The Woods {Kaylor}

Cabin.

She hesitantly walks by Shadow and sits in my wooden chair I once sat in before I was interrupted by her insane knocking. The wolves follow her and take their places on the rug in front of the fire place

I quickly grab some of my moccasins from a small shelf near the door and place them in her hands

She looks at her bare feet then back to me with a small smile "thank you"

I smile back then make my way to the small stove in the open kitchen. My back is facing her as I pour soup into a small, wooden bowl that I retrieved from a near cabinet

"Here" I turn to her with the bowl outstretched for her to reach

"What's in it?" She takes it slowly and stares into it

"Deer shit" I say bluntly

Her eyes go wide and she begs for me to take it back

I laugh loudly "I'm only kidding. Lighten up will you? It's deer meat and tomato juice. It's very good" I smile

"Where do you get tomatoes?" She questions with one of her eyebrows arched

"I found them." I sit on the wooden floorboards beside Bear, continuing to sharpen another stick I found in the woods that surround us. I'm almost done shaping it into an arrow when her voice overtakes the silence that was once owned by the crackling of the fire

"Where did you get them?" She repeats after chewing a bite

I furrow my brows in confusion

"The wolves" she glances at the furry carnivores

"Oh. Well..I was out hunting one morning. It was the break before dawn. So of course some wolves were still out hunting as well. But I've had my fair share of wolf experiences and knew they wouldn't attack me. I happened to be eyeing the same deer as these two. I had my bow ready to shoot but they jumped out of nowhere and attacked it. Before they digged in though, I could tell he smelled my scent" I glance at Bear "he didn't charge at me though. Neither did Shadow. We just stared. It was interesting and unexpected really. But what's really strange is that they both backed away and let me have the deer. I almost thought they were leading me into a trap and were planning to rip my throat out. But no. They let me take the deer and even followed me back home. It's like they suddenly thought I was their leader" I look to Taylor who is watching me intently letting me know she's very engrossed in my story "So it was weird but cool" I add

"Wow" she says with surprise "No wonder they looked like they wanted to murder me when I ran in. They're very protective" she comments

"Yep. Especially Bear" I rub his head

"His eyes are so blue. They're exceedingly bright and electrifying it's breathtaking-"

"Like yours" I cut her off

She blushes and I bite the inside of my cheek, also cursing in my head for saying that out loud

"Thank you" she says in a small voice

I stand up and take her empty bowl, setting it in the sink "By the way I only have one bedroom. Usually me and the boys sleep in it. But you're welcome to stay in there if you'd like" I offer with a smile

Shadow and Bear perk their heads up as if they're angry at my request

I roll my eyes "It's only for a little while. But please be my guest" I look back to Taylor

She smiles but then frowns "But where will you sleep?"

"The rug with them. I have done it-"

"No I'm not letting you do that. This is your house not mine" she argues

"Exactly my point so that's why you're staying in my bedroom" I purse my lips

"But why can't-you could-" she huffs and looks to the floor

"What?" I ask

She shakes her head

"Just tell me Taylor" I push

She stays silent

"Taylor. Tell me." She's so stubborn.

She finally looks up "Can't you just sleep with me..in the same bed?" She bites her lip

She's gotta stop doing that. If I did sleep with her would I be leading her on? But if I didn't would I be neglecting her? No we're just friends and she knows that. Hell we just met minutes ago "Sure" dammit.

She smiles but then quickly wipes it away after she notices I'm looking at her.

-

"Just to let you know, the bathroom is free to use anytime. I should've offered you a shower earlier. And you're also welcome to use anything you want. What's mine is yours" I say as we lay in bed beside each other. She doesn't respond and I bite my lip thinking that what I just said was stupid "I'm guessing you're in your early 20s?" I try to redeem myself and also aim for a conversation

"I'm 24" she states "you?"

"22"

"Really? I figured you were much older" she turns her head towards me

"And I figured you were a bit younger. By your looks of course"

She smiles

I smile back

"Oh by the way, what's your name?" She asks curiously

"Karlie" I answer

"Karlie" She repeats

I chuckle at her before it goes silent

"Thank you" she says into the darkness

I close my eyes "For what?"

"Everything. For feeding me and giving me some of your warm clothes and shoes. For welcoming me into your cabin."

"Well I wouldn't exactly say welcome.."

She laughs for the first time. It's one of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard "You're very welcome Taylor. And Taylor?"

"Hm?"

"Who are you running from?" I swallow. I feel my heart pounding in my ears at the anxiety I feel as it's still silent. I swear minutes have passed

She takes a breath "The Nakoons."

Well. I have never written a story in my life so hopefully this all goes well. As you can see this the very first chapter, and this story will be continued maybe in the summer or slightly before then (only if this actually has any reads). I get out of school either May 20 or 27. Vote or comment if you liked this chapter. Thank you and I hope you keep this in your library :) -Rachel