“Hello?” he stammered shakily.
I waved at him with both paws.
“You’re a shifter?”
I nodded.
“Shit. Sorry. Sorry. You scared me.”
He lowered the can.
“Sure you’re a shifter?”
I rolled my eyes and opened my muzzle, sticking out my tongue at him.
He blinked, then let out a half laugh. “Jordy? Oh my God, your tongue is pierced even when you’re a bear?”
Where did he think the piercing would go when I shifted? The one in my eyebrow was hidden in the fur, just like thetunnels in my ears. I’d taken out my nose ring because that one became a hassle when I changed forms often.
I closed my muzzle and stood up, shaking off the leaves and pine needles that got stuck to my ass.
Laurel scrambled to his feet.
“I almost peed myself. Warn a guy next time.”
I gave him another growl and threw my head in the direction of the trail.
He looked sheepish. “I’m not supposed to be here, I know. But I saw the meadow from the trail, and I thought it would have a nice view. And I was right, see?”
I snuffled, jerking my head toward the trail again.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m going. I’ll pack my shit and get back down this instant.”
I didn’t move from my spot, watching as he folded the fleece and stuffed it into his backpack. He found the rest of the chocolate bar in the moss on the ground. He eyed it, poked away a spec of dirt, and threw the chocolate into his mouth. It made me grin. Despite his fame and money, Laurel was no prince. He also carefully folded the wrapper and put it in a zipper pocket on the side of his backpack. He wasn’t a litterer either, good to know.
“I’m going,” he muttered again, and began traipsing down the hill.
Of course, after a few steps, he slipped on a muddy patch.
“Oh shit!”
He got up and patted the back of his hiking pants. A big brown stain adorned his ass.
“Eww. That’s cold.”
I made a sound, and he rolled his eyes at me. “Yes, you were right. I shouldn’t be going off the trail when I could break my leg and be eaten by mountain lions. Believe me, you scared me enough. Lesson learned.”
Slowly, he made his way back onto the trail. I followed behind him, making sure he wouldn’t hurt himself more than he already had.
Back on the path, he spread his arms.
“See, I made it. I’ll be a good boy now. Or do you feel the need to escort me all the way?”
I shook my head. Not knowing how to say goodbye, I nudged his shoulder.
Laurel let out a small giggle—a sweet, happy sound that made him seem younger. He was smiling widely, none of his usual moroseness left in his features.
“You’re a beast, man.”
