"I'd still need money to do that," Ajag pointed out. "It costs a lot to buy an RV and live on the road."
I grit my teeth to keep from shouting at Ajag. "Money isn't an issue, Ajag. I told you that."
I'd saved up quite a bit over the years and if Ajag's peace of mind came from me giving him every last cent, I'd do it. I could always make more money. That was easy. Convincing Ajag to trust me was not.
"I know you want to argue with me about it, but don't. I've made a lot of money over the years and it's just sitting there in my bank account accumulating interest. The most I use it for is the upkeep on my bike and the occasional stay in a motel. If it can go for a better cause than that, then I am fine with it."
"Rad—"
God, it was like pulling teeth.
"Just think about it."
Ajag was silent for several moments, making me wonder if he had hung up on me. "Ajag?"
"I'll think about it," he said before hanging up on me for real this time.
I sighed as I put my cell phone away and then gazed at the flickering firelight off in the distance. Motel or camping ground didn't matter. I was still going to keep a close eye on Ajag and Sy.
I waited until I saw the fire go out before stripping off my clothes and shifting. I had my motorcycle pretty well hidden in the bushes so I wasn't worried about anyone taking it. I was more worried about some absent hunter or a drunk trying to take pot shots at me.
I stayed to the shadows provided by the trees as I moved through the forest making my way closer to Ajag's campsite. He'd been smart and rented one toward the back of the campground and close to the woods.
When I got close enough to get a better view, but far enough away that my scent wouldn't be noticeable, I hunkered down under some bushes, my eyes pinned on the door of the tent.
It was going to be a long night for me, but well worth it meant keeping Ajag and Sy safe. I'd hear and see anyone coming toward their campsite. I just needed to make sure I was gone and back in human form before people started to wake up.
I wasn't sure I fully understood why I felt such peace huddle down under some bushes watching a tent. It was a feeling I don't ever remember having, but it reminded me of a conversation I'd had with Ze'ev after he mated Jackson.
"I'm settled, Rad."
The smile fell from my face as I grew serious. "Really?"
Ze'ev nodded. "This morning, after I bit him, I was laying there with him in my arms and I felt nothing but contentment. No anger. No aggression. No need to roam. I didn't want to be anywhere else except exactly where I was."
That's what I wanted, to feelno anger, no aggression, and no need to roam. I'd always kept my desire for a home buried deep in my heart because I knew I'd never get one. My home had been burned to the ground one winter night along with everyone I cared about.
I'd been a child then, barely thirteen. Old enough to know what was happening, but too young to fight back. I'd lost everyone in one night and I'd never found that feeling of peace again...until now.
I wanted to hold onto that foreign feeling. I just wasn't sure how. It wasn't like I was the most experienced guy when it came to emotions. My default was sarcasm and anger. Gooey sweet stuff gave me hives.
I let my brain wander as I watched the tent, trying not to think about anything too serious. Thinking was overrated anyway. I'd rather just punch a fucker in the face.
Well, except Ajag, Sy, and a few close friends, and I had punched a few of them over the years. I think that was pretty normal for dire wolves. We tended to strike first and ask questions later.
As soon as there were signs of life from inside the tent, I hurried back to where I had parked my motorcycle with the hopes of getting at least a couple of hours of sleep.
Luckily, it didn't look like anyone had touched my bike.
I grabbed a sleeping bag out of my saddlebags, shook it out next to the bike, and then climbed in. My saddlebags weren't big enough for me to carry a tent so I usually just slept in my fur when I was on the road like this. Being around so many humans, though, it wasn't a good idea. There was too much chance of being spotted even hidden as I was.
I woke up a couple of hours later to the sound of voices. They weren't too close, but I could still hear them talking about fishing in the river.
It wasn't Ajag or Sy so I didn't care.
I climbed out of my sleeping bag, pulled my clothes back on, and then checked my cell phone for Ajag's current location. I wasn't sure how I felt about him still being in the campground.
One, it probably meant another night of no sleep and then napping on the ground. Two, it meant Ajag and Sy were most likely going to be exploring the woods today.
