As the sun set on the last bonfire of the year, the kids all gathered around, waiting for Billy Black’s famous campfire stories. It was one week until Halloween which meant that even the bravest would shiver in fright tonight with these stories. Huddled in a tight group, they all listened intently to his every word as his voice echoed through the night air with only the crackling fire to interrupt him. As usual, the shyest of the pack sat on the far side of the fire, furthest from Chief Black and the rest of his friends, but this time with a more serious reason; she was there, Raven Uley. Quietly, he merely watched how the firelight played with the color of her hair, making it shimmer, or how her face it up as she shared a laugh with her …show more content…
“They left shortly after they found out that mom was pregnant with me. Never understood why though.” Brushing the lock of hair back behind her ear, she shrugged as they turned down the street towards her house. When Raven ducked, Collin automatically stepped closer to her. “There are those who believe that the reservation is haunted.” Chuckling, he continued. “To me, that’s just silly. I’ve lived here my entire life and I’ve never seen the ghost bear or the phantom on the cliffs.” Glancing over her shoulder at the woods, Raven swore that she could feel something watching her. “Are you sure about that? The forest here is so thick and dense. Anything could be lurking in there.” “Of course, I am.” To reassure her, Collin nodded. “Those tales are only meant to scare you a bit. There’s no truth to them.” However, at that very moment, a twig snapped in the woods, not far from where they stood. Frightened, Raven jumped and sidled up even closer to Collin, hoping that he would protect her. “Nothing is going to get you while you’re with me, Raven.” Feeling a bit more confident, he laid his arms gently over her shoulders. Inside, his wolf was prancing happily being so close to their mate, protecting her as they …show more content…
Curious, both he and his wolf wanted to know more about his mate, even if she didn’t know that she was his just yet. Nodding, she replied. “I will. I’ll be a junior.” “Yeah? Well, I am too, so maybe we’ll have some classes together.” Collin became hopeful. As they turned to walk down her driveway, a soft growl caused Raven to put her arms around Collin’s waist, afraid that something was coming for her at any minute. Those ghost stories had worked their magic all too well. Even though he knew the truth of what was happening in the woods, Collin didn’t say a word because he liked the way she clung to him. All too soon though, they stood on the front porch of her home, watching each other closely. “Thanks again for walking with me. I’m sure I couldn’t have made it home by myself tonight.” Raven smiled shyly at him. “You’re very welcome. I’d gladly do it again.” Now feeling more comfortable with her, Collin answered, but then his tone turned serious. “I won’t let anything hurt you…ever.” Sensing the truth and sincerity of his words, Raven leaned forward to reward Collin with a soft kiss on the cheek. “I’ll keep that in mind. Good night, Collin.” With one last wave, she turned to go inside, closing the door behind