Chapter 5 WILD HEART CANT BE TAMED

Rose Pov

That night, I had a hard time falling asleep since Kyle was always on my mind. I forced myself to get out of bed when dawn arrived, determined not to let my history sabotage this fresh opportunity.

The clear morning air entered my lungs as I stepped outside. Activities within the sanctuary were already up. My heart skipped a beat as I saw Jake by the main building. He waved me over and said, "Morning, Rose!" "Ready for your first full day?"

I nodded, forcing my mind to forget about Kyle. "As ready as I'll ever be." Jake had a smile. Excellent. Mira will take you through the ropes today. I need to catch up on some papers."

Mira appeared beside us, looking less than thrilled. "Come on, new girl. Let's see what you've got." I turned to look at Jake again as we walked away. I felt butterflies in my gut as he winked. Mira showed me how to get to the first cage. "All right, let's begin by feeding. Do you believe you can handle raw meat? It nearly made me chuckle. If only she understood what my wolf form could accomplish. "I think I'll manage."

We fed the animals and cleaned the enclosures during the morning. I enjoyed every minute of it even though it was hard labor. It felt right to be among these wild animals. Mira grew closer to me as we worked. "You're not bad, new girl," she remarked after we had cleaned the bear habitat. "Where'd you learn to work like this?"

I stiffened. You know, you know. Every now and again. Pets have always been dear to me." Although Mira nodded, I could tell she was interested. "Well, whatever your background, you've got a knack for this." Jake came along for a tour of the hospital after lunch. I couldn't help but note how devoted he was to his work as he described the equipment. He led us to a small room and stated, "And this is where we keep our special cases."

I noticed a small wolf pup with a cast on its leg inside. It melted my heart. I said to it, "Poor little guy," as I reached out to pet its fur. Jake observed me while wearing a subtle smile. Last week, he became an orphan. We're not confident he'll survive."

"He will," I answered without thinking. I sense it. Jake arched an eyebrow. "You seem pretty confident." I took a swift look. "He certainly appears powerful. And I'm sure he'll recover under your care." Jake's hand brushed mine as we left the room. Rose, you truly have a gift when it comes to these creatures. They seem to automatically trust you."

Warmth touched my cheeks. "Regards. I just think I understand them." We stood there for a time, staring at each other. I sensed an electrifying and exhilarating tension rising between us. Mira cleared her throat after that. "If you two are done making googly eyes at each other, we've got work to do."

Breaking the spell, Jake laughed. Yes. Let's get back to it now." I developed a routine at the sanctuary during the course of the days. I would get up eager to go to work every morning. The animals, each with its own personalities and peculiarities, grew to be like family to me. About a week into my new employment, I went to check on the wolf pup one evening when Jake came looking for me. He remarked, leaning against the doorframe, "How's our little fighter doing?"

Grinning, I stroked the puppy's silky coat. "Improving. Today he had a complete dinner." Jake leaned down to look down at the puppy, his arm passing across me. You know how great you are with him. Basically, with every mammal." I looked up at him, realizing how close we were at that moment. "Jake, I..."

But before I could say anything more, his mouth was on mine. I returned the kiss, which began softly and gradually became more intense. I lost all memory of my past, my secrets, and the outside world for a split second. Jake was the only person present his arms around me and his aroma filled the air.

Jake laid his forehead against mine as we eventually separated, panting for air. He muttered, "I've wanted to do that since the day I met you." While my heart was racing, a persistent voice in the back of my head told me the reality. I wasn't a person. It was not going to last.

"Jake, I'm not who you think I am," I whispered quietly. With suprise in his eyes, he retreated a little. "What do you mean?" I was about to tell him everything until I opened my mouth. But a scream came from outside before I could react. When we got outside, Mira was standing at the wolf enclosure with a pale face. "The wolves," she exclaimed. "They're gone."

I felt my blood chill. I realized right away what had transpired. Kyle. I managed to get away as commotion broke out all around us and staff members began looking for the missing wolves. I needed to locate Kyle before anybody else could. I followed the scent of him and fled into the forest. I was led through the darkness by my wolf instincts.

Finally, I found him in a clearing, surrounded by the sanctuary wolves. They weren't attacking him. Of course not they recognized one of their own.

I growled, "Kyle," and stepped outside into the moonlight. "What are you doing?" His eyes glowed in the darkness as he turned to face me "Saving you from yourself, Rose. You don't belong here, playing human. It's time to come home."

I gave a head shake. "This is now my house. Here, I'm content. Kyle scoffed. "Using that person? Rose, you are not naive. He will never understand who you truly are." I heard Jake's voice calling my name from a distance, like if it was meant to be. He was hunting for me.

Kyle narrowed his gaze. Rose, make your decision right now. Either we or they. However, keep in mind that you cannot escape from who you are forever." When Jake's calls got closer, my heart began to pump faster. I ran out of time. I needed to choose. Would I stay and let Jake see my true colors? Or abandon my newly formed life and go with Kyle? I made my decision when the glow of Jake's flashlight sliced through the forest. One decision that would change everything.