I huff at him as I pass by.
Soon, I’m staring out at the crackling fire and cackling women, my gray coat camouflaging me.Roderick settles at my side, his black coat just as good for spying.
Protecting, I correct myself.
“I think it’s time,” Zoey announces.
Time for what?I wonder.
“I knew it.That fourth beer was the turning point, huh?”Juliet says.
Roderick shifts beside me, probably also wondering what this is a preamble to.
“It was.Okay.I’m ready.This is happening.”Zoey strolls toward the woods, and my protective nature stirs.
“Good luck,” the librarian offers.
Zoey raises a fist in the air before declaring, “I’m going to pee outside!This is a special event!”
“Yeah, I’ll mark it down in the history books,” Juliet calls after her, chuckling as she sinks back into her camping chair.
Zoey passes by our hiding spot, not even ten feet separating us.But we’re hunters.We know how to hide well.
“I’m going to pee.Pee on a tree,” Zoey sings to herself.
Even in wolf form, Roderick knows how to roll his eyes, which he does now as I stand to trot after her.I, on the other hand, have my jaws open in a wolfish grin.
Zoey keeps up her funny chant until she’s a decent distance from her little campsite.Coming to a stop, she turns in a circle, her movements hinting at a lack of balance.
“Now, which one of you naughty boys is looking for a golden shower?”
If I were in human form, there’s no way I’d be able to stifle my laughter.But I keep my jaws clenched shut and turn my back to give her privacy.
And I start making plans for how to convince this odd woman to be mine.
15
ZOEY
When my pantsare around my ankles, I get the sense I’m being watched.
Super convenient.
I’ve got my back pressed against a tree, my thigh muscles put to use as I brace myself in a sitting position.Up until the feeling I have an audience, I was proud of myself for figuring out this whole pee-in-the-woods thing.
Whenever someone hears I’m from Denver, they automatically assume I spend my weekends climbing mountains and hiking mile-long trails in the wilderness.
Yeah, no.I love looking at the gorgeous mountain landscape, maybe taking a drive on the twisty mountain roads.But get out and explore them?I’ve never really been brave enough.
But here I am, camping with my new friend, using nature as my toilet, and I’m pretty sure there’s something lurking in the nearby shadows.
This is why people pee surrounded by four walls.Such a vulnerable time requires shelter.
“Juliet?Did you follow me?”I call out.
That’s one way to get close to someone fast.Kind of like going to the restroom together at a club.Would’ve preferred we discussed it first, but, hey, I’ll take a surprise Juliet over a surprise bear.
There’s no answer.
