6. Devon

The campground is empty, and not a single soul is around. We have the entire place to ourselves, but I know it wont last. Soon enough, the place will be full of families and tourists. And thats gonna make things a lot harder for us.

Alright. Kyle climbs out of the car and pops the trunk. Were in the far corner, away from the entrance. Im hoping thatll keep us from getting too much attention.

I can go set up the tent, I offer, already moving to grab the supplies. River, you want to help me?

Oh, um...sure. He nods nervously but is eager to be helpful.

Ill get a fire going. Frankie pulls out a bag of groceries and some cooking supplies. Ive got some stuff for dinner, but I need to see what we have left in the way of food for the rest of the week.

Everyone breaks off to begin their normal chores. We dont camp under the stars all that often. Usually, we just sleep in the car. When we can swing it, we grab a hotel, but that’s a luxury. Camping like this isnt my favorite thing, to be honest. But theres no way were squeezing four people into the makeshift bed in the back of the station wagon.

So, um... River clears his throat as he follows me to the campsite. This is kind of weird, isnt it?

I glance at him with a frown. Weird, how?

I mean, Ive never been camping before. I dont know what Im doing. He closes his arms around his chest as if he’s cold. I feel like Im just gonna be in the way.

Its not that hard. I grip his shoulder and give him a squeeze. And you dont have to do anything you dont want to. Kyle, Frankie, and I have been doing this for a long time. Weve got a routine down. You can just watch and learn until you’re familiar with it.

Okay... River doesnt sound convinced.

I set the tent down and began pulling out the poles and stakes. To be honest, our family-sized tent might be a bit snug with four people in it, too. Glancing at the slender omega, I furrow my brow and decide to ask the question we’ve all been wondering. So, River, what exactly are you running from?

Im not running from anything, he says quickly. Im just...traveling.

Yeah, okay. I chuckle and roll my eyes. Im not an idiot, you know. I can tell when someone’s lying to me. Im not gonna pry, but if youre in some kind of trouble, maybe we can help you.

I dont think you can. He sighs, all but admitting he is. But I appreciate the offer. I really do.

Nodding, I focus on getting the tent set up. I dont want to push him too hard, but after spending the day with him, Im starting to feel more protective of him than I probably should. It doesnt really make sense since were practically strangers, but theres something about him that draws me in.

Okay, so the tent goes together like this. I hold up the poles and the loops they slide into as I begin to assemble the frame. Once you get the poles in place, you just stake it down to the ground. Then you can set up the rain fly, and that keeps the water out.

River nods along, watching carefully as I demonstrate each step. I can tell hes trying to memorize everything Im saying and doing. Hes eager to learn, and thats something I can appreciate.

He looks up at me from underneath long lashes. So, you guys have been traveling together for a long time?

Damn, he’s cute. Yeah, weve been on the road for a few years now. Has it really been that long? Its not the easiest life, but its better than the alternative.

Whats the alternative? River asks with a frown.

I hesitate because I dont want to scare him off by telling him the truth. But I also dont want to lie to him, so Im not sure what to say. Its complicated. We all came from the same pack originally and...something happened. Something awful. The three of us are the only ones left, and we agreed wed never leave ourselves vulnerable like that ever again. Staying anywhere for too long is just bad news when youre a wolf.

Hes horror-stricken as he looks right at me. Thats...thats terrible, Devon. I had no idea.

Yeah, well, its not something we like to talk about. Pack massacres don’t usually come up in early conversations with strangers. Or ever. But thats why were always on the move. We cant risk getting attached to anyone or anything because itll just make it that much harder to leave when we have to.

But youre letting me stay with you. River cocks his head, clearly confused. Join the club, kid. Isnt that risky?

It is. And dumb. But I trust my instincts. And right now, theyre telling me that youre worth the risk.

River blushes and looks away, almost as surprised by my response as I am.

Frankie, at the very least, agrees with me. I look over to where the other guys are working on the fire. Otherwise, hed have suggested you stay somewhere else.

I dont want to be a burden, River says quietly. Ill do whatever I can to help out.

Good. I wink when he looks back at me. Because were gonna need all the help we can get.

As I turn back to the tent, I catch sight of movement out of the corner of my eye. My senses prickle and I’m immediately tense. Theres something in the woods watching us. I cant see it, but I can feel it.

What is it? River steps closer to me, noticing my sudden change in demeanor.

I dont know. The presence diminishes as quickly as it appeared, but my instincts are still on high alert. I glance at River and notice him trembling. Dammit, I didnt mean to frighten him. Im used to being on edge all the time. Most of the time, stuff like this turns out to be nothing. Im sure its nothing. Probably just a deer or rabbit.

Right. River exhales with a nod, but he doesnt look convinced.

This is gonna be a long night. Alright, lets get this tent set up. I focus on the distraction to keep that lingering feeling of being watched at bay. Weve got a lot to do tomorrow.