Crack. That branch snapped so loud, it could've been a gunshot. Not even the birds dared to chirp after that. Both of them just—froze. Instincts on high alert, like two deer right before the chase.
He was up first, moving with that weird mix of grace and muscle, yanking her behind him like it was nothing. Dude wasn't even fully dressed, but somehow he managed to fill the whole damn cabin with his "don't mess with me" energy.
"Stick close," he grunted, voice all business. Protective, but not exactly gentle.
Her heart was going nuts, hammering so hard she slapped a hand over her mouth. Part fear, part—well, let's be honest, she was still reeling from being skin-to-skin with him, seconds ago. That heat hadn't faded.
He padded over the old floorboards, every step a squeak. Shoulders tight enough to snap. He peeked out the curtain, just a sliver.
Nothing but trees out there. Or... was it too quiet? You know those horror movies where the silence is basically a sign you're screwed? Yeah, it was like that.
She barely breathed. "See anything?"
His eyes narrowed, gold in the gloom. "Not yet. But something's out there. Watching." Great. Classic horror movie line.
Ice crawled down her back. She yanked the blanket tighter, edging over even though he'd basically told her to stay put. Like hell she was just gonna stand across the room while monsters—or whatever—lurked outside.
Then—boom. Another sound. Way heavier. Not an animal. Something (someone?) stomping on wet ground.
He muttered a curse, jaw clenched so hard it might crack. "They found us."
Found us? Her stomach dropped. "Who?"
He didn't bother with a glance. Just flexed his hands, ready to rumble. "Hunters. Rogues. Could be both."
No time for explanations. He snatched his shirt and chucked it at her. "Get dressed. Fast. Quiet."
Her fingers fumbled, shaking. She managed to pull it on, even though her brain felt like scrambled eggs. A million questions, not enough answers—but when he finally looked back, he wasn't scared. Wasn't angry either. He looked... determined. Like he'd walk through fire if he had to.
"Nobody's touching you," he growled. Not a threat. A promise.
Honestly? That should've just made her more terrified. Instead, it sparked something fierce in her. Hope, maybe, or just pure adrenaline.
And then the cabin—boom again. Not a foot this time.
A fist, slamming the door so hard the wood jumped.