Gaby opened the map. “How about we stop and camp at Carson National Forest?”
“Sounds good.”
“According to the map, the elevation is nine thousand feet. Elk, bear, bighorn.”
“You are making me hungry again.”
“Hey, no eating wildlife at national forests.”
He rolled his eyes and quirked a smile. “Talk about taking the bite out of a fun night in the wilderness.”
“Ha. Ha.”
They drove until the late afternoon and then arranged to camp. Just in time. She sensed his wolf begging for release. His wolf appeared to dominate Kane’s soul. His facial hair darkened and when he spoke, there was no hiding his sharp canines. Fortunately, they were isolated from other campers. A weekday in the middle of autumn guaranteed sufficient privacy. She glanced around to make sure they truly were alone. “I think you can shift.”
He sniffed the air and nodded. “Yep, nearest person is a mile away.”
“I’ll put out dinner in an hour. I take it you can eat human food?”
“Elk is so much better, but don’t worry, I’ll eat what we bought.” He took off his shoes and then his clothes.
Gaby turned. “Sleeping as a wolf might trigger more memories. Maybe even about the beta she-wolf.”
“We’ll see.”
She stared at a tree. The idea of seeing him naked tempted her to jump his bones. Then again, if he woke up remembering a mate, she’d feel bad for wanting what didn’t belong to her. His idea of a do-over gladdened her heart, but best to wait.
The wolf whined.
Gaby twisted and smiled. “I still can’t get used to you going from man to wolf.”
He cocked his head as if confused.
“What now? Do you go on a wolf run or something?”
He yowled. “Yah.”
“Got it. I’ll make sandwiches.”
He stretched, turned and then ran up a trail.
Her heart skipped a beat. What if he didn’t return? Living as a wolf might help him recover his memories. She sighed and went to the trunk to get their food. No matter. She’d make him a sandwich and leave it in the car. If need be, she’d use her charm to discourage any bears from breaking into their vehicle for food.
She sat to eat her turkey sandwich alone when the wolf trotted toward her. “There you are.”
The wolf sat and she handed him a sandwich. He ate the entire sandwich in three bites. He went to the trunk and stood over it.
“More?”
He pawed the trunk.
“Got it.” She opened it and took out more turkey and bread from the cooler. She spread a towel and prepared to make another sandwich for him, when he snapped the entire bag of turkey from her hand and stepped back with it. “Hey, if you eat all of it now, tomorrow we’ll be stuck with peanut butter and jelly.”
He ignored her and ripped the bag open before devouring the slices.
Gaby couldn’t blame him. The wolf was a predator after all.
As if to make amends, the wolf picked up the plastic from the ground and handed it to her.