Chapter 4: The Wolves

As the day began to draw to a close, the sun dipped behind the horizon, casting a warm, dusky glow over the landscape. Camden's curiosity sparked, and she turned to Clayton with anticipation in her eyes. "Hey, can I meet your wolf?" she asked, a playful smile gracing her lips. Clayton returned her smile, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Sure," he replied, "I’d love to go for a run if you’re interested? You're good to shift now? The wolfsbane has worn off completely, right?" Camden nodded, her voice filled with certainty. "Yes, I feel good and I’d love to go for a run with you."

They headed outside, Camden taking in the view of the cabin in a different light now that she was aware that Clayton had made it himself. She headed to the side of the cabin, seeking privacy to strip off her clothes and shift. Clayton, seemingly less reserved, had no qualms about stripping down and shifting right in front of the cabin. Moments later, Camden emerged as a wolf, her sleek form standing tall and proud. Camden's wolf was larger than Clayton had anticipated. She was small and petite in her human form, but she was not so small nor so petite as a wolf. Perhaps it was due to her Alpha bloodlines, he thought to himself. Her sandy-coloured fur glistened in the twilight, accentuated by a white muzzle and three snow-white paws. Her piercing blue eyes shimmered with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Clayton's wolf met Camden's with a mixture of eagerness and caution. He, too, defied expectations, standing taller than any wolf Camden could recall from her own pack. His stature was impressive. His black and white markings painted an intricate pattern on his fur, with a white belly contrasting against the black fur running down his back. One of his ears bore a white tip, a unique characteristic that added to his charm. His green eyes, an unusual hue for a wolf, held a sense of mystery and depth.

With joyful energy, the two wolves bounded up and down, circling each other in a playful dance. Clayton's wolf led Camden's toward a nearby stream, their paws splashing in the cool water as they continued their exuberant play. Camden couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration as she kept pace with Clayton, revelling in the freedom of her wolf form.

The stream guided them toward a breathtaking waterfall, its cascading waters shimmering under the moonlight. Camden's wolf paused, taking in the beauty of the scene. She vowed to return here tomorrow, to swim and immerse herself in the tranquillity of the place. The moon and stars above illuminated the night sky, casting a magical ambiance over the landscape. Clayton's wolf nuzzled Camden's affectionately, then sat down next to her, resting his head on her front paws. She lowered herself to lie down and rest her head on his. They relaxed like this for a while, taking in the beauty of the waterfall and the rest of their surroundings.

A howl tore through the night sky, causing both wolves to stand up suddenly. Clayton let out a loud, torturous howl as Camden followed suit.

Reluctantly, the wolves turned back, their playful antics guiding them on their journey back to the cabin. Racing and bounding with unrestrained joy, they revelled in the shared connection they had discovered. The bond between them was undeniable.

Upon reaching the cabin, Camden retreated to the privacy of the side of the cabin to shift back into her human form. When she emerged, she had dressed in the comfortable grey sweatpants and white shirt Clayton had loaned her earlier. Her hair was dishevelled and windswept, but she looked radiant. Her skin glowed, her cheeks were rosy, and her eyes shone brightly. A broad smile adorned her face, revealing a dimple on her right cheek. Clayton had pulled his jeans back on by the time she emerged, but was now shirtless. Camden had to force herself to look away, feeling a blush rising in her cheeks. His chest was broad and muscular and his arms looked like they could pick up four of her with no trouble whatsoever.

"Well, that was invigorating if nothing else," she said a little breathlessly through her beaming smile. Clayton couldn't help but smile too. Her joy was infectious. "You enjoyed that?" he asked, a twinkle in his eyes. "Very much," Camden replied, unable to stop smiling. "Can we go back to the waterfall tomorrow? I want to see it in the daylight," she asked, her voice filled with excitement. "Sure thing," Clayton replied warmly.

Clayton took Camden's hand absentmindedly and led her back into the cabin. He started a fire in the fireplace again, its flickering flames casting a cozy glow in the room. Then, as she sat down at the table, he made the familiar offer, "Spaghetti-O's or baked beans for dinner?" Clayton asked, his playful tone laced with affection. Camden's stomach growled, reminding her of her hunger. They both laughed at the perfectly timed interruption. "Um, Spaghetti-O's again, please. They remind me of my childhood," Camden replied, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia.

Clayton opened two cans of Spaghetti-O's and handed her one with a fork. "Sorry the fare is meagre. I really need to restock. I haven't felt much like going into town lately," Clayton confessed, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. Camden looked at him curiously, concern etched on her face. "Why not?" she asked gently. "I don't know, I just haven't been in the mood to be around people," Clayton replied honestly. Sensing his discomfort, Camden offered her support. "We can go together if you like. Maybe some company to distract you from all the people will help?" she suggested, her voice filled with empathy. Clayton considered her offer. "Hmmm... Maybe," he said, contemplating the idea. "I definitely do need to restock. I haven't been to town in like three months." Camden was taken aback by the length of time. "Do you isolate like this a lot?" she asked, her concern evident. "Sometimes," Clayton answered, his voice tinged with introspection. "Sometimes I just don't want to be around anyone, so I'll just stay here until I can't anymore."

Camden looked down into her half-empty can and sighed, contemplating the complexities of Clayton's solitary nature. "Do you think you won't want to be around me? When you go through these, what would you call them? Phases?" she asked, her vulnerability matching his. "I understand if that's what you need - I don't want to smother you or get in the way of your lifestyle. I just... I don't know where I would go to give you the space you need," Camden admitted, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Clayton gazed at her, his touch gentle as he caressed her cheek, causing her to shift her gaze from her feet to meet his eyes. "I don't know, this is all new to me, so I don't want to make you promises I can't keep," he said sincerely. "But as of right now, I can't imagine spending a second away from you. I don't want us to be apart." His words filled Camden with a mixture of relief and warmth. She couldn't help but feel her heart swell with affection for him.

As the evening wore on, Camden yawned, her weariness finally catching up with her. Clayton noticed her tired expression and suggested they go to bed. Camden agreed, realizing that a good night's sleep would rejuvenate them both. Clayton grabbed a pillow from the bed and began rummaging through a chest, finally pulling out a blanket. He set them down in front of the fireplace and flopped himself down. “What are you doing?” Camden asked, confused. “I’m going to sleep here,” Clayton answered. Camden was taken aback by the thought. "You can't sleep on the floor!" she exclaimed. "Can you imagine how stiff you'll be in the morning? No, you can sleep in the bed. I want you close anyway," she said in a serious tone. “I thought we were taking things slow?” Clayton replied, his eyes narrowed as he considered her words. “Are you afraid I might take advantage of you?” Camden asked, an eyebrow raised and a smirk on her face. Clayton's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he couldn't help but oblige her request. "Well, if you insist," he replied, his voice filled with gentle affection. He removed his jeans, revealing a pair of black boxer briefs, and then climbed into the bed, slipping under the covers. Camden couldn't help but steal a glance, appreciating his physique, but quickly pulled her gaze away, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks.

She pulled the sweatpants down preparing to climb into the bed, but then quickly pulled them back up, a deep blush spreading over her cheeks. "And now?" Clayton asked, looking at her in confusion. "I forgot, I'm not wearing anything under these," she replied, snapping the waistband against her hip. "Oh..." He said with a sly smile. "Don't get any ideas," she said with an eyebrow raised. She kept the sweatpants on and climbed into the bed next to him. "Don't worry, I'll behave," he assured her, his voice filled with a mix of humour and desire.

As they settled under the warm covers, Camden allowed herself to study Clayton's features, her eyes tracing the contours of his face. He was undeniably handsome, with his rugged beard and his long, dark hair pulled back into a bun.  His eyes were a murky green shade, a unique colour she had never seen before. His lips were full and inviting and his arched eyebrows made him look perpetually serious. In fact, they made him look a little angry.

Unable to resist the magnetic pull between them any longer, Camden leaned forward, as if his lips had been calling to her. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips gently against his, savouring the soft and tender connection. At that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of their embrace. Clayton responded eagerly, his hand finding its way to the small of Camden's back, pulling her closer to him. The kiss deepened, their lips moving in sync. Clayton broke the kiss, “I knew you were going to try and take advantage of me.” He whispered with a mischievous smile. Camden covered her face in embarrassment. “I’m so sorry,” she said, a blush creeping up her cheeks once again. “I… I shouldn’t have done that,” she said seriously. “I’m glad you did,” Clayton replied, his voice husky with desire. He leaned forward to kiss her again, urgently and passionately this time, as he pulled her body closer and felt her fingers trailing down the contours of his chest. His hands traced the curves of her body searchingly as Camden wrapped her leg around him to pull him even closer. Clayton wrapped his enormous hand around her tiny waist, pulling the t-shirt up as he went. Camden wrapped her hand gently over his. “Wait,” she whispered, her voice breathy with desire. “We need to slow down,” she continued gasping for air. “Sorry,” Clayton replied sincerely. “I guess I got a bit carried away.” He admitted, a little embarrassed. “Don’t worry, me too.” Camden agreed, smiling at him. She let out a deep sigh and unwrapped her leg from his torso. “I’m sorry,” she said, feeling a pang of guilt for bringing the fun to an abrupt end. Clayton exhaled. “It’s okay. Good things come to those who wait. Isn’t that how the saying goes?” He smiled at her and kissed her forehead. “Try to get some sleep,” he said, holding her protectively.

Feeling safe and content, Camden drifted off to sleep in Clayton's arms. He held her gently, cherishing the weight of her body against his. A day ago, his life had been solitary and predictable, but now everything had changed. The presence of Camden, his mate, had breathed new life into his existence, making him feel complete. Now he couldn't imagine a future without her.