Rejection

Chapter 43 - Hot Springs

---Kyle's POV---

When I had followed Drake through the small metal gate that lead into the wolf enclosure, I had to remind myself that this wasn't just an enclosure like you'd find in the zoo.

Instead, they had the freedom to go wherever they wanted over an entire mountain range. As far as these wolves knew, they were free.

They had miles of thick forest to explore, mountainsides covered in snow and open plains where local deer foraged.

Though the property was still fenced off to keep any trespassers and poachers out. However I would've been very surprised if anyone was able to go near the property, as the wolf's territory laid well within the pack's territory.

Nobody could claim they stumbled into the wild wolf's territory without being trespassed for being on private property.

The pack would stop anyone the second they stepped a single toe over the borders. Especially human hunters and would-be poachers, who would use the excuse of their hunting dogs running loose to be on private property.

It had surprised me to learn that some hunters didn't even ask permission, merely following the baying of their hounds as they trailed their quarry. The pack had encountered quite a few hunters who blamed a runaway hound or deer for their presence on private property.

Which is why the pack had to put up signs around the perimeter of their territory, announcing it as private property and that hunting was strictly forbidden.

Still didn't keep some persistent humans from trying their luck. Some even tried to remove the signs and toss them away so they had grounds of defending their claim that they never encountered anything to declare the property as private.

Too bad that the pack had thought ahead and had trail cameras pointing directly at said signs. Anyone who messed with them would only realize after that they have given the pack photo evidence of their trespassing.

It was liberating to be able to run with the knowledge that you were safe. There was no chance that any hunter managed to find its way this deep into pack territory and endanger not only the wild wolves but pack wolves as well.

Which was why the pack was so focused and diligent about their border patrols. Not only to prevent any ex mates from sneaking in the pack unannounced, but also to make sure that no hunter snuck their way in the pack's territory.

Nobody wanted a newly shifted pup to become a trophy on the wall because some human decided to shoot it.

Drake switched directions slightly, heading up the mountains and paused occasionally, tail twitching as he gave me ample time to follow the steady climb on my own tempo.

I huffed happily, understanding he didn't want to strain my muscles and aches anymore than necessary. Yet the eagerness within his gaze made me want to push further, push myself to follow to whatever surprise he had prepared.

I didn't quite know what I expected but I was rather surprised when we finally approached a natural cave that was shrouded in a thick layer of fog.

Only as we got closer, I realized it wasn't fog...but steam, steadily drifting from the natural hot spring a few feet away from the cave entrance.

My surprise only rose as Drake walked in the cave, shaking off the excess snow in his fur before shifting. I hesitantly followed his example, understanding filling my body as I spotted the glass windows and the sliding doors that closed off the rest of the cave.

Drake guided me inside and offered me some clothes, smiling softly. "This was the cave that I found when I was...well, not fully myself." He scratched through his nape, a sheepish expression on his face but I understood.