Page 24 of Evergreen Desires
Beau nodded slightly, indicating that he accepted my request for solitude. "I'll be right here inside, waiting for you. I do want you, please know that. I just want it to be done right. Okay?"
With those words echoing in my mind, I turned away and began my walk around the side of the house.
I took a giant loop around the clearing, hoping that the repetitive movement would help me gather my thoughts. I fixed my gaze on the barn, planning to walk near the tree line, pass by the greenhouses, and make my way back to the house. Maybe I'd repeat the loop a few times. I heard Beau open the back door of the house, most likely so he could listen for my call. Despite our argument, I appreciated that he was giving me the space I needed and not trying to control me.
I slipped my hands into my jean pockets and started my slow meander along the tree line. The darkness enveloped me, with only a sliver of a moon casting a faint glow. The lack of light created an ethereal atmosphere, accentuated by the gentle breeze that rustled through the trees. It was remarkably quiet, and I was grateful for the solitude.
My mind began replaying the events of the evening—our drive to the bar, the enjoyable dinner, the drinks, and the argument between Beau and Rich. Apart from the fight, there were no red flags. And honestly? Maybe it was my fault. Now that I had some space, I could see that I’d maybe overreacted—and maybe Beau was right. I was drunk. Maybe now wasn’t the best time. Beau seemedgenuinely interested in me. Nothing made me suspect any ulterior motives. Even the argument with Rich appeared to stem from Rich's anger rather than anything Beau had done.
Beau didn’t really know me, yet he'd come to my rescue. He'd helped fix my car, provided me with things I needed (including shelter), and showed me nothing but kindness. He even told me he liked me. And now, he'd given me a job—an opportunity to explore my passion for photography. But what did he gain from all this?
Crunch. I froze in place, my heart pounding in my chest. That sound... I recognized it from my walks yesterday. It was the sound of pinecones being crushed underfoot. There was something big lurking in the trees ahead. My heartbeat quickened, and I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
"Be careful," a male voice harshly whispered.
"I am. I'm trying to find other entrances to the greenhouse," another man's voice replied, sharp and hushed.
"We need night-vision goggles. It's too dark to see anything clearly," the first voice grumbled.
"This is the middle of the woods. Did you expect streetlights to illuminate our way?" the second voice retorted.
"Shut the fuck up."
Ding. Damn it! Of course, I would receive a text message at that moment, in the middle of the night.
I quickly silenced my phone and hid among the trees, my heart pounding in my chest. Shadows loomed around me,and I couldn’t make out any distinct figures. I tried to steady my breathing, not daring to move or make a sound.
What the hell was happening? Who were these people, and what were they doing here? I felt a mixture of fear and curiosity, but my priority was to remain hidden. My mind raced with questions, but I knew I needed to be patient and wait for the right time to make my next move.
CHAPTER 22
BEAU
A sudden change in the breeze caught my attention, carrying Jake's scent tainted with fear into the house. I bounced out of the chair, my instincts kicking in, and rushed towards the open back door. My eyes scanned the tree line, desperately searching for any sign of Jake. I didn’t want to intrude on his space after our argument, but the overwhelming aroma and sense of urgency pushed me forward. I couldn’t see him anywhere, and panic gripped me tightly. Taking a few steps outside, I hoped to catch a glimpse of him near the greenhouses on the left.
Then I heard it—the sound of heavy footsteps pounding against the earth.
“Jake?” I yelled, voice sharp with panic.
“Beau, help!”
There was no time to waste. I took off running toward his voice, my heart pounding like a war drum. Just ahead, a figure darted through the shadows.
And that was all it took.
The shift hit me like fire through my veins. My body surged forward, muscle and bone stretching, clothes tearingat the seams. Fur spread across my skin, thick and coarse. My legs elongated until I towered over seven feet, and my hands morphed into wide, clawed weapons.
I bolted around the corner—and there he was.
Jake, running flat-out toward the house, wild-eyed and breathless. “There are two guys!” he shouted—
And then he sawme.
His feet faltered, his eyes widening. He froze mid-stride, staring at the creature barreling straight at him.
Atme.
His mouth opened slightly, like his brain was trying to form a question faster than his adrenaline-flooded body could process.
