I’ve been hiding away for several days, in the quiet of the cabin, enjoying the peacefulness. It is a big change from the city. The snow has begun to fall. A light flurry of flakes at first then it grows heavier covering the ground and everything in its path, leaving behind a white blanket. Footprints cannot be hidden, paw prints are clear and distinguished. The last thing I want is to scare her, but the pressure of what’s to come is growing thick.
The days and nights are passing by, quickly closing the window of opportunity.
The vibration of my phone can be felt against my thigh. Quickly I reach inside my pocket and when I see it’s my father. I already know he’s calling to remind me of my responsibilities, my importance.
When I don’t answer he calls again and again.
Leaning back against the tree I let out a slow breath, allowing my head to relax forward as I look at the ground near my feet. Marching up to the front door of the cabin, making it known that I’m here was dangerous. I had never felt so unsettled, so confused, lost. What move is the right one? Where do I go from here?
I take in a deep breath, push off the tree and turn around fully intending to go back to my place and plan my next move when I look up and come face to face with Taryn. The same large coat she wore last night, the same oversized boots. Her face is mostly hidden behind the scarf she has wrapped around her but her eyes are completely visible. The fear in them cannot be misconstrued.
“Taryn.” I take a step toward her and quickly her hand thrusts forward.
“No! Just stop,” her words are a bit muffled but can’t be mistaken.
“Let me explain.”
“What are you doing here?” She takes a step backward, her hand still positioned in front of her. “Did you follow me here?”
I could lie, try to make up some crazy story and hope that she falls for it. But I already know my gorgeous beauty is smarter than that. Honesty its my only option. It’s what she deserves.
“I didn’t follow you, but I am here for you. I’ve always been here for you.” Her eyes crinkle at the sides and I know she is only growing more weary with my cryptic words. “I’ve been waiting every single day for you to come back to me. Since I led you back to the cabin and had to force myself to walk away, I’ve longed for the day I would get you back.”
“What are you talking about?” Taryn reaches up and jerks the scarf down, making her mouth fully visible. “Get me back? What is the hell are you talking about? Who are you?”
“I’m Merick.” I take in a deep breath and know this will be the moment that she either accepts what I am, or denies me the future I’ve dreamt of us building together. “I met you here in these very woods when you were twelve years old. And there hasn’t been a day since then that I haven’t protected you and waited for this day. The day you and I would come together again, to reconnect.”
“No.” She backs away more, and repeats herself. “You’re crazy, you have to be.”
“I’m not crazy, if you would give me a few minutes, allow me to show you what I need to in order for you to understand. To fill in all of the missing pieces of the last twelve years.” I was losing her, the fear in her eyes has overtaken everything else. “You don’t have to be afraid of me Taryn, I could never hurt you. You are the most important person in my life, please believe me.”
“I need you to go,” her voice trembles making my own chest ache.
“You remember me,” I try to remind her. I know I’m pushing her but she is going to run either way. I have to try. “Our time in the woods, the way you touched me, all the things you shared with me. Your nervous ramblings were so—,”
“Please go,” she steps back.
“Taryn.”
She shakes her head and I do nothing to stop her as she takes another step away. I know how this looks, how she must feel. Though it is one of the hardest things I know I will ever have to do, I have no other choice but to allow her to come to terms with this on her own.
I remain grounded as the distance between us grows until she’s no longer visible, but I can still feel her. I can sense her worry, her fear, but I know this isn’t over. Taryn needs time and I’ve waited for her for twelve years already. I can wait a little longer. I’ll give her a few days, and if by then I’m still left waiting, I’ll go to her once again.
Taryn
I enter the cabin in a panic, my hands trembling, my breath quickening. After I shove the couch against the door, I peek out the window in search of him. Is Merick still out there? Did I want him to be? I back away from the window and shake out my hands trying my best to rid the way they continue to shake. He says he’s my wolf, but that’s not possible, right? Wolves that can change into humans is something that just happens in the movies, that’s crazy. I’m losing my mind, I know it. This seems crazy, insane really.
I hurry around the cabin triple checking that all the doors and windows are locked before I head into my bedroom. I hold the butcher knife I grabbed from the kitchen in my hand and wonder would I even use it if the chance arose? Needing to rid myself of
