Being conscious made all the difference on the trip into Precious. The small town nestled in a river basin with rolling hills and grasslands all around it. It reminded me of what I’d read about frontier towns during the westward expansion, even if all the buildings were modern. I saw several park areas where wolf pups, kittens of various breeds, and young prey shifters all played together under the watchful eyes of adults.
The sun peeked over the horizon as I slowed to a stop in the parking lot of Precious’s only hotel. It wasn’t part of a chain, and everything about the place gave off an impression of maintenance and care. Opening the door rang an old-time bell mounted to the doorframe above it, and a smiling twenty-something with copper hair, vibrant green eyes, and an engaging smile ap
