Charlie P.O.V

Somehow, I actually manage to convince Michael's father to leave the house. I was worried that he would be able to see directly through my lies, but perhaps he didn't. I had to come up with quick lies to try and convince Michael's father that he wasn't here.

Michael emerges from his hiding spot and rubs against my leg. I exhale a stressed breath and lean against the front door.

"You'll have to go home eventually," I remind him while scratching behind his ears.

Michael shifts back to his human form and starts putting his clothes back on.

"I know I need to go home, but going back immediately will show him you lied. I'll stay outside of town for a few days," he suggests.

"Leave town? Are you serious? What if James is still lurking around somewhere close?" I ask with skepticism.

Michael turns to me. "Who said you weren't coming with me?"

"You're serious?" I ask in disbelief.

"Why not? I need to keep you safe," he reminds me. "Besides, it's not like we haven't talked about leaving together."

I look down at myself. Not able to run, forced to use crutches. If it turned into a serious situation, I would only drag Michael down.

"If they find us, I'll slow you down," I tell him. 

Michael lifts my chin up so I look him in the eyes. The different colors suit him. I always loved how they were different colors.

"I'm not going to leave you here."

We share a loving kiss before breaking it off to prepare for our journey. I pack a bag with a couple sets of clothes, my wallet, and my phone and charger. I zip up my bag and hobble out to the living room.

Michael takes my bag and helps me out to the car. We take his truck because it'll only draw more attention if my car is gone but his is still on my property. The last thing we need is to be seen together by anyone in this town.

"How far out should we drive?" I ask as Michael starts up the truck.

"Probably a few hours," he says with a hint of uncertainty.

Just like that, we're driving out of town. Away from everything we've known. It's only temporary, for now, but eventually, we'll leave this place permanently. Everything will be new to us. Perhaps that's what's for the best.

"Have you ever left town before?" I ask, breaking the silence in the truck.

"Only if I ran over state lines," he replies with a soft laugh. "Wolves practically never leave the pack. The pack never relocates unless absolutely necessary."

I take a few moments to process what Michael has told me. It means that Michael was born and raised in that tiny town that we're both leaving. It's all he's ever really truly known. Being with me means he'll have to abandon it, possibly forever.

"What happens if a wolf does leave the pack?"

"Well," he pauses, "that doesn't happen too often. Packs are very close-knit. Outsiders are seen as threats. Lone wolves are typically especially dangerous. Packs almost never take in single outsiders," Michael explains.

"So if a small group of wolves shows up in a pack's territory?"

"That's a bit of a different story," he tells me. "A small group of wolves, three or four, usually means the rest of their pack was lost; poaching is a common problem for packs in areas where trophy hunting is big."

"But are they taken in or are they turned away?"

"It depends on their story." Michael stops at a red light. "If their pack was attacked, typically, they're taken in. If they left their pack or were exiled, they're taken out of the territory."

Listening to Michael talk about werewolf customs makes me realize that we come from completely different worlds. His pack is his family. Close-knit. No room for outsiders. I am an outsider and I'm tearing him away from his pack.

I sit quietly in my seat for the next hour or so. Michael eventually has to stop for gas. The sun is starting to set. The road is quiet due to the lack of people living in the area. Everything seems peaceful, but the thoughts come nagging once more.

It becomes clear to me that I am a virus to Michael's lifestyle. I'm an outsider; a human; a liability. I put his pack at risk. I'm sure they would love to quickly dispose of me.

When Michael gets back in the truck, I have to speak my mind.

"Are you sure we're doing the right thing?" I ask him softly. "I'm a human. You're breaking all the major rules of being a wolf. I'm a liability to your pack."

Michael turns to face me. "Charlie, I'm not my father. Humans can be a threat sometimes, but you aren't like anyone else I've ever met."

"I just feel like you're having to give up everything you've ever known just to be with me," I whisper softly.

"I could use a bit of change in my life right about now," he jokes.

We both laugh softly as Michael starts up the truck again. Michael drives for another hour and a half and then continues until we find a hotel to stay in for the next few nights. After another forty-five minutes on the road, we find a small hotel with only two cars in the lot.

Michael heads inside to check us in while I wait in the car. He wants me to walk as little as possible.

When he comes back, he's got a room key in his hand. We grab our bags and walk over to our room for the next few nights.

Upon entering, it's scarcely furnished and decently clean. Considering it's located in the middle of nowhere, I expected much worse.

I flop down on the bed and let out a deep sigh. Michael lays down next to me and stares up at the ceiling.

"I love you," he says softly while taking my hand.

"I love you too."