Animalia: The Green Forest, Book 2

Chapter 1

"I've been catching Tsuki's scent around the forest lately." Alex's ears were flat as she spoke. "I thought we told her to never come back."
"Huh, that's weird," Jaxon was sitting on the ground next to her. "But not unusual. Tsuki never listens to anybody."
"Luca's been with her too," Samson added. He was sitting on the ground beside Rose. All four teens were by the lake, sitting on the bank. "Seems like they've both returned to the forest together and have been meeting up with each other."
"Why would they do that?" Rose looked curious. "They aren't planning anything bad, are they?"
Samson's ears twitched. "It doesn't seem like they are," he muttered. He made a disgusted look. "From the scents they've been leaving behind, they're busy with other things."
"Like what?" Jaxon asked. Then his eyes widened when realization hit him. "Oh. . ."
"I don't get it?" Alex blinked in confusion. "What else could they possibly be doing?"
"Well, you know. . ." Jaxon's face flushed. "They've been doing stuff. . ."
"They're mating," Samson growled bluntly, shooting a scornful look at Jaxon. Is he really such a weenie that this topic gets him embarrassed? I don't know what Alex sees in him.
"Oh. . ." Alex's face fell and her eyes darkened. "Okay. . ."
Jaxon shot her a sympathetic look. Then he met Samson's gaze. "Should we do something about it?" He asked with uncertainty. "Like, stop them or something?"
"No," Samson replied instantly. "What those two do in their free time is none of my business. And besides, do you really think they'd stop if we asked them to?"
Jaxon nodded. "You're right," but he still looked troubled. "But something doesn't feel right. . . How old is Luca?"
"Nineteen." Samson answered.
Jaxon's eyes widened. "'Nineteen?'" He sounded shocked. "Tsuki's only sixteen! He's too old for her! This is so wrong!
"Do you really think that'll stop Luca?" Alex whispered. She was trembling. "If you've seen the things I've seen, you'll know that he's capable of anything."
Samson winced as he remembered the night Luca had nearly killed him. I've never felt so terrified in my life. He remembered the grip of death his cousin had on him, could almost hear his cousin screeching at Alex while he blocked off Samson's airway. I thought I was going to die-and Alex saw all of it.
"Right," Jaxon looked away. "I don't know him as well as you two do."
"It's a little weird how they've returned to the forest at the same time," Rose spoke up.
"Maybe they've been hiding somewhere together?" Alex suggested.
Jaxon shook his head. "I don't think so," he replied. "I've seen Tsuki around outside the forest, and I've never seen Luca with her."
"Don't forget, Tsuki's pretty good at sneaking around," Rose added. "She could have been sheltering Luca this entire time, and we never could have known."
Samson looked away, ignoring the others as they continued to talk. He too wondered where Luca had been, but was secretly glad to know he had been safe the whole time. But I can never admit that. Especially after everything he's done. He thought uncomfortably. But Luca's my cousin, and I still care about him.
"Are you okay?" Rose's voice startled him. The human was watching him with concern in her blue eyes.
Samson quickly regained his composure and met her gaze. "Of course I'm okay," he snapped, suddenly feeling irritated.
"Are you sure?" Rose looked skeptical. "You've been awfully quiet."
Luckily Alex spoke up, saving Samson from having to reply. "Samson's always quiet," the molly chirped. "So mysterious."
"Such an enigma," Jaxon joined in.
But Rose was still staring at Samson with the same concerned look. "I think there's something bothering him." She whispered.
"I'm fine," Samson turned his back on the others. "Seriously. Don't worry about me."
The three teens were silent for a few moments before they started to chat about random things.
Samson flattened his ears and tuned out their voices. But as he continued to ignore them, he was consciously aware of Rose awkwardly glancing at him every now and then. Samson made no attempt to talk to her.

The sun was setting now. Alex, Jaxon, Rose, and Samson were walking through the forest. Alex and Samson stopped when the four of them neared the end of it.
"Bye Jaxon!" Alex rubbed her face on the human with a purr. "See you again tomorrow!"
A small blush appeared on Jaxon's face. "Y-yeah, I'll see you after school."
Samson rolled his eyes at the pair before turning to Rose. "I'll see you tomorrow too, I guess," he mumbled.
Rose nodded, but didn't say anything. She turned and followed Jaxon.
Alex and Samson stood close together as they watched Jaxon and Rose exit the forest. Alex waved a hand the entire time, and every once in a while Jaxon would look back and wave in return until he and his sister disappeared from sight.
Samson sighed once the humans had left. He watched Alex for a few moments before he touched the tip of his tail to her shoulder. "Alright, you," he started when she turned to him with forlorn eyes. "Let's go back to our own homes."
Alex sighed dramatically and started to walk beside him. "I miss Jaxon." She whined. Her shredded ear twitched as she spoke.
"I don't." Samson replied tartly. For some reason, the human always easily got on his nerves. Whenever Jaxon was nearby, Samson would feel his tail start to bristle. Whenever Jaxon spoke, Samson would always feel his patience start to run thin. And it's only Jaxon who makes me feel this annoyed. Samson thought with a twitch of his tail. I thought I was warming up to him. But there's just something about him that bothers me to no end.
Samson dismissed his thoughts and glanced at Alex. The molly looked like she was deep in thought. Then her eyes widened. "Hey Samson, I just remembered something." She gazed at him intensely.
"Hm?"
"Isn't your birthday coming up?"
"Yes. Pretty soon, actually."
"A few more days, I think!" Alex quickened her pace when her house came into view. "Wait, Samson, how old are you turning again?"
Samson also quickened his pace to match hers. How old am I turning? He tried to remember. He finally did after a few seconds. Oh, right. "I'm turning eighteen."