Hunter's question about the father of my children brought me back to a time that seemed so distant, a moment when everything was simpler, and we were young, full of curiosity and enthusiasm.
It was over six years ago when we were arriving in Denver, and it was my first time stepping into the human world. Excitement coursed through my veins as we watched the city approach through the truck's window. Hunter parked the vehicle near a bar, and the other guys from the pack jumped out of the back, excited and eager to explore the human world.
Hunter came to my side and opened the door, extending his hand to help me down. He looked at me seriously and said, “Fierce, you need to avoid staring in awe at everything, or people will start to get suspicious of you.”
I nodded, trying to contain the excitement bubbling inside me. It was my first experience in the human world, and Denver City seemed so fascinating and full of promise. I knew I had to be discreet and not draw attention to my wolf nature.
Caleb, one of the guys from the pack, approached with a mischievous smile on his face. “Come on, folks, the faster we get in, the more beer for everyone!”
“Beer?” I asked, curious. It was something I had never heard of before.
Hunter laughed and came closer to me. “Fierce, beer is a liquid that humans like to drink to relax and have fun. You'll love trying it.”
I nodded, eager to try something new and learn more about the human world. Hunter and I followed Caleb and the other guys toward the bar's entrance.
Hunter guided me towards the bar's entrance, where the noise of lively voices and laughter filled my ears. The smell of grilled food and drinks was intoxicating. I wondered what else I was about to discover in this new and exciting world.
The bar's entrance swallowed us, and we found ourselves surrounded by people dressed in ways I had never seen before. Wooden tables were crowded with customers laughing, talking, and savoring their drinks. It was a sensory experience completely different from what I was used to in the forest. The bar counter was lined with colorful bottles and mugs, and I felt a bit lost.
Hunter noticed my hesitation and gave me a reassuring look. “Relax, Fierce. Just follow my lead, and you'll be fine.”
The soft lighting gave the place a cozy atmosphere, and the scents of food and drink filled the air. The atmosphere was imbued with human energy, and I felt fascinated and somewhat overwhelmed.
Caleb ordered beers for everyone, and when the drinks arrived, he raised his bottle and made a toast. “To our great adventure in Denver!”
I raised my beer, mimicking the others, and smiled. “To our great adventure.”
Our bottles clinked, and I took a sip of the beer. It was bitter and refreshing, and my tongue savored the novelty. Hunter watched me with an amused look.
“So, what do you think, Fierce?” he asked.
I shrugged, enjoying the drink. “It's different, but I like it.”
Caleb smiled and approached, offering to explain more about the human world, their drinks, and customs. As we talked, I felt like a part of that group of wolves, exploring the unknown together, even if just for one night.
Once I finished my bottle, Hunter approached the bar, where a man with a dirty apron was filling beer mugs. Hunter ordered two mugs, one for him and one for me, while I watched the process with curiosity. The man filled the mugs and slid them our way. Hunter took his, raising it for a toast. “To new experiences, Fierce.”
I held the mug, still intrigued, and clinked mine with his. “To new experiences.”
As Hunter and I toasted to new experiences, I had the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I could never have imagined.
***
The night at the bar was in full swing. The sounds of laughter, lively conversations, and music filled the space as customers enjoyed themselves, immersed in the vibrant atmosphere. I was on my fourth glass of beer, and I was starting to enjoy the bitter and effervescent taste of the drink.
Caleb and other werewolves, all in their human forms, were further away from the bar. Watching them interact with the humans was a fascinating experience for me. I had never seen the pack's werewolves act like this before, and it was a surprising sight.
As the guys moved with some girls on the dance floor, I admired the way the humans moved. Their bodies moved in harmony with the music, following a rhythm that I found captivating. I watched their expressions of joy and freedom, and the warm atmosphere of the bar enveloped me.
That's when I began to understand the attraction that beer held for them. It was more than just a drink; it was a part of the social experience, a way to relax and enjoy each other's company.
Hunter stood by my side, watching me with a gentle smile. “Be careful with the beer, Fierce. You don't want to wake up with a massive hangover tomorrow.”
I furrowed my brow, not understanding what he meant. “What's a hangover?”
Hunter laughed, seeming to enjoy my lack of knowledge about the human world. “It's when you drink too much, and the next day, you feel terrible. Headache, nausea... and a lot of regret.”
I nodded, looking confident. “Don't worry, Hunter. That won't happen to me.”
We returned our gaze to the dance floor, where Caleb was holding onto a woman, his wide smile revealing his enjoyment. I watched them with curiosity, not fully understanding what they were doing.
“What is Caleb doing?” I asked Hunter, my expression filled with curiosity.
Hunter laughed and answered, “He's dancing, Fierce.”
I tilted my head, confused. “Dancing? What is dancing?”
Hunter sighed and tried to find the right words to explain. “They're moving to the rhythm of the music, like a kind of celebration. It's a way to have fun and enjoy the night.”
I looked at Hunter, intrigued. “Do you do this too, Hunter?”
He smiled, looking a bit embarrassed. “Not if I can avoid it. I'm not very good at it.”
I decided to tease him, seizing the opportunity. Likewise, I grabbed Hunter's hand and stared at him with a mischievous glint in my eyes. “Then you're going to teach me, Hunter.”
He laughed, clearly surprised by my boldness. “You might regret this, Fierce. I'm terrible at it. It's better not...”
I shrugged, not caring. “Not even if I'm terrible too?”
Hunter seemed surprised by my determination but finally nodded. “All right, Fierce. But I warned you.”