Hidden In Plain Sight: Book 2 (Wolves)

Chapter 3- Alistar

As I lay in bed, trying to sleep, I couldn’t help but think of the beautiful wolf I saw out on my jog. The coloration was so unique on the canis lupus with what appeared to be bands of tan to almost black from tail to head and the cream faded so light it was almost white underneath. I’ve seen a few wolves outside the gates before, but they always kept their distance. It struck me again how close this wolf had been to me, when I turned around. I could almost have reached out and touched its head if it hadn’t meandered off toward the bluff. I’d been going outside the gates almost daily anyway, but now I would definitely return to that spot in hopes of seeing the wolf again. My last thought before falling asleep was, should I take a weapon just in case? To protect myself, just in case the wolf was hunting me and not being curious.

At some point after falling asleep, I began to dream. I realized, even in my dream state, that I was obsessed about this wolf, that’s now in my dream. The dream was similar to what had happened, with me jogging out to the waterway, avoiding the swamp lands. I stood on the bank watching the tadpoles, but this time I felt a sense of peace; the anger and aggression I felt today were gone and I had a smirk on my face. After a short time of watching the wildlife in the water, something bumped my buttock and pushed me off balance. I turned around to see the wolf that had been close to me yesterday before jogging away. This time, the wolf had her tongue hanging out and her mouth appeared to be in a smile. I’m not sure how, but I automatically knew it was a female. As I watched, she laid down on her stomach, the grass tall enough to wave in the wind above her head as she cautiously crawled toward me. I kneeled down with my hand outstretched so she could scent my palm. I didn’t want to appear weak like prey, but non threatening. If she was willing to crawl to me, I could be non threatening as well. Once within reach, she reached her nose over and smelled my hand before giving me a featherlite lick with her tongue. Slowly I moved my hand to stroke her muzzle and then scratch her ear. Seeing her pelt up close, I could see the agouti rings that appear like shades of brown from a distance. Her coat is so beautiful, I couldn’t help but smile when she rolled on her side like a dog, and raised her front leg as if to ask me to scratch her chest. I sat there for what seemed like hours, scratching, petting, and then cuddling with the wolf. I know academically this is a wild animal and in real life, wolves don’t act like this. It seemed so real in my dream though, and I was drawn to this wolf. I didn’t want to leave, so I laid down with my head on her shoulder, stroking the softer fur of her belly, and fell asleep.

I jolt upright into a sitting position. My phone says it’s 4:30AM and my alarm is blaring loudly, to wake me. I hit “stop,” and throw back my covers. What I’d really like to do is put my pillow over my head and go back to sleep. I was enjoying the emotions I felt during my dream. So much better than the dread that has plagued me since Susan announced she was engaged; a million times better than the anger and aggression that have taken me over since her marriage to Travis. If I couldn’t find a way past these negative emotions, they would eat me up, destroy me, from the inside out.

It might be easier if I had my own place, but financially that would be nearly impossible on a part-time salary while in college. I sigh as I contemplate getting my own place for what feels like the hundredth time. I have to prioritize, and two years at the community college would give me a good paying profession, with just an Associate Degree as an Electrician. Electricians are in very high demand right now, so it was an easy choice.

Work went quickly because there was a convention at the hotel just down the street. Luckily we knew about the convention ahead of time and my supervisor scheduled extra help. Without it, we would have never kept up. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but a fast food restaurant isn’t exactly the kind of cooking I enjoy. I do a lot of warming things up, deep frying, assembling sandwiches, wrapping them, and putting them in the correct warmer row to be given to the customers. On the bright side, the more I work here, the more incentive I have to attend college and graduate successfully. I do not want to do this for the rest of my life.

I arrive home after my shift and Mom asks me if I can drive Addison to baseball practice for her tonight since her Personal Care Attendant called in tonight with a family emergency. Allison is hard to load up and take anywhere with only one person. With her tracheostomy and gastrostomy tubes, there are so many supplies that have to go with, that it takes at least two people. If I refused to take my brother, he would either miss practice or be late (if Dad was home on time) from his shift today. Mom simply asked me to drop him off, and then I could return home and either she or Dad would pick Addison up when he is done. I change clothes quickly and escort Addison to his practice. I decide that instead of making Dad come into town, I’ll just wait for my brother, so I text Mom.

Alistar: I’ll just stay and bring Adds home. No

need for Dad to come out after he gets home.

Mom: You are such a helpful son. Thank you

Al!

Alistar: Maybe you can convince Dad to fire up

the grill tonight? (Smiley face emoji).

Mom: That’s a great idea, I’ll see what I can do.

Once we arrive back from Addison’s practice, I decide to go for a quick jog before supper. I know once I eat supper, I will likely no longer feel like working out, and it’s important for my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. “Be back soon,” I call out into the house to no one in particular.