Page 19 of Feverburn

Both women squealed.“Fuck! Get your robe on!”Rosie screeched.

The rustling sound of leaves and branches followed.“Holy shitballs, what was that?”Kaylee asked.

“I have no fucking clue! I thought you said this was safe?” Rosie shot back.

Harley looked over his shoulder, tapping me to turn around since they had robes on now. He went on,“Why do you disturb by woods wiiiiitch?”

Both women walked around, scanning the forest in panic. Rosie spotted the camera on the tree and pointed at it.

Kaylee yelped in anger. “Harley Demetrios Kouris, I am going to whoop your ass!”She stormed towards the camera mounted high on a tree. Rosie followed, handing her a broom. How fitting. “I almost pissed myself!” Kaylee spat, scowling at the camera before unceremoniously whacking it down.

We both shared a laugh as Rosie picked up the camera from the ground, holding it below her face like she was inThe Blair Witchmovie. She let out anevilchuckle before saying,“Boy, didn’t anyone warn you not to fuck with witches?”

Kaylee threw her head back in a firelit cackle behind her, and the screen went dark.

The Spark

Chapter Eight

Carson's truck was gone when we exited the forest. I fought a smile the whole drive back to town. Was I a little embarrassed? Sure, but I also loved that he saw me dancing aroundnakedlike awildwoman in the woods, full-on tits out for the goddess. I wanted him to know what he’d be getting into if he kept flirting with me like he did.

Once home, I showered and microwaved a bag of popcorn for dinner because I was too tired to cook. I flopped on my sofa and turned on an episode ofFriendsfor mindless entertainment. They were in a coffee shop in half of the scenes, hitting too close to home, so I changed it. I picked the showLostGirlinstead because it had the threebestthings in life—Canadians, hot werewolves, andintenseside-boob.

I fell into a dreamless sleep from exhaustion and woke up later than I would’ve liked. We had no training scheduled till later this afternoon, so Kaylee was running to Portland for some final errands. I offered to go, but she insisted. I think exploring fed her adventurousspirit.

I weaved my hair into a side braid that hung over my right boob and pulled on simple black leggings and an old T-shirt with a cheesy wolf howling at the moon. I got it at some truck stop on a road trip. Grabbing my purse and phone, I raced downstairs, met by anexcitedKiszka.

“Hi, sweet boy!”I cooed as he ruffed at me, talking in his little way. I loved how huskies did that.“Is that so?”I countered, kneeling to give him somelove. He rested a paw on my boob, turning his head in an all-out howl. Carson walked through the swinging doors with an amused smile.

“Hey, girl.”It was too early for him to sound that sexy.

“Hey, good morning.”

Kiszka huffed at me and continued his wailing story, interrupting us. Carson ducked into his office, unbuttoning his flannel, revealing a light gray thermal. I continued petting the dog, trying not to watch Carson changing. Unlike Tyler’s gym body, which was lean and cut, I could tell his muscles came from hard labor. They were somehow bulkier, less douchey. His back muscles rippled as he lifted his arms to pull on the black Carhartt hoodie. Standing up, I brushed the dog hair off my leggings, only to notice him holding the door open for me.

I walked by, dragging my shoulder against his chest, inciting a smile. I knew he was about to tease me. Beatinghim to the chase, I quipped,“Did you enjoy the show last night?”

“Didn’t see much. But it looked like you were having fun. Do you usually do witchcraftnaked?”

“It’s called skyclad,”I said while looking at him over my shoulder as I exited the store.

“I support you doing anything skyclad,” he said, fighting to hide his smile.

I smacked his arm playfully with a laugh. “In all seriousness, it was lovely to get out in nature. Ihopethat once we open, I can start exploring. The whole reason I moved here was to get outside more.”

He nodded, putting his hands in his front pockets as we walked. “That’s the only reason I deal with this nosy town.” The air was cool and dewy, morning mist clinging to the bluffs surrounding us. Aside from patrons at his store and some people at the diner down the road, the town was sleepy.

“Do you live around here?”I asked, suddenly curious.

“Nah, I have a cabin on the lake, kinda by Harley.”He stopped mid-stride on the sidewalk and pointed in the opposite direction.“If you want nature, there are a couple of lakes past town that way. If you take the same road you took last night to get to their cabin, you’ll find good trail loops to walk, beaches, and docks. The water is still too cold, but by June, you can swim. If you can get past the tourists, that is.”

“Tourists. Right.”

“You’re not used to tourists, are you?”

“No, I’m not even used to living in a town that doesn’t have a movie theater.”

“Where did you grow up?”he asked.

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