the right on the building, an older woman is reading from a novel while chomping on an apple. I can see a few of the staff members inside a doorway through the window But I don't see her. "Excuse me, ma'am?” Trying to get the secretary's attention but she continues to read like I'm not even standing here. The agitation she is creating just spurs my wolf forward and I have to try to suppress the growl from leaving the base of my chest to creep up my throat, covering it with a cough "I want to sign the volunteer sheet." She stops chewing enough to mutter "wrong building" a few pieces of the fruit dribbling out her mouth.

It's hard to hide my disgust, my hand balls into a first. Gritting through clenched teeth I manage to ask her what building I would need to head towards in the nicest tone I can muster at the moment. I'm once again ignored before the old biddy bothers to pull her eyes off her book. A sweet southern accent comes from behind me and it is my mate who finally gives me an answer.

Whirling around she's so close to me, I have to resist leaning in to press my nose to her delicate neck. I can feel my body wanting to shake with the effort.

Her arms are crossed over her chest, pushing them up slightly, foot tapping the ground under her boot. She has a scowl set on her beautiful face. "Pardon?" I didn't hear her coming. I'm too engrossed by her presence, too focused on the hum of electricity between us. This pull is overwhelming.

She's going to consume me.

Exasperating a huff before responding to me, her tone is curt. "We have no available spots, won't for a while. Maybe next time" she gives me a quick head to toe glance before she sets her eyes back into a glare.

The fuck did I do to her?

Raising a brow in confusion I cannot understand what I have done wrong. "I'm sorry? Didn't you just tell everyone during the presentation you need volunteers? That we should sign up if interested?" I ask her. Her cheek dimples in where she is chewing it, I can feel the disgust and anger coming off her. If this wasn't directed towards me I might think she looks cute right now. My wolf whimpers back, he doesn't understand why we haven't just taken her and left yet, thinking this is the reason for her distrust in us. I have a growing suspicion I know what the real problem is. "Thanks for showing interest" she motions her fingers and winks, "but we want serious inquiries, not some hotshot who think they can get a piece playing the bullshit ' I care ' card. Better try your local malls or clubs for young naive college girls." Turning away she stomps off towards the employee door.

Just as I suspected. She thinks I'm some douchebag looking for an easy hookup. I wonder if she does this to every guy who comes around, I'm okay with that, just not towards me.

I didn't think I'd have to chase this much after my mate, it has only been a few minutes and I'm stumped. I have to think quick before she goes back there and I have security trying to remove me. I catch Scott and the females with the pups in tow coming around the corner. Fuck. He can sense my panic and picks up his speed. He will make me leave until I cool off before I wolf out in front of these humans.

Human. My mates a fucking human.

It makes sense now to me why I never found her, I was looking for a she-wolf in a pack. How am I supposed to explain this to her? My heart is hammering against my rib cage I'm afraid it may break through.

The words slip out before I can even stop myself. "I'm serious, wolves are a passion of mine. I know a lot about them." While not entirely a lie, I do know a good amount about having a wolf, it wasn't my smoothest move. She laughs without the humour but I still can't stop the way it pulls me closer to her.

She isn't impressed with me when she turns back my way and Scott is already closing in. "Is that so? Tell me some things then, " she motions her hand for me to continue, "go on then, expert." Crossing her arms and tapping her foot again has me distracted long enough for Scott to nearly complete the distance.

My mouth is running before my brain can yell at it enough. The function of putting my foot in my mouth is broken. "Seath failed because he didn't fare well in a new pack with a different breed." Pure bullshit, I have no fucking idea, I'm just lucky I caught that much of the show. It's nothing but an educated guess. If we had some rogue male dropped off in our territory we would be wary and questioning of the motives behind it. Not trusting a new wolf. It's how we do things with strange wolves, gotta be the same for them? I hope I am right.

Please Goddess, please.

Scott once again places his hand on my shoulder and gives it a tug. "We are leaving, the kids are acting up." Emphasizing 'acting up' with his alphas tone towards me so I'm aware of the scene this is causing. Her mouth has been hanging open slightly until my friend interpreted us. She quickly shuts her mouth before storming off like a hurricane into the office slamming the door hard behind her. Damnit. My shoulders slump and my easy smile from her initial reaction quickly falls to a frown. I feel a squeeze on my shoulder before I'm told: "let's go". I'm slow to turn towards the others.

Now, what am I supposed to do? This was my chance? I thought it was going to be difficult when I notice she was human, now it's going to be damn near impossible. I don't know whether to be disappointed in myself, be pissed at Scott for cock blocking or her for assuming the worst of me. The wolf chooses to blame everyone but her. He isn't happy as he paces, knocking into my mental barriers to break free. My head is spinning.

Shoving my hands in my pockets I take small steps towards the group. Dragging my feet. My wolf is pulling me back to her and I mentally apologize to him for this fuck up.

Reaching the parking lot I notice Kirsten is tight-lipped and pissed off. She will have to get over it. It'll be a cold day in hell before I pass over her. I didn't even get her damn name, being caught off guard with her sass and attitude. She seemed easy going and delightful with the audience.

Little spitfire. My Spitfire.

Fixed in my own thoughts she again catches me off guard. Calling out for me to wait and I can't stop the delicious shiver that racks my body from her voice. Even pissed off she holds a tone of seduction that demands my attention.

I half turn because my dick is pushing my pants out more than what's deemed appropriate.

This is much more overwhelming than they claimed it would be.

The scowl is still on her face but I can see in her eyes she has a curiosity for me. "Sign these and be here Monday, first thing in the morning, an hour before opening." She is short and concise to me. Giving no room for bullshit.

I can't keep the smile from my face but I know this will be a challenge. And I love a good challenge.

"Don't be cocky." She points a finger at me before storming back the way she came. My eyes linger on her ass moving side to side from the motion of her hips as she retreats. Now that's a natural sway. Hard to fake it with an ass like that, my large hands could really give that a good squeeze.

Burn that image in my mind.

Cheyenne's tone isn't pleasant. "We are leaving with or without you." She flings her unpleasantries at me like I've done something wrong. Heading back to my truck I had forgotten about the female I now have to bring back with me. The ride was awkward coming here with her trying an attempt at small talk hoping it grew to more, now it was really going to be uncomfortable. I just want to think about the things I want to do to my mate while the female everyone wants me to claim sits next to me for the next forty-five mins back to the pack lands.

Fuck me.