Of Wolves and Oranges

Chapter 24: Elizabeth

The sun is setting as we wind our way up the mountain towards the village of Ingwavuma. I struggle to get my head around the fact that two days ago I had headed down this mountain not knowing that I would return without a car and with a man instead. The past three hours have been amazing. We had continued our driving discussions and moved onto music and sports and even politics. There were many heated debates and sullen silences but somehow, we made our way through the differences.

Of course, we had stopped at the Wimpy in Hluhluwe. We sat and drank our coffee at the same table, laughing at my awful lying technique.

But as we climbed the hill, I became more apprehensive. We were meeting the other hospital staff for the Sunday night braai and suddenly I was viewing them through Ford's eyes.

"You've gone real quiet in the corner there, Golfie. Whats up, babe?"

"Well. I was just a bit worried about you meeting the hospital crowd."

He looks at me strangely. "You're embarrassed by me? Is it because I'm not a doctor, or that I'm a shifter?"

I laugh, then snort. Then look at him. His brows furrowed.

"No, Ford, not at all. It's what you'll think of them. Theyre a... um... special bunch. You know, to work at a mission hospital. And if anything, I would be worried that you would..."

"Would what?" he growls

"Like them more than you like me." I rush forward. "There are some really pretty girls at the hospital, and theyre super sweet, and intelligent, and out-going." I am so embarrassed I turn and look out of the window. But he snags my hand and pulls it to his lips. He kisses it.

"There is no-one I would rather have than you, Golf. You are everything I want."

My hand tingles as he kisses it and I move in closer and kiss him on the cheek. Thats really sweet. but let's just wait and see."

He grins at me, showing his fangs.

"One more thing about some of the mission doctors." I say as we drive up the dirt road to the hospital and we sign in at the security. A sign next to a make-shift stall reads Tuckshop and coffins.

"They are rather religious. And..."

"And?"

"You'll have to sleep in a separate bedroom."

"What?!"

"My house mate is super strict and she won't allow us to share."

He groans. But gives me a kiss.

"No worries, Golf. Well make a plan."