Mid Fall
It was mid-September and I had given up on the United States as a place to find a pack. I’d driven into Vancouver Canada after being literally run out of a town in Washington because I was a shifter. I was starting to think that going back to the pack and begging was my only option. But I wasn’t quite ready for that.
So far I liked Vancouver. I had hit every mechanic in town and one hired me and even gave me a room above the garage until I could get established. Truthfully, I think he felt bad because he saw me sleeping in my car. It was nice that he offered and the little area was perfect for now. It gave me some stability until I figured out what I was going to do.
I’d been here two weeks and I hadn’t heard anything about shifters and no one truly paid my scent any attention. I had caught the scent of other shifters but the areas were always busy and I couldn’t pinpoint them. I considered that as I was working this morning, wondering if shifters here were welcomed or not.
“Hey, Dean! That car ready yet?” My boss, Mr. Asa Fox, asked.
“Sure is.”
“Owner’s here. Can you handle it?”
“I got it, boss.”
I cleaned my hands and headed inside, there was a woman standing by the counter. She had this pissed off look on her face and I wondered if that was why Asa asked me to handle it.
“Good Evening, ma’am.”
“Ellen, please. Asa said you were the new guy.”
I nodded. “Yep. Two weeks.”
I saw her nose twitch, but she smiled. “How much do I owe today?”
I focused on getting her total and handling the payment. After which I took her out to her car and cranked it up. She listened to the engine before she smiled.
“She’s never sounded this good. Good job.”
“Thank you, I was taught right.”
She glanced around. “You a shifter?”
“Yep, but can’t shift. I can feel it, but I never can.”
She smiled. “Sometimes it’s hard. My daughters one, she keeps it a secret because she’s in California at school.”
I shook my head. “Yeah, I went through there. I haven’t heard of much this way though.”
She snorted. “People here have opinions, but shifters have lived here for decades and they’re fine. I’ll bring my other car next week; you did a great job here.”
“Anytime, Ellen.”
She left and I got back to work on the other cars behind hers. Her comments made me hopeful that this area wouldn’t be as bad as the ones I’d found before. Asa was a great boss so far and I wouldn’t mind sticking around this area.
I missed Sam though and while it was good to talk to him, it wasn’t the same. I wanted to see him and know that he was alright. I also missed Bobby; the man had taught me everything I knew about cars. I tried to miss my Dad but each time I did those same words played in my head and I didn’t care anymore. At the end of the day, he wouldn’t accept me back.
I did a few oil changes and after lunch began working on a radiator repair that was due the next day.
“Dean?”
I glanced up from under the hood. “Yes?”
“Ellen called back. She was very pleased and that’s rare for her.”
I smirked. “Glad she was.”
“She mentioned that you may be interested in shifters.”
I was certain my eyes got wide and I didn’t want to be fired for this. But he didn’t look like he was about to fire me, instead he seemed calm.
“You aren’t…?”
His brow rose and he shook his head. “No. I have no problem with shifters and I already knew you were one.”
I blinked. “You did and you hired me anyway?”
He chuckled. “I hired you for your talent as a mechanic, Dean. I didn’t care that you were a shifter and I didn’t say anything because it’s honestly none of my business. If you had wanted me to know, you would have told me.”
“I’ve roamed for a while and didn’t get a lot of welcoming packs or towns; I wasn’t sure how this town was.”
I pulled the radiator out and sat it on the ground nearby, before turning back to him. He nodded to the radiator.
“She mentioned you may have questions, or seemed like you did. If that’s true, why not stop here and we can have a chat? Are you at a stopping point?”
“I am at a stopping point and I do have questions.”
He helped me finish but left me to clean up. When I made it to his office he had a cup of freshly brewed coffee waiting. I glanced at the cup. “Do you read minds too?”
He shook his head. “I noticed your addiction to coffee the first day.”
For a moment we drank coffee, it was one of the best roasts that I’d had. He clearly knew how to choose and buy coffee.
“Were you born a shifter?”
“Yes, from a long history of shifters. My younger brother has already shifted, but while I feel it and know it’s there, I haven’t been able to.”
“Sometimes shifters take time to transform. You’re still young. You seemed to come from a pack, did something happen?”
“I was, yes. I tried to find a new pack in the States and found that a lot of towns and people are not tolerant of shifters. I’d been told my entire life that shifters were tolerated and even worshiped.”
“People have been against shifters since they first learned about shifters, some areas are indeed tolerant but a lot aren’t.”
I raised a brow in confusion. “They have?”
My father had never said that to us when he explained the history. Then again, he also tended to only tell us about our pack and its history.
“Do you not know the history of shifters?”
I shook my head. “Apparently not.”
“First known cases were probably fourteenth or fifteenth century. Shifters have been around for decades but it wasn’t until about fifty years ago that they were really known, as in government acknowledged their existence.”
“I remember learning about that part in school.”
“Yeah, shifters weren’t often targets then though. Lots of people were killed because they were suspected of being shifters. Some were, some weren’t. It wasn’t a war per se but it should have been. Finally, steps were taken to give shifters protection.”
I snorted. “Didn’t seem to have helped, a lot of areas would shoot first. I traveled for weeks to different places and didn’t really find any tolerant places. Some were okay but most weren’t.”
He took a sip of his coffee. “There are places in the states that are very tolerant. Midwest seems to be the best place, but Jo, Ellen’s daughter, said California was sporadic. Some places were, some weren’t.”
“I didn’t find any. I didn’t know shifters were even this far north.”
His brow rose. “Shifters are worldwide, Dean. There are multiple packs on every continent. Vancouver isn’t exactly known for shifters but packs exist. The
ones here are usually private and like to keep it that way.”
I sipped my coffee. “You seem to know a lot about shifters. Considering I don’t think you are one.”
He smirked. “I have friends that are shifters. When I found out, I did my research so I know how to help or when to stay out of it. They’ve existed but tales range from them being mindless killing machines, vicious beasts, or cuddly wolves. Vancouver has a rich history that has tales of wolves; most are bigger than the average shifter.”
“I’ve smelled others sometimes, but I can’t pinpoint them.”
“Some of our customers are shifters; some are parents or relatives, friends, or even spouses. I don’t ask and I display that paw print with pride.”
“I wondered about that paw print, I’ve seen it around town a lot.”
“It is an easy way for shifters visiting to know who is tolerant and who isn’t. There are very few places without those.”
He was right; there were only a few places that I hadn’t seen the paw print sticker on the windows. It meant this town was like those around my old pack, supportive. But I hadn’t really seen any packs.
“I haven’t seen packs around here. I would assume there would be given the vast woodlands.”
He sat back. “There are packs around but they don’t advertise and their whereabouts are unknown unless they invite you in.”
“That’s understandable. I just…I’ve always been in a pack and being alone is…difficult. Not having that pack support.”
“I understand. My friends are all part of packs but they’re more close friend’s type than what you seem to have had before. And I’m not saying that a pack around here wouldn’t accept you. I’m saying they’re hard to find. I have found that towns farther up highway 99 have a higher population of shifters.”
“You’re not sending me to my death are you?”
He laughed. “No.”
“I may venture out there this weekend.”
“Alright, you get on home. I’m closing down and going myself.”
“Deal.”
I finished cleaning up before I headed up to my room and I considered his words. Packs existed and I was sure they did around here. But the woodlands around here were much bigger than anything I was used to. Finding them may not be easy.
I had ventured out over the last two weeks but I hadn’t run into any shifters. I wondered if they weren’t here like he said or if I was on the wrong side of the river. I could see the woodlands and forest across the river. So, after my shift I came up and here it was a bright Saturday morning in October and I was renting a canoe. Never in my life did I expect to be canoing on a river. The guy running the place was able to give me some pretty basic instructions on how to not die.
Once I had the canoe rented and secured for the day I hit a store up and got water, protein bars, and snacks. I’d been in a boat on a lake before, but the water wasn’t moving in one direction. I watched a few of the others before I finally got brave and got in the canoe.
I was sitting in the canoe getting used to the idea of not having solid ground under me. I saw the shop attendant approach and he smiled.
“I’ve never seen anyone just sit in their canoe.”
I glanced up at him, “It’s my first time. I’m trying not to die, remember?”
“I do. I’d say if you want calm water stay up this way. Around that bend it gets a little dicey.”
“I planned to. I’ve seen the water from the road.”
“Good. Have a good trip.”
“Thank you.”
I floated here close to the shore before I got brave and moved out into the main body of water. It was scary at first and there were a few times where I felt I may tip over but managed to save it. I could have gone to the box canyon but I didn’t want to be boxed in, I wanted to explore the woods. I finally moved to the side and got the canoe docked. I got a bit wet getting out and getting the canoe up onto the bank.
The day wasn’t supposed to be hot and would be perfect for walking the woods.
I walked for hours and was amazed at how peaceful and serene the area was. There were hiking trails all around and I marked where I was on the map, so I could find my way back. Yet, I was hunting for shifters, and the few hikers I met were human. I found a quiet clearing for lunch and lay back after eating, it was quiet. Almost like home but there was never complete silence at home.
Here? The only sounds were the birds and the slight rustle of leaves. No cars, no screaming children or adults. Just nature. I closed my eyes and could feel my wolf just soar, the sounds of nature giving him freedom. I didn’t intend to drift off but I did and when I woke up the sun was low.
“Fuck.”
A time check said it was late afternoon and I had a few hours to get back to the edge and return the canoe. I got my things together and then paused because in the late hours the woods looked different. I tried the map but I couldn’t find the right place.
“Okay, Dean. You can do this. You are not lost.”
I knew where I’d come in but that area looked different so I found the path I thought was the right one and followed it. Yet an hour later I was seeing places that I hadn’t seen before and backtracking was near impossible now but I tried it.
“Come on…I can’t be lost.”
I rubbed over my face and got another bottle of water. Tried to figure out where I was on this map. When I finished I started on the path I felt the best about, but things looked different and well, I was losing my confidence in me not being lost.
I found myself on a path that looked well worn with very few leaves or twigs on it. I hoped it would lead me to where I needed to be. The sun had set already but the moon was full and bright in the sky, giving me more than enough light to see. I was listening out for other people when I heard it, a twig breaking, somewhere close.
“Hello?”
I paused and sat my bag down, maybe it was an animal. I took several steps forward before I saw it. Rising from a hill and walking slowly toward me was a giant black wolf. I took a few steps back and stumbled on something, hitting the ground hard but not moving after that. But I looked up to see where this wolf was and saw it about 20 feet away.
I should be afraid but the wolf was being cautious as well. Pausing there for a moment I could really see him or her in the moonlight. The mostly black fur seemed to ripple with rainbow colors like greens, blues, purples, and reds. It felt like magic was causing the colors to ripple from their fur. I could see bright pink in the inner ears and the brightest blue I’d ever seen in their eyes.
I sat still and watched as it got closer; those blue eyes were radiating safety and caring. Their footsteps were quiet, so the twig breaking had been on purpose. I didn’t get the sense that this wolf meant me any harm.
A foot away and this animal was massive, I’d never seen a wolf this large before. Yet, the eyes remained calm and caring, almost like they wanted me to trust them.
“I can smell that you are a shifter, yet you haven’t shifted.”
I blinked, wondering where the voice had come from at first and then realizing the wolf before me had tilted its head in my lack of response.
“I…have never shifted.”
“You also aren’t from around here. I’d know if you were.”
“I’m…um…from Kansas.”
The voice sounded male in nature, a deep gravelly tone. The wolf moved a bit closer and I could tell he was sniffing, I could vaguely feel the cold wet nose against my cheek. Reflex caused me to reach up and run my hands just along the cheek. Something I’d done with Sammy a hundred times or more, but it was after that I realized this wasn’t Sammy. This was an unfamiliar wolf and they may take that wrong.
“I’m so sorry.”
His massive head shook side to side. “Don’t worry. You don’t smell like a bad person.”
“Bad people have smells?”
I heard the snort. “Are you sure you’re a shifter?”
“Yes.”
He nodded and god he was gorgeous.
“You aren’t that bad looking yourself. But, I get the feeling you’re lost. I’ve never seen you in these woods.”
I blinked. “You…heard that?”
His large head nodded and I blinked, not knowing how to respond to that revelation, but he wasn’t wrong. I was lost.
“I am lost. I thought this would lead me out.”
His head shook. “You are going deeper into the woods, actually. I’ll guide you out.”
“You can just point…but you’re the only shifter I’ve seen. I thought more would be around here.”
“Pointing will not help you. Others are around but they don’t usually approach strangers.”
“You did.”
His eyes seemed to soften more. “I’ve seen you around. Get your bag; it’s going to be a bit of a walk.”
He stepped back to give me space and I got up. “I’m Dean.”
“Castiel.”
Once I was standing his size seemed even bigger. His head was almost level with my face and that was a very tall wolf. No one in my previous pack had been near this size.
“I’ve never seen a shifter your size.”
He shook his head, not saying no but just fluffing fur. “My whole family is large.”
“Impressive.”
Once I had my bag adjusted we began walking and he knew exactly where to go.
“You know these woods well?”
He snorted. “Better than you.”
“Fairness here, I’m new to this area. I just came to Vancouver in September.”
“Why north?”
“The United States didn’t seem to agree with shifters and things happened with my pack.”
“I’m sorry. I haven’t really been out of Canada much.”
“It’s…different.”
“As it should be.”
“This is going to sound strange but would you mind…?”
His steps slowed and he glanced back. “I’m not a pet wolf, Dean.”
“I know that. I just miss contact with other shifters. It’s been…a long time.”
His steps slowed again and his head tilted. “No petting but you may touch if needed.”
“Thank you.”
I laid my hand on his back, well below the neck because I knew most shifters didn’t like it. His fur was soft and so thick, but the shimmering colors were clearly part of his coloring. We walked like this for hours until we were near the bank. The canoe though was gone from where I left it.
“They tend to disappear on people a lot around here. I presume you came from Squamish?”
“Yes.”
“I have a friend with a boat on this side. It’s about a mile south and he’ll bring you up.”
“Even now?”
His head nodded and I followed him. It turned out his friend was the guy who owned the canoe shop.
“Dean. I thought it was your canoe they brought back empty. It’s good Castiel was out there to find you.”
“Yeah, it was.”
I couldn’t tell if they had any communication but I felt the nudge and looked at him.
“He’ll take you back to the rental company for your car or hotel. Be careful Dean, not all shifters in this area are nice.”
I nodded and he turned and left. I wondered if I’d ever see him again.
“Got lost, huh?”
I turned toward him.“Yeah, I’m glad he was out there.”
“Guess I’m going to see you again, huh?”
I scoffed. “I didn’t say that.”
“You’ve been looking for them Dean, every weekend for weeks. I don’t see you walking away. But let’s get you back to town. My dock’s this way.”
It took him some time but he got me safely back to the town and my baby. But even as I went to my hotel for the second night I knew I’d be back. There was something about Castiel and I couldn’t go on without knowing him more.