Page 27 of Samuel
“I know enough,” I replied. “I know you’re strong, and stubborn as hell. I know you’re more than capable of fighting for yourself. But that doesn’t mean you have to, not anymore.”
He looked away, his jaw clenched, but he didn’t pull back.
“I’m not used to… this. To someone caring,” Blake said.
My chest tightened at his words.
“Then get used to it,” I whispered, letting my hand linger at the nape of his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin under my fingers.
I continued, “Because I’m not going anywhere. And neither are you.”
Blake closed his eyes, exhaling shakily. For a long moment, we stayed like that, breathing in sync.
Two souls bound by something special, something neither of us fully understood yet.
BLAKE
Sitting in the passenger seat of Samuel’s old pick-up truck, I felt a strange mix of anticipation and nervousness.
My fingers drummed against my knee, and I forced myself to stare out the window, watching the thick trees blur as we drove toward Grey Arrow.
I could feel Samuel’s steady presence next to me, his hand resting casually on the wheel.
Despite the tension building in my chest, I felt a flicker of excitement, and my heart thumped against my ribs in a way I hadn’t felt before.
It was almost like… no, that was ridiculous. This wasn’t a date. The thought made me want to laugh, but the sound wouldn’t come.
Dates were for people with uncomplicated lives, for people who could afford the distraction of romance.
As a hunter, my assignments came first.
It was all about staying sharp, being on edge, never letting anyone close enough to get hurt or, worse, close enough to hurt me.
When the loneliness crept in, I drowned it in fleeting moments with strangers, one-night stands that meant nothing.
I never felt the need for anything more. But Samuel’s silence was different, steadying, in a way I hadn’t expected.
My cousin Finn would’ve laughed at me, probably telling me this was exactly what I deserved after all the ribbing I’d given him over the years.
Finn had always wanted the fairytale: flowers, a nice dinner, a walk through the park, hand in hand. The works.
I used to call him a dreamer, and I’d never believed it was something I’d want for myself. So, what was I doing here now?
As the town of Grey Arrow appeared on the horizon, I pushed the thought away.
The place looked almost as ragged as I felt, the buildings squatting low, paint peeling from the walls, windows grimy with years of neglect.
It felt like a place that had been left behind.
A few people wandered the streets, but the moment they noticed us, they turned away, their gazes hard, their expressions wary.
I glanced over at Samuel, half-expecting him to react, but he just nodded as if he’d anticipated this kind of reception.
“They’re not big on outsiders around here,” he said. “Can’t say I blame them.”
“Maybe it’s the rogue wolves,” I said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they know more about what’s lurking in these woods than they let on.”
Samuel grunted in agreement.
