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“I’ ertips “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 tientler “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 ym I want to explain my entire life and why it’s best if we don’t see each other right now — maybe e’re in California, but not now

It’s when I ree of warht?”

His chin drops, but he answersto honor your wishes and stay away, but… I can’t explain what’s happening, what I’ve encountered”

I’ 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 reen eyes

I don’t wait for rab my water bottle and run down the hillside, back in the direction of ed my mind about him I need a little distance to decide what this means

Twilight is breaking when I get back toht the dark shadow of his panther form

He’s watching over h ht want to resist him for fear he’ll trap ht tointo the shower

Koa

Mercy’s safely in her parent’sis out of order, and I don’t scent any supernatural beings Going back to et comfortable and wait Once she’s settled in bed, I’ll head back to town and get soht 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’ is threatening, and I take off, running quickly back to the garage apartrab my church clothes from behind the steps