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I frown at him. Of course I want her gone. I don’t want any humans here, other than the ones from Pinehaven we already have to endure. With them, we know where we stand. They, of course, have no idea that we are bear shifters. One of our ancestors made the mistake once of revealing that to someone from their town, and long story short, we will never make thatmistake again. Still, the people from Pinehaven belong here… in a way. Just like we do. We’ve adjusted to them, and they’ve adjusted to us, thinking we are just a small village of people, just like them. We don’t go there often. Not often enough to stir any suspicions, but still often enough for them to be assured that we’re just like them. No more, no less.
“Of course I want her gone,” I speak my thoughts loudly this time. “I just don’t want anyone to get hurt, that’s all.”
“But she’s a looker, you gotta admit that,” he grins as he turns to me.
“What do her good looks have to do with this?” I wonder.
Yes, what does her luscious, fiery red hair have to do with this? Or her doe-like eyes? Or her body that belongs to a goddess? Absolutely nothing. It doesn’t matter. None of it does.
“So, you’ve noticed?” Cal seems to be having a blast with this.
“I’m not blind, you know,” I huff, as I walk into the cave, past the overhanging vines and moss-covered rocks. He follows closely behind.
As we venture inside, the narrow passage leads us into the heart of the mountain. The air becomes cool and damp, and the only sound is the distant echoing drip of water from unseen stalactites.
“I can’t remember the last time you’ve noticed anyone of the opposite sex,” Cal continues with this incessant topic. “I was beginning to think you died inside.” He chuckles at his own words, not even waiting for my response.
“You’re a real smartass, you know?” I reply, hiding my own grin.
The passage twists and turns, occasionally narrowing and then widening again, as if nature itself carved a mysterious labyrinth. As we progress deeper, the walls of the cave are adorned with shimmering mineral deposits, casting a faint,ethereal glow. The ground beneath our feet is uneven, worn smooth by the footsteps of all those bear shifters who have passed through this passageway before us.
“And that’s why you love me,” Cal continues playfully. “Admit it.”
“Never,” I reply, as the darkness around us begins to yield, and a soft light filters in, gradually revealing open space ahead. As we emerge from the final curve of the passage, the cave opens up into a breathtaking clearing bathed in natural light. Sunbeams stream through a large opening in the cave ceiling, creating a play of shadows on the rocky floor.
“Seriously now,” Cal nears me as we continue to walk past the quaint cottages, constructed from a blend of timber and fieldstones. The pitter-patter of small feet is heard nearby and then, a mother’s laughter. I know what he will tell me. I know, because he’s not the only one mentioning it. “What if she stays and they come?”
I inhale deeply, raking my fingers through my hair. I know what he means. She is indeed in danger if they come. But they aren’t close… yet. We have only been warned. Not attacked.
“We’ve warned her,” I remind him, as I notice the thatched roofs adorned with wildflowers and ivy. It’s the female touch in the village, of which there has been so little lately. Finding a mate has never been more difficult than in this day and age.
We reach the communal square, at the very heart of the village. There are a few bear shifters there, in their human form, nodding to us as we pass them by.
“Rock?” one of them addresses me. I never liked formal address and preferred us all being on a first name basis. “I need to talk to you. Can I come by this evening?” He seems worried.
“Of course,” I nod, stopping to pat him on the shoulder. “My door is always open.”
“Thank you,” I smile in a way that makes him feel reassured, but I know that he is scared, just like everyone else, because they don’t know what will happen. In all honesty, not even I know this. But I know that I will protect them all with my dying breath.
Cal and I continue walking past an old bubbling fountain, sculpted in the likeness of mythical creatures. Its waters reflect the dancing sunlight. A few children are playing, as their laughter echoes through the air. We pass several other houses, each with its own small garden, where those who live there cultivate numerous vegetables and herbs, exchanging them with others.
“I doubt one warning will do,” Cal reminds me of something I myself know already.
We reach my home and stop in front of the door. The entrance is framed by intricately carved wooden bear statues, symbolizing strength and resilience, standing guard on either side. The cottage itself, though not large, exudes an air of both authority and comfort.
“Do you want to come in?” I ask.
“I promised I will help Willow with her roof,” Cal explains, shaking his head. “It’s been leaking for the past two days.”
“Good,” I nod. “Will you need anything from town?”
“Not yet, I think,” Cal replies. “We still have some supplies, but probably soon.”
“All right,” I acknowledge. “We’ll organize a small group and go… next week?”
“Sounds fine,” he answers. I wait for him to go, but there is obviously something bothering him.
“Something on your mind?” I ask, narrowing my gaze at him. He’s usually not shy about expressing his opinion on anything, so this is a surprise.
