The Pilot and The Werewolf

A Surf Lesson

Eric

I woke up early the next morning to enjoy the sunrise. I make my coffee and head out to the balcony. It's cooler out this morning, but still pleasant.

"I can smell our mate," says Josh.

I look down and to my right and sure enough, my mate is curled up on a chair watching the sunrise.

"Well, I see that you're also an early riser," I call out to my mate.

She jumps a bit,

"Oh good morning Eric! You startled me," says Amber. 

I get an idea and my mate sees it on my face before I do it.

"Eric don't you dare..." says Amber, as I jump from my balcony to hers. Landing with an oddly satisfying thump. 

"You know...there are stairs for that and I think an elevator," says Amber as she rolls her eyes at me.

"Yeah yeah, but that's no fun," I say in reply. She walks over and gives me a good morning hug. I wrap my arms around her and rest my head on top of hers as we watch the sunrise. She cuddles closer and I can hear Josh purring in my mind.

"Did you sleep well?" I ask. 

My mate looks up at me and replies "I did! Thank you...this place is so quiet and peaceful.".

I take this moment to take in my mate's sweet face. "Your eyes are a different color this morning, they're darker."

"Oh yes, they change color with the seasons and my mood," replied Amber.

"Ah, that makes sense. What is your mood right now?" I ask.

"Hmmm, cozy, warm, you're like a living heater!" says Amber.

I can't resist..." so you think that I'm hot then...?" I say with a cheeky grin.

"...I didn't mean...So what if I do Mr. Redwood. What are you going to do about it?"

says, my Mate as she brings her face closer to mine.

Amber

I'm glad that I'm a quick thinker. It was fun watching the look of surprise from Eric as I rebutted his cheeky flirting.

My breath catches as he leaves a trail of kisses over my cheekbones and down my neck. I might not feel the mate bond, but this feels amazing for what it is. I almost growl when the kisses stop.

Eric kisses my forehead and looks at me.

" I just might do that Ms. Mount Wood, but only that..for now.".

We break apart to help put some distance between us and the obvious tension.

"I'm going to pack up for the coast. I'll see you soon," says Eric as he heads towards the balcony door leading into my room.

I watch him leave and start to get ready. I pull out a flannel, jeans, and a pair of vans. I'm starting to feel more and more like a California girl already... until I realize that I don't have a swimsuit of any kind. I must have left them at home.

Eric

I quickly retreat out of Amber's room before I do something that I want to wait for. Josh is howling in protest as I leave. I'm determined to wait until she is connected with her wolf. I want her to have the full experience of a mate bond.

I run to the kitchen and grab the picnic that I had prepared for us today. Henry even thought to leave two smoothies in hydro flasks for breakfast. 

I walk out to the garage and unplug my Jeep. I load up two foam surfboards, towels, sunscreen, and the cooler with our food. I realize then that Amber doesn't have a wetsuit. We'll have to fix that on the way there. 

I hear my mate approaching.

"I see your obsession with electric cars continues," says Amber as she gets in the passenger seat.

"This one is a hybrid. The instant torque is helpful with the rain that might be coming later. I spend so much time outside. I like to take care of what the Moon Goddess has provided" I say as I get into the driver's side.

"That makes sense....wait...why are there two surfboards?" asked Amber. 

" I want to teach you how to surf. Fall has some of the cleanest conditions that are easier to learn in. I'll give you a few lessons, and if you truly hate it afterward, then I won't push it." I say hoping that she agrees.

" I suppose I can't live in California without learning how to surf... I don't have a swimsuit or a wetsuit," replied Amber.

"I noticed the wetsuit part. There's a Patagonia store on the way there. We can stop on the way.".

We pull out of the pack's lands and onto the main highway. 

"Oh, by the way, Henry packed us breakfast. There are two smoothies there. One looks very green and very healthy, the other is orange and slightly less scary looking." I say.

"MMM... I like green foods. I'll take the 'scary' one then" replied Amber.

"Suit yourself," I say, knowing full well that anything that Henry makes is great. 

We head toward the Patagonia store near the beach. We park and head inside. The clerk greets me. 

"Mr. Redwood, nice to see you! Need a new wetsuit?"

"Yes, but not for me, for my …..girlfriend. I've somehow managed to convince her to take a surf lesson from me.".

"Right this way, miss. We will get you suited up."

Amber

We leave the store with a few wetsuits varying in warmth. Bikinis that cross in the back to stay put and a few other essentials.

We approach the beach and unload everything. I head to the public bathroom to change into my bikini and wetsuit. 

I head out to Eric to find him stretching. He guides us in a brief warm-up before we head out.

"Okay first we're going to practice popping up on land," says Eric as he pops up on the board, showing me the proper form and stance. He adjusts my hips, realizes that his hands are my hips, and gives me a quick peck on the cheek. 

"Ready to head out?" asks Eric.

"Yes, very ready," I say somewhat excited now.

Eric

Connected to her wolf or not, Amber is natural. She catches the first wave that I push her into and most of the waves after that. I love the look of pure stoke on her face as she paddles back to me. We are out in the water for most of the afternoon. We only come in to get sips of water here and there.

"Want to ride this next one in? I'm starving." I ask.

"Sounds great" Amber replied.

We head back to the place that we set up camp. I strip out of my wetsuit to my board shorts underneath. 

Amber does the same, I try not to stare at how much of her skin is showing. 

Moon Goddess she is perfect. She puts her flannel over her bikini, which helps.

Amber opens up the cooler, "I see someone likes their cheese".

I laugh, "that would be Henry, he is our pack cook and is part, French."

"That makes sense actually," says Amber as she pulls out different cheeses and meats for our sandwiches. We eat until we're stuffed. 

"I ate way too much. I don't think that I'll float anymore" says Amber.

I chuckle as we start to pack everything back into the Jeep.

We head out to the main highway and I look over and see Amber already sleeping. I grab a blanket from the back and cover her. We reach the pack lands and Amber doesn't wake. I decided to carry her inside.

"Our mate is a deep sleeper," says Josh.

I set her on her bed and kiss her forehead.

"Good night mate" I whisper before I leave her room.