Dusk was falling and Audrey needed to get to town before nightfall. It was faster to go through the woods, but Grandma had always told her to stay away from those woods. To avoid them above anything.
It was her best friend's 21st birthday and Audrey didn't want to be late for the celebrations. If she takes the trail through the woods, she can be there in no time. She throws caution to the wind, and throws on her red cloak, and heads for the woods.
As Audrey walks deeper into the woods, she thinks, "This isn't so bad. I don't know what all the fuss is about."
Her nerves steady and she starts enjoying her walk, listening to the birds and watching for wildlife.
Suddenly, Audrey hears howls. Not just one but a chorus of them. Wolves. She starts to run, but just then a wolf jumps into her path blocking her way. She turns and runs off the path trying to get away.
Another wolf leaps in front of her forcing her to change direction again.
Each time Audrey changes direction another wolf would blocks her way. Forcing her to go where they will her to go. At one turn Audrey falls and twists her ankle. Unable to run any farther, she scoots to a tree that is close by and puts her back to it. With the wolves closing in, she has no idea what she is going to do.
She thinks this is the end of her. Lost, no weapon, scratched up, twisted ankle, and no one knows she has gone into the woods.
"Oh Audrey, why didn't you listen to Grandma?" she asks herself.
Suddenly, another howl rends the air. All the wolves, there must have been a dozen of them, stand still as if frozen in time. Audrey hears movement just beyond the wolves. She sits with her back to the tree and fear in her eyes. She doesn't dare take a breath. A man walks into the circles of wolves. Why the wolves don't attack, Audrey couldn't figure out. He walks toward her with an air of authority. He is a few inches taller than her at five foot seven inches and deep brown eyes that one could get lost in. Then Audrey breathes a sigh of relief.
"Darrion, am I glad to see you." Audrey says.
Darrion is a bit of a loner and would be seen in town on occasion. Darrion, when seeing Audrey on her trips to town, would stop and say hello and ask how she was doing. Only a chat and nothing more. Audrey liked how caring and full of concern he was and often fantasized about him.
Unbeknownst to Audrey, Darrion had been keeping an eye on her ever since her parents passed away two years ago. With her grandmother gone as well, this has left her alone. He had timed his trips to town along her schedule in order to get to know her a bit and see that she stayed safe. Other times he would watch her from the edge of these woods. For this was his woods. He was leader of this pack and they listened to him.
"Audrey, you shouldn't be here," Darrion said. "The woods aren't safe and are enchanted. Only a select few can wander from its cover once they enter."
Audrey gasps, "No one ever told me the reason to stay away."
Although, Audrey has always been drawn to these wood for some reason. Darrion kneels down next to her.
"I see you are hurt. Let me help."
He runs his finger down Audrey's cheek in a soft caress. Audrey catches her breath and all she can do is nod in answer.
"Let's get this shoe off before your ankle swells."
Darrion's hands are gentle as he unties and slips Audrey's shoe off. Even then she clenches her teeth and gasps in pain.
"I am going to check to see if you are hurt anywhere else." he says.
"I am fine. It is only my ankle." Audrey assures him.
"I would still like to check to be sure." Darrion replies.
Darrion runs his hands along Audrey's body checking for other injuries. Sliding his hands gently and caressing as he goes. Audrey tries to keep her breath from giving away how turned on she is becoming. Finally, reluctantly, Darrion moves away.
"You seem to be fine except for a few scratches. I am truly sorry this happened. You weren't supposed to get hurt." he said as he looked over his shoulder at his pack.
"What do you mean, I wasn't supposed to get hurt?" she asked.
