Nature of the Beast - boy X boy -

Four - Running in the Night

The wind held a bitter chill as it blasted past Danny, sending shivers up his spine and goose bumps across every inch of his skin. He rocked himself back and forth on an old swing in the deserted playground whilst he waited. In the distance, a few voices called to one another as a handful of young teens played hide and seek on the edge of the forest.  He checked his watch in agitation at their lateness, and contemplated if they would be cruel enough to stand him up in the cold. Seven figures appeared from the trees in the farthest corner of the field. One tall blonde female flanked by three males on each side. His face lit up in recognition of the male on the far left, it was Raven.

“Sorry we are late.” Raven said as he ran up to Danny, his amber eyes twinkling with mischief. “Michaela decided to take forever to do her hair, and as far as I can tell it looks no different than before.”

“Not a problem, I'm just glad that you guys didn’t just stand me up.” Danny watched the shame wash over Raven's face. “But I knew that you wouldn’t let them hurt me.”

“I can only try; sometimes these guys do whatever they choose to.” Raven took Danny's hand and guided him to the rest of the group. “We're ready, let’s get the adventure started.”

The tall blonde-haired woman huffed disapprovingly and looked at the tallest and slimmest of the males. “I still don’t trust him.” Michaela said. “Rocco if your mother finds out, we could all be in big shit.”

“My pack my rules, and as we all know what is at stake if this thing goes tits up.” Rocco gave Raven a cautionary glare and turned to follow the trail they had just come from.

“Your place must be set way back in this part of the forest.” Danny caught up to Rocco.

Rocco let out a long sigh and lead them down a small narrow track hidden by a cluster of large ferns. They walked together for five minutes before Rocco stopped them. “This is as close as you get for now.” Rocco put his large hand on Danny's chest to stop him coming any closer. “If you want to get closer then you need to make a deal with me.” He took his hand off Danny and gave Raven a warning glare.

“You said you would take me to the clearing so we could all hang out without being stumbled upon.” Danny complained and looked to Raven for back up.

“He's the one that owns the land.” Raven looked away.

“Fine what do I have to do for this deal Rocco?” Danny stepped closer to the leader.

“Firstly you have to agree to do everything I say; it is for your own protection. Secondly you will be blindfolded the rest of the way so that you cannot come wandering into the clearing on your own.” Rocco sat on an old tree stump and waited for Danny to come to a decision.

“What if I promise not to walk there without your permission?” Danny asked as he tried to find a more comfortable loophole.

“You are forgetting the first rule; you need to agree to do everything that I say.” Rocco said with a smug grin. “That is the big rule here, all of these guys have agreed to that.”

“You make this sound like some sort of cult.” Danny looked into Rocco's dark brown eyes. “What happens when your followers disobey you?”

“They don’t usually try.” Rocco dismissed. Growing tired, he stood up and dusted off his trousers. “So are you in or do we need to lose you in this forest?” He gave Danny a sinister grin.

“You guys are nuts, but I guess to most people I am too so I'm in.” Danny surged forwards as he received a pat on the back from Raven who beamed at him.

Raven pulled the thick scarf from the slim red haired man next to him and tied it tightly around Danny's face.

The sudden loss of sight took Danny by surprise and his body tensed in response. He stretched out his hand for guidance and felt the strong grip of Raven's hand in reply. He could hear the muffled sounds of footsteps through the thick material that was partially covering his ears. A wave of claustrophobia hit him as he tried to follow Raven's guiding hand.