The run was just as expected, we ran on foot as humans for five miles and I discovered I wasn’t as out of running shape as I thought. I was able to run with Tyler and keep up a decent conversation as we went I found out that they do this jog a few times a week, but only shift and do an extra long run on Thursdays.
This way it just looks like they are big on working out and like to party like the athletes on campus who are in season and have restrictions on crappy food and alcohol. Actually some of these guys play football or hockey, which I found interesting since our strength, stamina and healing is so much different than a human. Mina and I decided to ask about that when we got to the bonfire.
It’s really pretty here. The trees and the trails haven’t started to come alive yet, but the evergreens dispersed within the bare tree trunks give enough color to the drab shades of brown and yellow of last year’s vegetation to make the scene pleasant. I also love the smell of the damp leaves and earth as we run.
There’s just something about the early sunset sending streams of light through the bare branches of the trees that is calming. My wolf purrs in my chest as we go. The darkness that falls pretty quickly doesn’t bother even our human eyes, we just keep moving like the light hasn’t changed at all.
In the forty minutes it took us to run the five miles the sun is almost completely set and the twilight gives a consuming vibe. Tyler, Mike, Mina and I were running in the middle of the pack. Mina and I slow as the boys do, at this point we have no idea what is going to happen and our latest fan club member looks like someone who would stab you in the throat and then go play dress up. I’m sticking close to the guys for now, I don’t need her trouble too.
“We’ll change and shift here, remember where the new cameras are and stay out of range. Someone is looking for something and I don’t want to be on anyone’s radar cause someone here decided to be a dumbass, got it?” She looks around at everyone, but lingers a little longer on Mina and I. which this time makes sense if she’s worried about being seen. I’d look at the new people too, but I would take it a step further and make the new people run with me so I could watch them and guarantee they don’t mess up.
She clearly doesn’t care about us that much or assumes Tyler will take care of us, cause she turns her back on us and starts to strip, which is the cue for everyone else to do the same. I can feel my cheeks instantly flame and I try to look away, but no matter where I look there are butt naked people everywhere.
“Don’t be shy new girls, we don’t have all night.” Some guy next to Janice sneers at us and then licks his lips. I have to hold back the bile that wants to rise in my stomach. That guy gives me the creeps. “Hey, you okay? We do have to move. TheVII leave without us. I can block you if that would make you feel better.” Tyler’s concern is cute, but I can’t tell if he’s being genuine or not and that bugs me. I usually have a good read on people and he just seems to be all gray area for me.
“Nope, we’re good, just waiting on everyone else to be ready to shift, that’s all.” I give him a small smile.
“Do you plan on ripping through your clothes?”
“No!” Mina laughs and he just looks at us confused.
don’t have to change, you’ll see.” She winks at him and he still looks confused, but shrugs.
He and Mike strip down to nothing, stowing their clothes in the backpack Tyler brought. I am doing everything possible to not look at either of them. Naked guys are not new to me, but I just can’t get past it making me uncomfortable. I hope I’m not this weird about it when I do find my mate.
