Mitch

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Mitch took in the endless acres of trees, interspersed with meadows, ponds, and one really large river that seemed to cut through the middle of the property. An old wooden bridge traversed the tons of water flowing across a fairly wide channel. “Is this the only river crossing you have?” Judging by the weathered gray wood, the bridge was in its dotage and probably on the way out.

“There’s a new crossing about half a mile up. This old one is closer, mostly gets foot traffic.”

“Foot traffic. Of the four-legged kind?”

“Yep.” Nate cautiously drove the Jeep over the boards.

Mitch braced himself, preparing to swim to shore if the planks gave way. Thankfully, that didn’t happen.

He found the trek interesting. Nate made for a decent tour guide, pointing out critters and habitats. They’d passed the small lion pride territory—real lions, not shifters or the winged variety. A large fence complete with gate separated that particular area from the one next door which catered to the wolves. Those, Mitch caught sight of rather easily. He’d guarantee a few of them were shifters, although which ones he couldn’t decide without some up close and personal sniffing. The point remained moot as Nate kept driving.

“Up ahead is where the elephants tend to hang out. Near a shallow tributary of the river. Plenty of shade, water, and meadow grass within a rock’s throw of the river itself.”

Sure enough, they rounded a bend and came to a stop as three large elephants came into view. The huge animals ignored the Jeep and the men inside as they went about grazing. Their large ears and tucks proclaimed them to be African elephants rather than the Asian variety. No matter, they were gorgeous and awe-inspiring.

Mitch caught a glimpse of the baby, standing under her mother. She seemed a little uncertain about the unannounced visitors.

One of the adults didn’t seem to have the same problem as it walked right up to the vehicle.

“Hey Kier. How’s it going?” Nate spoke to the approaching elephant.

The bull appraised Mitch. Mitch stared back, knowing the elephant was sizing him up. For what, he didn’t know. The possibilities were endless. Everything from a living discus to a piece of shifter pottery needing flattened. None of them were something Mitch wanted to try out. He stayed firmly put in the car. “Cute little baby.”

Kier glanced back, then turned his attention back to Mitch. He lifted his trunk and snuffled Mitch’s chest then his face.

Mitch held his breath, fearing a wrong move would cost him his nose. “Let me guess. Elephant for ‘nice to meet you’?”

Nate laughed. “Something like that.”

Seemingly satisfied, Kier left a line of slime across Mitch’s cheek, saluted Nate, then wandered back to the small herd.

“He likes you.” Nate grinned.

Mitch wiped his sleeve across his face. “How can you tell?”

“If he didn’t, you’d be impersonating a shotput.”

“Wonderful.” He switched sleeves and rubbed his face against it, making sure to get all the moisture off. “Any significance to the sliming?”

“If you’re wondering if that was a kiss, the answer is no. But, it’s a good sign, all the same.” Nate put the Jeep into gear and started off again.

Mitch peered back, watching as Kier returned to grazing alongside the two adult females and the calf. He pulled up what he knew about elephants. “I didn’t think bull elephants stayed with the females. The females have a matriarch and the bulls are pretty much loners.”

“In the wild, sure. Here, the females accept Kier. He sees himself as their protector. Takes the role seriously. That’s what saved them from a horrible situation.”

Curiosity prodded Mitch to ask about that particular story. Instead, he bit his tongue, believing that more information would be offered in the coming days. For sure he didn’t want to get a reputation for prying or being too inquisitive on the first day there. Patience ruled.

One query slipped out, though. “Why does he stay with the herd instead of being in human form?”

Nate paused a beat as if trying to figure out how to word his response. “This is a refuge. For all sorts of wild animals. Shifters included. Everyone has their own story, their own individual characteristics, and comfort levels. We don’t box anyone in. Just let them run free in whatever way they wish.”

The information sank in slowly. Mitch started putting the puzzle together. When Nate said their mission was to save all kinds of beasts, he meant it literally. Shifters might be part human, but they could easily fall under the umbrella of beast as well. “So, you take in shifters that come from a troubled past?”

Nate met his gaze for a moment. “Among other things, yes.”

“Then why in the hell am I here?”

Mitch had no idea he’d spoken the question aloud until Nate laughed. “You’re asking me? You found us, remember? So why are you here?”

“It sounded like heaven hearing the girls describe it.” He rubbed his forehead as he recalled the way the couple explained the peace and tranquility of the land.

“And where you came from wasn’t?”

Mitch shrugged. “It wasn’t horrible. Just…not what I wanted.”

Nate gave a quick nod. “The story of many a shifter. Wandering around until they find the place where they fit in.” He spared Mitch one more glance then focused ahead once more. “Think you found it with us?”

“I have no idea,” Mitch answered honestly.

“Give it time. It’ll grow on you.”

“Like mold?” Mitch quipped.

Nate chuckled. “More like rain rot.”

“Ugh.”

They drove in silence for a while with Mitch absorbed in his thoughts. He peered at Nate, noticing the way the guy gripped the steering wheel, sure and steady. The light touch despite the bumpy road spoke of confidence and familiarity. His square jaw promised stubbornness, tempered by the easy grin and unabashed amusement that carried to his brown eyes. The flannel shirt and jeans fit Nate to a T, hinting at the muscles corded under the material. Like all shifters, Nate carried an air about him. Power. Poise. And intelligence that Mitch easily saw in the other man’s expression.

“Who’s next?”

“Thaddeus, if he’s around.” Nate leaned forward as if trying to spy into the foliage.

“I still can’t believe you have a unicorn shifter. Who’s ever heard of such a thing?”

“They do exist, although I often wonder if Thaddeus is the last of his kind.”

Mitch had never considered that. “That would suck.”

“Yeah. It would.” Nate frowned, then brightened. “Aha. To your right.”

Mitch turned his head, caught a glimpse of movement, then gaped when a solid white horse appeared from behind some bushes. Not horse. Unicorn. Rainbow colored ribbons reflected from around the chiseled horn. Magical. Beautiful. And downright breath-taking. “Gorgeous.”

“And he knows it, too.” Nate whispered, then paused the truck next to the tall stallion. “Good day, Thaddeus. This is Mitch. He’ll be joining us.”

Thaddeus lifted his head and studied Mitch.

“He’s a chef,” Nate added.

Mitch could have sworn Thaddeus smiled.

The unicorn nodded his head, flicked his tail, then snorted. He stood there for a few more seconds before trotting alongside the road.

“Is he leading us back?”

“No. He’s racing us.” Nate hit the gas. The vehicle jumped ahead.

Thaddeus hit full stride, flying across the flattened area right alongside the dirt road.

They were neck and neck until a gate approached.

Mitch braced himself for the abrupt stop. “He’s going to…”

In that moment, Thaddeus leapt into the air, clearing the high fence in a remarkable show of agility and strength.

“Holy shit.” Mitch blinked as Thaddeus danced on the other side, shaking his mane as if to taunt them with his win.

“Yeah. It gives him a big head that he can do that.” Nate clicked a button, which opened the gate for them.

“Hell, that’s more than I can do in my form and caracals are noted to be high jumpers, able to catch birds for a meal.”

Nate gave him a droll look. “He can out-jump the flying squirrels. But, don’t tell him I told you that. He’d have to show you.”

“And that’s bad why?”

“Because it pisses the squirrels off.”

“Got it.” Mitch tried to wrap his mind around the silliest conversation he’d ever had. Well, right up there with the one he briefly had with Thor.

Thaddeus reared up and pawed the air as they drove by. Mitch inclined his head in acknowledgement of the unicorn’s win and his rightfully deserved victory celebration.

Nate clicked the gate to shut and drove onward.

Mitch found this new area to be more open land and less dense forest. He’d wager this was the section belonging to the local herd animals like buffalo, deer, elk, and so on as it sort of reminded him of the pictures he’d seen of the American Plains a hundred years ago before humans took over the land.

He turned his attention back to Nate. “So, going to tell me what kind of shifter you are?”

Nate’s lips twitched. “Haven’t figured it out yet?”

“No.”

“You will.”

He enjoys these games way too much.

Mitch rested his hands on his legs and switched tactics. “How long have you been here?”

“A few years.”

“Long enough to warrant the title of welcome wagon?”

Nate smirked. “I guess so.”

Which said something and yet nothing.

Mitch hated beating around the bush, but his gut told him, if nothing else, that he’d learn patience around this place. Because some of the inhabitants had some secrets. Well-guarded ones at that. Only time and earned trust would loosen their lips.

If I’m here long enough. Hell, if I even care.

If nothing else, inquisitiveness would drive him to find out a few details. Unless he tired of the preserve and set out again, in constant search of somewhere to call home.

“Hope you don’t mind sharing a cabin. We’re pretty full right now.”

What can I really say? No? After all, beggars can’t be choosers. Mitch’s gut churned at the reception he was sure to receive. Tension returned, causing his shoulders to ache. There was a reason everyone stayed clear of him. He doubted this guy would be any different. “Okay.”

Nate eyed him for a second then looked straight ahead. “He won’t care if you’re gay, if that’s what’s bothering you.”

“How can you be sure?”

Nate lips pulled back into a wolfish smile. “Because he’s bi. Although he leans more toward the ladies than the gents.”

“Good to know.” Just perfect. He’ll be sizing me up like a side of beef and bringing in some chick for a night of bed bouncing fun. Joy.

They stopped in front of a modest wood home. No logs, but the painted outside matched a walnut color precisely, blending in with the rest of the homes dotted here and there in a squiggly line. A distance separated each one, offering privacy, but close enough that a short walk would land you on another person’s front step.

Nate cut the engine. “Here you go. Number ten.”

“Thanks.” Mitch climbed out and grabbed his suitcase.

Nate stepped into his path. “Think of this as the first day of summer camp. Meeting your new best friend.”

Mitch snorted. “And you’re the camp counselor?”

“Something like that.” Nate’s quick grin turned serious. “Look. If you and Cain aren’t compatible, just say so. I can move you elsewhere if needed.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Mitch’s pulse picked up speed. Social butterfly he wasn’t. Quiet broody guy in the shadows was more like it.

Nate stared at him for a long second before turning on his heel. “Let me make the introductions.” He walked over to the front door, then rapped his knuckles.

A low growl answered. A yip followed.

Mitch fisted his hands, bracing for a crotchety old shifter ready to tear his head off for encroaching on his afternoon. That, or they were interrupting a little slap and tickle in preparation for an afternoon delight. Neither one bode well.

“Hey, Cain. It’s Nate.” Nate turned the knob and pushed the door open.

Mitch’s mouth fell open.

Inside the living room a brownish colored wolf with gray points and a white face and legs bowed in front of a skunk, a small toy in his mouth, closely resembling a yellow duck. He bit down, causing the small toy to quack.

“Is that a rubber ducky?”

“Yeah,” Nate answered.

“Do I want to know?” Mitch peered over at him.

“Probably not.” Nate’s lips twitched.

That bodes well. Not.

The skunk reached up, grabbed the item with his front paws, then proceeded to roll it around the floor.

Holy s**t. I seem to be saying that a lot today. Go figure.

Nate laughed. “Hey guys. Having a little playtime?”

The wolf wagged his tail, smiled at Nate, then stole the toy from the skunk, making it peep some more.

“Mitch. The wolf is Cain, your roommate.”

Why me? And please, please don’t tell me that animal is a frequent visitor. Mitch swallowed around the lump in his throat. “And the small, striped one?”

Nate grinned wickedly. “That’s Kitt, the skunk shifter.”

Mitch tried to process that latest shock. “So he…”

“Oh, yeah. She can spray with the best of them. My advice? Don’t piss her off.”

“Her?”

Nate tilted his head. “Did you think there were only male shifters here?”

“I hadn’t really gotten that far.” Mitch viewed as the skunk pulled the toy from Cain, latched onto it with her teeth, and loped around a corner. A remarkable feat considering the duck was more than half her size.

Cain trotted over and sniffed Mitch.

Mitch stared down at him in resignation. “Personal space is important to me. So, no sniffing my ass.”

Cain whined, then wagged his tail some more.

“See, you’re getting along already,” Nate pointed out.

“You’re one of those glass is half-full kind of guys, aren’t you?” He pinned Nate with his gaze.

“Yep.”

“Of course.”

Nate headed back to the Jeep, hopped into the driver’s seat, and waved. A second later, he revved the engine and drove off.

Mitch watched him go, ignoring the sinking feeling in his stomach. I’ve ran off and joined a circus.

Cain nudged Mitch with his head.

Here goes nothing. He stepped into the house. “Just lead me to my bedroom.”

Cain barked and showed the way.