For The Love of An Alpha

Winter's Crossing

The dark wooden logs that made up the rustic cabin emitted a warmth over them that warmed their cold bones. Jhera sat near a roaring fire, nestled into the fireplace on the northern wall, opposite the main door. Wrapped around her shoulders was a large wool blanket. The smell of forest filled the cabin, bringing a small comfort to her confused mind. Looking about the room, there was a couch with a log frame and dark brown leather cushions. A matching theme through out the space, logs and leather. The rustic sitting chairs that sat opposite the couch mimicked it's style. A large wooden coffee table nestled amidst them, like a divider splitting the space. The red and gray woven rug reminded her of something she'd read about Native Americans and the blankets they would make.

To the western side was set of stairs that took her eyes up to vaulted ceiling, revealing a balcony and living space overhead. To the eastern side stood a large kitchen, with an island in the center and stools nestled about it. Room enough for an entire staff to work in, and stools to seat ten easily.

"So, little wolf," The blond man returned to the large sitting room, coming slowly down the steps. "Why were you so under-dressed in a time like this?" His hair was damp and a small towel in his hands was trying to remove the moisture of the loose curls about his head. His blue eyes carried with them a sort of humor and he strutted toward the curled up woman.

"I..." Jhera's brow tensed together, a deep crease easing into her forehead. Her eyes dancing with the fire before her as she tried to determine what she was doing. "I don't know." Her eyes met those of her host.

"Well, that's a bit of a pickle." He offered a towel to the auburn haired woman. "I guess we'll have to talk with Jaroth, see what he wants to do."

Jhera nodded slowly and took the towel with caution. Slowly wiped the cold water from her dark red hair.

"Don't fret, Jaroth is a cool guy." The man smiled, his dimples making his high cheeks seem more pronounced. "Where are MY manners?!" He blushed slightly, his voice shocked as he grabbed his chest. "I'm Erick." He extended his hand, which Jhera took firmly.

They smiled to each other, "I'm..." her eyes danced with the fire once more as she released his hand. "I'm Jay."

"You must be hungry." He left her near the fire and walked toward the kitchen. "I have to run into town for groceries, but I can make you a mean grilled cheese." He half smiled as he looked back to the seemingly timid woman.

"Sure." She rose from her seat, dropping the blanket from her shoulders. The cooler air around the room rushed her nearly dry shirt and left gooseflesh in it's wake. Her bare feet moved silently across the carpet, carrying her to a stool at the center island.

"Good, cause I'd feel like a jerk eating in front of you." He laughed, his deep voice carrying his laughter through the vaulted ceiling and bringing a smile to her face.

They ate quietly, Jhera's thoughts swirling about her as she tried to sort dreams from reality. Scarlet would chime in and try to help to decipher things, but even she had a whirl of confusion about her.

"So, Jay," Erick had brought down fresh blankets and a pillow and set them on a chair. "What do you do for a living?"

"Oh, ummm..." She pursed her lips, trying to figure out the best way to explain her skill set. "I'm a hunter." She glanced toward him and then back to the fire. His large frame loomed over her as he moved to warm himself by the blaze.

"Like deer and such?" He looked down toward her.

"No," the ambivalent tone in her voice gave the hint she wasn't entirely comfortable or sure about explaining this. "More like unwanted mystical things?"