She ran like moonlight across the lake, such silent beauty. Trim muscles tightening, she leaped over the fallen tree and was slipping through the night once more. Breathing deeply, she took in the scents of the forest. Moist earth. Crisp air. Hot blood.
She stopped and sniffed the air once more. No, it wasn't a mistake. She could smell it. Taste it. That pulse of life that made her tongue tingle. She darted to the right, chasing the flickering scent. Glimpsing the flash of white, she pounced on the defenseless creature. And shifting shape, howled at the moon with victory.
~~~~~~
"Lena, wait up. Please? Just one little favor, that's it."
Turning away from the counter, Selena continued counting her stock. "I told you last time, Sunny. No more favors. They just cause trouble, and I'm done with trouble." She looked back at Sunny and knew she had to get her out before she gave in. Sunny was the baby of the family, and knew enough tricks to get her way. And Selena was tired of caving in. Sighing, she turned down the next aisle to continue her work, Sunny following right behind.
"Look, little sister. You know I'd love to help you. But let's face it. You're a walking natural disaster."
"Now don't you think that's a little harsh? I mean, it wasn't totally my fault that the pier gave way."
Selena cocked her hip and shook her head. "Course it wasn't totally your fault. You just happened to have forgotten to let Jim know that you put the anchor down. So when he took off in the boat, the pier took off with him."
Sunny flinched. "That was a little mistake..." Lena walked further down the aisle, noting that the paraffin lotion was running low.
"Then there was the time when you were at the beach, and leaned against the concession stand. I've never seen a building collapse without the use of dynamite before that."
"But those were all accidents, Lena. I'll be super careful this time. I really need this job. Please."
Selena huffed and glanced behind her. Sunny was right. She really needed this job. Now that it was just the two of them left to take care of Aurora, they needed all the money they could get.
"Fine, fine. What time's the interview?"
Sunny jumped up and down, then grabbed Selena for a hug. "Oh thank you, thank you, Lena. I knew you wouldn't let me down. You're the best sister ever!"
Jostling up and down, she took Sunny by the shoulders to steady herself. "I didn't say yes.... I asked what time the interview was." Sunny stopped jumping, and now acting prim and proper, answered, 'It's at 4 p.m. this afternoon."
"Left it to the last minute huh?' Noting Sunny's embarrassed grin, she continued. "I can cut out of work here by 3:30. Meet me here then, and I'll drive you over. I don't trust you with my car, but I think we should be relatively safe with me driving."
"Thanks, big sis. I owe you one." And with one last hug, the whirlwind known as her sister rushed out of the store.
"Man, I caved in again!! You've really got to stop this Selena. Don't give in. Stand your ground," she muttered to herself. Shaking her head, she went back towards the counter. She glanced at the mirror above the gift wrap table, looking for the 'sucker' written on her forehead. Instead she saw the same face she saw every morning. Curly black hair that tended to get a little unruly. Gray eyes, like fairy smoke, her mom had once said. And enough of a tilt on the ends of her eyes and nose to look like exactly like that fairy. An annoyed one at this moment. "Yup. Next time, it's definitely a no." Wrapped up in her appraisal, she missed the sound of the bell above the door. "Oh well. Family's family."
"You know, they say it isn't healthy to talk to yourself." Startled, Selena whipped around and looked up. And up. Into the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen. God, he's built. And running a glance down his body, she could attest that he was built everywhere. Down girl, Lena thought a second later, feeling herself grow damp at the ideas flashing in her head. You don't have time to go there.