“I’m sorry!” Shaking my head, I touch the tears in my eyes with my fingertips. “I was actually thinking I’d like to talk to you, and here you are… Only, you’re shouting at me from behind a bush naked.”
It’s so ridiculous, I start to laugh again, but this time when he speaks, his tone is gentler. “You shouldn’t be in the woods alone. It’s dangerous.”
“I’m not afraid.”
Stepping a little closer to where he stands, I want to say so much to him. I want to explain why I said what I did at the gym. I want to explain my entire life and why it’s best if we don’t see each other right now — maybe when we’re in California, but not now.
It’s when I remember the feeling I had last night at the window, and a surge of warmth blooms in my chest. “Were you at my house last night?”
His chin drops, but he answers me. “Yes. I’m trying to honor your wishes and stay away, but… I can’t explain what’s happening, what I’ve encountered.”
I’m so accustomed to mysterious things happening in Woodland Creek, I’m less concerned with his experience than how his presence affects me.
“Thank you for being there last night. I slept better than I have in weeks knowing you were there.”
He blinks up at me, confusion in his green eyes.
I don’t wait for more. I grab my water bottle and run down the hillside, back in the direction of my house. I’m not sure if I’ve changed my mind about him. I need a little distance to decide what this means.
Twilight is breaking when I get back to my house. The entire way back, I felt him behind me, following me. I looked back a few times and caught the dark shadow of his panther form.
He’s watching over me, and the surge of happiness it sends through my chest forces a smile from my lips in spite of myself. I might want to resist him for fear he’ll trap me in Woodland Creek, but I can’t deny what he is. I go straight to my room and strip off my clothes before stepping into the shower.
* * *
Koa
Mercy’s safely in her parent’s mansion, and I do a quick check of the perimeter. Nothing is out of order, and I don’t scent any supernatural beings. Going back to my spot from last night, I get comfortable and wait. Once she’s settled in bed, I’ll head back to town and get some rest. If I’ve got to work tomorrow, I can’t spend the night on the cold ground again. It was bad enough losing last night and today. I have to trust she’s safe inside her home.
My eyes open about an hour later, and I realize I’m no good to her out here. I’m satisfied nothing is threatening, and I take off, running quickly back to the garage apartment. The neighborhood is quiet when I shift back and grab my church clothes from behind the steps.
Upstairs, I run a quick shower. I linger a moment under the spray, but I’m too tired even to jack off thinking about her. I shut off the water and towel dry before crossing the small space and collapsing on the double bed. I’m asleep before I even think to lock the door.
It’s so dark when I open my eyes, it takes me a moment to register the quiet hiss of rain outside. That’s not what woke me. Something is in my room. I sit up, but the moment I inhale, I know who it is.
“Where are you?” I say softly.
The faintest hint of blue-violet light shimmers at the foot of my bed, and I can just make out her form in the darkness. I know she’s nude, and I wish for moonlight. I want to see her beautiful body.
“How did you get past the door?” My voice is a rumble in the darkness.
Hers is a soft whisper. “It wasn’t locked.”
“Why did you come here?”
“To apologize for what I said.” She rounds the corner of the bed to the side where I’m lying. I can just make out the curve of her breast. “I was afraid.”
“Why?” My fingers ache to touch her.
“My entire life is focused on leaving Woodland Creek. I was afraid you’d ruin my plans.”
Fatigue gone, I’m on edge, desire tight in my stomach. “How could I do that?”
“Because I want so much to be with you again.”
It’s all I needed to hear. I rip back the covers and pull her naked body against mine as I claim her beautiful mouth. Her soft breasts smash against my chest, and I roll her
so she’s under me, pinned by my huge physique.