Page 94 of The Wild Man

Everlee

I never imagined I would miss the tree hut. The whole time I was stuck there, all I thought about was a way to get free, and that I never wanted to see it again. Standing here now, looking at the dead firepit, the log Wild Man would sit on with me on his lap as we fed each other, and the area we slept in, it makes me sad that we won’t be living here any longer. I’ll miss this place more than I probably should. This is where we started. It’s where we fought, laughed, and got to know each other. It’s the place where I fell in love with Wild Man. Part of me never wants to leave again.

Wild Man piddles around the area, gathering the things he wants to take with him. My brows go up when he lifts a section of the ground. It’s a door made out of logs that’s covered in leaves and in an area that a person wouldn’t walk. He reaches in and pulls out the pack he stole from me all those weeks ago, along with my gun and taser. My stuff was literally right below us the whole time.

I laugh, because the thought is funny. I had the means to escape within feet of me and I never knew. When I think back to that time, I realize that I didn’t truly try to escape. I mean, I did, but I could have tried harder, fought more. Someone else would have. Maybe my heart was telling me something. I tried following the reasoning in my head telling me I had to leave this place and Wild Man, but my heart wouldn’t allow me to.

None of that matters now though. I’m where I’m supposed to be and with the man who makes me happy.

It doesn’t seem right for Wild Man to be in the tree hut with his clothes on. My own clothes feel itchy against my skin. Today he’s wearing a pair of black cargo pants, a hunter green t-shirt, and a pair of black boots. His hair is braided down his back, but some of the strands have come loose. When I first taught him how to braid, he really liked it because it kept his hair out of his face. He now prefers a braid over a ponytail. Now, more often than not, he has his hair twisted and pulled back instead of loose. I have to admit, the look is damn hot.

“I’m going to miss this place,” I tell him. I sit on the log and start going through my pack he handed me, refamiliarizing myself with its contents.

“We come back,” he replies, stuffing some stuff into the black duffle bag we brought with us.

“I hope no one finds it and destroys it.”

“Teeja keep people away.”

That’s another thing I’m going to miss. Teeja and his beautiful family.

A strangled laugh escapes my throat when I come across the handy dandy little silver bullet in my pack. I forgot I brought it with me, which is stupid because I always take it with me when I go on trips. Jamie—aptly named after Jamie Dornan because that man is fire—and I have had a lot of sweaty nights together.

Wild Man walks over and stares down at the bullet. “What that?”

I tip my head back slowly and regard his expression when I press the button on the bottom. It comes to life in my hand, the vibration strong and the hum low. My lips curl into a little smile as his eyes narrow. It takes him a moment to understand, and when he does, the black in his eyes flares. For a moment, I think he might toss me to the ground like he has so many times before and mount me from behind. And honestly, I would be more than okay with it.

His gaze moves to me. “Show me home how use it.”

Anticipation ripples through me, making the area between my legs tingle.

“Okay.” I can’t keep the huskiness out of my voice.

With another heated look, he goes back to packing the duffle. I drop the bullet in my bag, looking forward to getting home and introducing Wild Man to something new, especially something so pleasurable.

I love teaching him new things. I love watching the awe on his face. He’s adapted really well to life in civilization so far. I’m actually really impressed with how well he’s doing.

Something rustles near the doorway and we both look over just in time to see Teeja trot into the tree hut. Right behind him is Vena and their litter of pups.

“Teeja! Vena!” I call, scrambling up from the log. I drop to my knees in front of them. “I’m so glad you came.”

I hold out my hand to Vena and she butts her head against it. I laugh as I slowly stroke the top of her head. Teeja nudges my other hand for some scratches. I rub between his ears.

Drefan bounds up, his tail wagging, and props his front paws on my thigh, just like he did that first day. His tongue hangs out the side of his mouth.

I laugh. “Hey, Drefan.” He yips and starts running in circles.

Nemu and Khelan come up to me next, more sedate than their brother, but still appearing happy to see me. Khelan licks my hand and plops down, rolling to his back for some belly rubs. I oblige him and pet Nemu with my other hand. After I’ve lavished the pair with my attention, I look at Devika, who’s standing beside her mother.

“Devika,” I call softly and hold out my hand. She’s always been the shyest of the bunch.

She walks over, slower than her brothers, and sits on her haunches once she’s in front of me.

“Hey, girl. I missed you.” I rub my hand along her head and down until I reach her tail. She stares up at me, her head tilted back, her eyes curious. She lets out a little sigh of contentment.

I love every member of this wolf family, but Devika has always held a special place in my heart. I hate knowing we’re leaving them behind, and we very well could never see them again.

Teeja and his family stay while we finish packing up Wild Man’s things. Tears prick my eyes as I take a long look at the tree hut before we walk out. Wild Man says we’ll come back, but who knows if the place will be the same when we do.