The Soldier and The Wolf

Chapter 2

Cameron awoke with a jolt. He stared at a ceiling he didn't recognize and was sleeping in an unfamiliar bed. He didn't want to move and blinked slowly. Soon, everything came back for him. This was his room at his family's home in Dixon. He was sleeping in his bed, and he looked down over the bed to see Katie asleep.

He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Glancing over at the red glowing numbers on the clock sitting on his desk, Cam had to scoff. It was four in the morning. The time he had been waking up for the past four years.

Sitting up, Cam rubbed his face and checked his phone. There weren't any texts or voicemails from Sky. He tossed the device on the bed and wondered what he was going to do since he was fully awake.

Gym.

It had been too long since he set foot in one and felt the itch to get back in. It was decided, he quietly got his leg on and in his gym clothes. He was quiet enough that Katie slumbered still. When he opened the door, that's when Katie woke and was about to get up.

"No, silly you stay here and sleep. I'll be back in a little bit, okay? I promise," Cam soothed, petting the dog's head.

Katie knew Cam wasn't lying to her and settled back into the bed but watched as he left. Cam's footsteps were soft as could be. He had practiced with his prosthetic to be silent.

When he stepped outside the cold air was refreshing. He took a minute and closed his eyes. This was missed, the calm mornings, the crisp air, and the solitary. With this, however, there came the memories, the wounds too fresh to face.

Cam's eye opened, and he marched to his 4Runner. He started the engine and blared the music, letting it pump him up.

At four-fifteen, he was at Lifetime fitness' twenty-four-hour center. There was no one here.

Perfect.

He didn't want people to see his leg right now, to answer all the stupid questions, and catch up. Right now, it wasn't the time. He was angry and needed to blow off some steam. Cam set his headphone in, cranked up the music, and began.

Today was a full chest, biceps, and legs. Cam went all-out pushing his limits. He was slow and deliberate, watching for any discrepancies or flaws. Cam check to make sure his form was correct in the mirror.

After he had completed his chest and biceps workout, Cameron moved to the squat. There needed to be a tactful way of doing this since there wasn't a spotter. He would need to have a wider stance and be positive that his form was perfect. The weight was going to be lighter because this was all new for his prosthetic.

In a perfect world, Cam would like a good spotter, but the fact of the matter was there was no one up this early in the morning. Plus, he didn't want anyone here to see him like this. He positioned himself and readied.

He pushed the bar up off the rack; his stance was firm, non-wavering. He squatted and thrusted up. It was good and felt strong. Cameron smiled and growled as he continued his sets.

Soon, five-thirty came along, and Cameron's workout was coming to an end. Cam was gathering his gym bag when he saw a white jeep pull up in the parking lot. He didn't recognize the vehicle, nor could he see who was inside. What he could see were two silhouettes of women.

Cam paid them no mind when he made his way to the door. The two women got out of the car and were wearing new skintight, workout leggings, and hoods. Both women had their hoods over their heads, and Cam did notice that both were attractive with golden-brown hair. The women made it to the door just as Cam was opening the door.

"Thank you," one said, not looking at Cam.

"You're welcome," Cam responded.

One of the girls stopped and turned.