Try to be Human

Taydyn’s POV

I had run for what felt like hours.

The world blurred past in streaks of green and gold, the early morning sun filtering through the trees in fractured beams that flashed across my vision with every powerful stride. The earth was cool beneath my paws, damp with dew, the scent of pine and rich soil filling my lungs in a way that felt almost intoxicating.

Running like this—really running—always did something to me.

Everything sharpened.

The wind tore through my fur, carrying a thousand different scents. Rabbits. Fox. The faint metallic tang of distant water. My muscles stretched and bunched in perfect rhythm, power coiled and released with effortless precision.

Freedom.

Zey was living his absolute best life.

He surged forward with reckless joy, fully in control, fully committed, and absolutely not interested in handing back the reins anytime soon.

He had headed north.

It had been far too long before I realized exactly where he was taking us.

Toward the small nearby town of Echo Hills.

Toward her.

“Zey,” I growled internally. “We can’t go there right now.”

MATE.

That was all he would respond with.

I dragged in a breath through my muzzle, trying very hard not to lose my patience. “She’s not even there right now.”

Silence.

Then—

MATE.

I sighed internally.

I loved arguing with myself. Really. Peak sanity.

That seemed to take just a little of the urgency out of his stride, though his pace was still far too eager for my comfort.

“PLUS,” I added sharply, “I am gonna be naked.”

He snickered in my head.

Might help the cause.

I rolled my eyes—an impressive feat while in wolf form.

“Yeah,” I muttered, “and maybe she won’t have a complete mental breakdown if a giant wolf just strolls up to her.”

Zey huffed but didn’t immediately argue.

“Seriously,” I pressed, “we have got to go back home first.”

He slowed.

Finally—finally—he stopped in a small clearing overlooking the gym at the edge of Echo Hills.

His nose lifted, testing the air carefully.

A long pause.

Mate not here.

I smirked internally. “I told you so.”

But instead of conceding gracefully, Zey went very still.

The worry that rolled through him caught me off guard.

Almost… scared.

Then, to my absolute disbelief, the massive wolf body lowered to the ground and he let out a soft, pitiful whine.

Trying to barter.

We wait.

“No. We come back.”

You won’t.

“I promise.”

He hesitated.

Promise?

“Yes, Zey,” I said more quietly. “I want to see her too, you know.”

That seemed to finally reach him.

He cast one long, reluctant look back toward the town…

Then turned and took off toward home.

With significantly less enthusiasm.

By the time I slipped back into the pack house, the adrenaline crash was already setting in.

I shifted quickly, grabbed a pair of sweats and a T-shirt, and was just pulling them on—mostly to prove to Zey that I fully intended to keep my promise—

When my father’s voice slid into my mind.

Tay. Please come to my study.

I didn’t waste time.

I hurried down the curved wooden staircase, the familiar creak of the steps grounding me as I turned into my father’s study.

He sat straighter the moment I entered.

I lowered my head automatically—a show of respect.

Some of the tension in his shoulders eased.

“Glad to see you’re back to yourself.”

I nodded once.

Silence stretched for a moment before he drew in a slow breath.

“So. You found her.”

Another nod.

His eyes sharpened. “Where is she?”

I hesitated. “…She’s in Echo Hills. I think.”

One brow lifted.

“You think?”

I exhaled slowly, scrubbing a hand over the back of my neck. “It’s… very confusing for me too.”

I explained everything—the pull, the encounter, the way Zey reacted.

And the part that still didn’t sit right.

“Her wolf,” I finished quietly. “It’s not responsive. Not like it should be.”

My father leaned back slightly, expression turning thoughtful.

“Well,” he said slowly, “that’s a different kind of situation, son.”

I nodded, unease still coiled tight in my chest.

Then I forced out what had been sitting heavy on my tongue.

“I wasn’t trying to challenge you, Dad. I didn’t mean to.” My jaw tightened. “Zey was reacting to another female when all he wants is our mate. All I want is her. But I don’t know what to do.”

The admission tasted rough.

“And I lost control.”

My father’s gaze turned serious.

“It will get worse,” he warned.

My stomach dropped.

“The longer you stay away from her. The longer you can’t be with her… you will lose more and more control.”

I nodded slowly.

“I plan to go back this evening,” I said. “But I don’t know what to do.”

He was quiet for a moment, then said, “I would suggest you take Terrence with you. He’s one of the best trackers we have. Perhaps he will be able to scent her wolf.”

Relief flickered.

“That’s… actually a good idea.”

“And son…” His mouth twitched slightly. “Perhaps try to approach her as a human.”

I almost laughed.

Zey growled low in my head.

“I’ll… keep that in mind,” I said dryly.

I straightened. “Thank you.”

As I turned to leave, my father’s voice stopped me.

“You know, son… when you do have your mate, today was a small taste of the changes that are just around the corner.”

My teeth set on edge instantly.

I wasn’t ready.

I already felt too close to the edge as it was.

But I swallowed it down.

“Yes, sir.”

Then I turned and walked out.