Just Another Job

Epilogue

Ian Graves P.O.V. 

The frigid air nipped at my nose as I huddled in the snow, waiting for the six point buck to move closer. 

Come on, you bitch, I mentally willed it. If I didn't get it soon, Dak would surely-

A streak of orange, the color obscene against the white backdrop, landing on the deer's back, sending it immediately into a struggling fury. I rolled my eyes, if that were possible for a wolf, and darted out from my cover, quickly knocking the animal down and putting an end to it. Dakarai had rolled a couple of feet away in the snow, but he quickly loped over, shaking the snow from his cheetah fur. I didn't know how he stood the cold. Even with my thick fur, my paws were still frozen. 

He ripped into the meat, sending steam vaporizing into the air. I joined him in tearing the meal apart, my mind drifting back to the events of two months ago at that little cabin in Arkansas. As soon as Jasper had returned, I knew that it was time to go. Not one to wait around for sappy goodbyes, I just took off. My car had been destroyed, a bill that I fully intended to send to the happy couple one of these days, so I roamed the country as a wolf. I hadn't known where to go or what to do, so I eventually found my way back up north, to Dakarai Sarr's cabin. A short stay had turned into a long term arrangement. Dak was probably crazier than I was, and perfectly okay with wolves like me. Raelyn had died, leaving him alone, so he was only too glad to have me. I had already proven that I wasn't suitable for a pack, having traveled with a solitary cat for several years, so it was a relief that I didn't have to try to join other wolves. 

I hadn't heard from Cobalt, but then again, I didn't really expect to. We both knew that we had parted ways for good. I didn't belong in his new life with Jo. I was happy for him though. He deserved happiness after all he had been through. Now I could focus solely on my new life, and so far, I was loving it. 

I felt a tug on the end of my slab of meat, and I snarled at Dak, who was trying to snag a piece. He pulled harder and I swatted him upside the head with my heavier paw. That move cost me, and I growled as he swiped the meat out from under me and ran off into the woods, taunting me. Shaking the memories from my head and the new snow from my coat, I raced after him. That crazy son of a bitch couldn't outrun me in this snow and with absolutely no camoflauge. Back home, I knew there was a roaring fire and an Xbox ready to be played, but this is what I loved. The cold, the snow, the freedom, even a new best friend. 

Dak is way more fun than you ever were, Cobalt, I grinned to myself before devoting my thoughts entirely to catching the elusive cheetah darting around in front of me. 

So....yep. Happy endings for everyone. I really have no plans for more stories that I want to post on here atm, so it may be awhile before i'm back, but I'll be back. You guys are great and I love every single one of you. PM me if you want, I love hearing from you, and Merry Christmas!