Heading down the main road Milo turned on the radio. He fiddled with the dial until the sweet sanguine sound of a saxophone filled the cab. The tension in his forehead slackened and his jaw unclenched. Jazz soothed his nerves and made him feel grounded in these situations.

What he wouldn't do right now to be back at the ranger station, sneaking sips from his gin. Dan, the other park ranger, constantly reprimanded him. Surprisingly, he hasn't turned him in yet. Speaking of Dan, Milo remembered he was covering for him on coast patrol until he returned from, "Non'yer damn business!"

One more sigh, long and audible, left his lips. He wasn't going to make it on the water tonight. Time just wasn't on his side. Leaning forward he turned up the music louder. Hoping to drown out the future lecture he would receive. Before he could fully slip into the unwelcomed daydream, movement from the right side of the road startled him. Springing forth from the brush, a mere 10 ft away, visitors spilled out into the road like deer.

"Fuck! Fuckin fuck!"

Hitting breaks, Milo swerved to avoid plowing into a blonde bimbo and halted his truck on the opposite side of the road a bit further down. The miscellaneous junk in his truck went flying, including the cigarette he was about done with. Looking down around his feet, he stopped all movement when he felt a small sting well up between his thighs. Burning cotton filled his nostrils.

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Hands flew frantically as he fished the cigarette out his crotch. Dusting away the ashes he leaned back, making his famous sigh. Today was not his day.

"I'm so fucking sorry! I tripped and fell in the street! I would never..." The words spilled out over each other as the melodic feminine voice was in pure panic.

Milo glanced to his passenger window. The blond bimbo looked to be in full panic as she apologized profusely for her actions. The other members of her entourage appeared behind her. He gave them a once over, guessing they weren't over thirty. Noticing two of the individuals stood further back, he raised a brow in their direction.

The male quickly looked to the ground, while the woman locked eyes with him. She held his gaze and a wide smile. "Our bad! We weren't paying attention. We were following the North Head Trail and got distracted."

Milo looked her up and down, while processing what she said. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a high bun. Her top didn't seem fit for a park outing, but he digressed. He has seen worse. Squinting, he switched the truck into drive.

"Where are you all camped at?"

"Oh, um at the cabins in the clearing." The blonde found her voice again. He wanted to cuss them out for almost giving him manslaughter charges. Unfortunately, he had to wait.

"Okay, I'm going to ask you all to return to your site. There was a bad bear attack not far from here and it still has not been located. It's best for you to remain indoors or nearby an escape route. Sorry to have ruined your hike."

Not waiting for a reply, Milo rolled up his window, shooing them away from his car. He did make a mental note to swing by the cabins tonight or tomorrow. Wanting to reprimand them for being in the roads like that. Also, he suspected drugs. That lady was high as a kite. Something that left his scratching his head in wonder.

"Six down, many more to go. Fucking Christ."

*~*~*

"Way to go Trin, death by Park Ranger." Jay threw playful elbow into her shoulder.

She rubbed her temples, "I feel so bad. He looked ready to strangle my ass."

Joey put his arm around Alexa's shoulders. "Let's not worry about that. Did that man say bear attack?"

Concerning looks swept throughout the group as they played back the Rangers' words. The once stunning trees now held an unattractiveness about them. Jay, noticing the change in demeanor, took reins over the situation.

"Let's head back to camp. Khalia, come up front with me. Joey, Marcus, you two take rear and walk behind the ladies."

Nodding in accordance, everyone took their positions. Having completed three of the five miles on the trail, begrudgingly, they began heading back the way they came. Jay and Khalia walked briskly, forcing Trinity and the others to keep up. When the gap began to widen Khalia tugged on Jays shirt to slow down.

A pin could be heard dropping on the forest floor as the group traversed onward. Eyes scanned every tree, rock, and bush along the trail for signs of bears. Tension growing, Khalia found herself breathing more heavily as she glanced back at her friends.

Alexa grabbed the hem of her tank top and swiped at the beads of sweat rolling into her eyes. Trinity chewed on her bottom lip, looking side to side every nanosecond. Frowning, Khalia jogged up to Jay, who was widening the gap once more.

"Slow down, we're civilians. I think we should end the trip. I know you had the surprise planned for tomorrow but- "

"Nah, we'll be alright. I leave for base in two weeks Lia, two weeks. This means a lot to me. Granted I should have done it years ago, I had to be sure. The Ranger will have it straightened out later tonight no doubt."

"If he doesn't? We gotta' suck it the fuck up and get mauled by bears? All because you decided you're now ready to commit!" Khalia huffed.

Enthused she was by the prospect of her brother's proposal to his longtime girlfriend. Dying over it was never discussed and that's a bit too much.

"You really believe me, Senior Airmen Schaffer, would let my little sister get mauled by bears?"

"Yes. Absolutely."

Jay stared, astonished by his sister's blatant non-belief in him. Chuckling he drew looks from those behind. Hesitantly they began to unwind, growing more relaxed as camp drew near.

"So, what's the next step everybody? You were moving, right Marcus?" Alexa turned back to look at her cousin who was busy scanning behind them. He gave a wry grin and nodded.

"Yea, love New York, but the prices though. Figured I'd move back to Colorado or some cheap midwestern town."

"Colorado isn't exactly cheap itself my guy." Joey quipped.

"I know. Maybe Khalia will let me be her roommate. I don't have a lot of baggage." Khalia didn't have to turn to hear the teasing in his tone. A small smile formed on her lips and scoffed.

"Diesel does a fantastic job as a roommate. My favorite freeloader." Khalia pondered over her Rottweiler, wondering what he was currently up to. Likely causing hell for the doggy daycare employees.

Peeking over her shoulder she caught him smiling. A whack to her shoulder turned her towards Jay's direction. Mumbling a few choice words her way he walked further ahead, leaving Khalia with a scowl.

Time passed and smoke filled their nostrils as they inched closer. Kahlia's face contorted with surprise. Doing a mental checklist for the whereabouts of her lighter and blunt.

"Oh! Our neighbors must be outside now!" Trinity gleamed and picked up her pace. The others followed suit not wanting to be left behind.

Khalia's brisk walk turned into a jog when she saw the "Wolfs Den". The danger that gripped them in the forest seemed to disappear completely as the group saw familiarity.

Strolling through the clearing, she watched them head to their cabin. Marcus placed a hand on her back as he breezed by. She returned the favor by ruffling his hair. "Jay didn't look all to happy back there?"

"Jay is...he's being Jay. He probably thinks you're going to ruin my life. Which I don't doubt."

"To be fair, I already did, briefly. Now I want to make up for it." Marcus stepped in front of her, startling her when she bumped into him. The scent of stale air clung to his clothes, and she caught hints of Febreze mixed in. Folding her arms across her chest she cocked her hip and narrowed her gaze.

"Do you really think that night we spent together ruined my life?"

"No, not at all. But the aftermath bothered me ever since. I should have known better. I do now. Which is why I think we should get reacquainted. I'm serious about moving back."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Khalia felt her stomach churn as the conversation became deeper. Apart of her wanted to swoon, take his hands, and give him a soul stealing kiss. Though the logical side, slight petty, would rather him beg. Maybe this was why her relationships were always rocky.

Becoming unnerved by his intense stare, she averted her gaze and spotted the neighbor. A large man, he sat on a log around the fire. It lapped at the air with fervor, intent on being the center of attention. His back faced his cabin. From the distance she couldn't make out if he was watching them, assuming he was lost in the fire.

"Okay, I know it's a bit forward but think about it. I'm going to go shower, come join me when your brave enough." Grabbing her chin, he smiled when she scoffed, then walked off.

A loud pop made her flinch, and she looked back at the man. Her arms bristled with goosebumps and her heart skipped several beats. The man was indeed staring back at her. His expression unreadable.

"Walk dummy."

Khalia mumbled to herself, feeling oddly exposed when he looked her up and down. He sat hunched with his forearms resting his thighs hands. His hair was dark like her own except his seemed unnatural. As if nature took a permanent marker and filled in where hair should be. She found it fascinating.

He wore a regular pair of blue jeans and a basic gray T-shirt with an emblem. She squinted, leaning forwards to see what was written on the sleeve, then realized what she was doing. Turning she jogged to the cabin, feeling eyes on her the entire time.

*~*~*

Khalia shoved the duffle off her bed before collapsing on it, the hike and drive taking its toll. She made a slight face at the stickiness of her back. Water thrummed on in the bathroom along with "This Is Letting Go" by Rise Against. She gave a half smile thinking about their shared music taste.

"Is this what it'd be like to have a roommate?" She spoke aloud, mind lulled by relaxing white noise of the environment. She found herself enjoying the thought of his presence around. Though, the more she mulled over it, going through with it made her queasy. As her brother said, "You better tell him no before I beat his ass again."

As appreciative she was at having a protective brother, she's 25 years-old, a goddamn adult. Hell, thats 5 years to elderly. A loud rumble interrupted her thoughts. Rubbing circles around her belly ring, Khalia hoped the others would have cooked by the time she showered. Closing her eyes, she decided to rest them, just for a second.

*~*~*

By the time she awoke dim light shown through the window. In her groggy state she could hear soft feminine laughter. Sitting up, she stretched and frowned when she realized she had left the blinds open. Granted someone would have to walk on to the porch to be a peeping tom, it was still a plausible happenstance. Swiftly as possible Khalia got up and dug into her bag. Pulling out a simple white T-shirt, fitted gray sweats, and a joint, she headed to the bathroom.

Finishing in record time Khalia threw her damp coily hair into another bun. Praying to the hair gods that it won't be too tangled in the morning. Stepping outside, she expected to see Jay and the others occupying the firepit near their campsites. Surprisingly the area remained dark and undisturbed. Not a single log graced either pit.

Commotion to the right, Jay's horrendous laughter, pulled her that way. Walking past the front end of the Tahoe the man from before came into view, still at the firepit. Jay and the others sat with him, scattered around on the various logs and folding chairs. Their faces were flushed and movements sluggish. Khalia noticed the liquor bottles and six packs on the ground near the fire.

"Liaaaa Babyyy."

Trinity sang her name as Khalia sauntered over. One arm was around Jay's waist, the other held up a cup for Khalia to take. She took the offering, knowing all too well the drink would have no chaser only liquor. Taking a quick sip she pouted, confirming her theory.

"How long have you guys been drinking?"

"Awhile. I offered to wait, but your friends said you catch up quickly."

Khalia's eyes shifted to the man, a mere five feet away. He spoke with a smile and raised a beer towards her. He swapped the shirt from earlier for a fitted black long sleeve. She watched his muscles ripple with every movement he made.

"How kind of them." Speaking flippantly, she returned the gesture while looking for a seat. Marcus patted the spot next to him, grinning all the while. She hesitated slightly, aware that the only other seat was near the man.

"Oh! This is Theo! He invited us over, his family departed early, and he didn't want the trip to go to waste." Trinity blurted, happy to be of use.

"The-oo." Khalia rolled the name off her tongue, then took a long swig from her cup. Theo turned his body in her direction.

"Yes, my brother and his wife had to cut the trip short, an emergency. I have this cabin for a week so I'm in no hurry to leave. I noticed Jay about to set up a fire, figured I'd extend a welcome."

His voice held the richness of butter. Ethereal and captivating she found herself immediately entranced. Warmth radiated from his eyes, and he nodded at her brother.

"That's very kind of you. Thanks!" Khalia beamed and faced the others. "Now where's the food? I'm fucking starving!"

Before long a soft hum of banter surrounded the fire. They drifted endlessly in and out of conversation. From current life changes to hypotheticals, making sure to dwindle the alcohol in the process. Soon trips to the bathroom turned into bear crawls. It wasn't until Trinity fell off the log for the 10th time did, they call it a night. Unceremoniously, Jay picked her up into a fireman carry.

"Betta' hope I don't crop-dust ya ass." Trinity slurred, earning her a quick smack to her rump. She squealed and they disappeared into their cabin.

Khalia watched Alexa give Joey a provocative stare. Wordlessly, he rose off the bench, taking her by the hands. He whispered something in Alexas's ear leaving her giggling. Quickening their steps, they disappeared into the same cabin.

"See, that's exactly why I wasn't sharing with them." Khalia spoke, more so to herself. She had a sway to her as she tried to stabilize by watching the fire. Maybe five cups of "Trinity's mix" weren't a good idea.

"So, are you two leaving together as well?"

Theo arched his brow, and Khalia wasn't aware her face could become beat red. Marcus stuttered but nothing came out as he was fighting his own drunken stupor.

"Ah, no, no. He's my brother's friend. We're the single ones on the trip." A wave of her hand left no room for argument. Standing, she moved opposite of Marcus so that she plopped next to Theo. Leaning over Marcus nudged his shoulder against hers. Glancing, Khalia blankly stared at his frown.

"I'm your friend too."

A spear through her heart. Furrowing her brows she tried to clear the fog in her mind. If she were sober the thoughts running through her head would be very foolish.

"Uh, Khalia, we should head inside. Remember the Ranger."

Grasping her shoulder he squeezed. A switch seemed to go off and she jumped. Looking back at Marcus she nodded silently and went to stand, stumbling slightly. The fire looked to be in the sky as her vision spun. Rustling sounded to her left. Theo cleared his throat before pulling out a lighter.

"Here, don't forget this. You dropped this in the clearing earlier."

Brief confusion crossed her face, and she smiled drunkenly.

"Oh! Do you smoke? Wanna match?"

"No Lia, I think he-"

"Ah, let's not confuse her anymore Marcus. She'll remember tomorrow hopefully. But yes, I do and that would be nice."

She couldn't put her finger on it, but his presence was more intoxicating than the liquor. Frightening but alluring. His chestnut brown eyes held a mischievous glint, and she found herself wanting in on the joke.

"What did the Ranger say Marcus?" Theo turned to him, causing her to frown. Catching this, he smiled before winking at her. She fought the urge to shove press her tits against him.

"He, uh, he said for us not to leave our cabins because of bear attacks happening." Marcus hesitated. Whether it was due to the alcohol or his nerves, he swore Theo's eyes grew murky.

"Ah well, we should call it a night. We have more days to spend together. Marcus, do you mind if I talk to Khalia alone? Unless you want to join our smoke session?"

Reaching out, he grabbed her hand before Marcus could speak. Khalia's eyes widened a fraction at Theo's proposal. When she met Marcus's stare, she gave him the puppy eyes. A pained look flashed across his face, and she felt another wrench through her heart. Giving her a half smile, he raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Nah, I'm good. Stay by the fire Lia. Night."

Turning, he staggered back to their cabin. She watched him until he disappeared through the doorway. Soon, a loud sizzle filled her ears, and the smell of charred wood made her nose wrinkle. Turning she watched Theo douse the fire, with water and dirt. She arched a brow before taking a step back.

Paranoia rose but she squashed the feeling down. Surely nothing would happen, especially with this god standing by her. She had no clue what he wanted to speak to her about, hopefully it will lead to something exciting.

As if reading her mind, a warm hand cupped her left cheek. Khalia couldn't see him in the darkness, yet he found her with ease. The smell of alcohol on his breath as he moved closer caused her own breath to hitch slightly.

"Lia, I noticed that there's chemistry between us. I know you can see it too. I must warn you if I find something I like, I don't let go. Are you sure about this?"

His lips brushed her ear, and a shiver crawled down her spine. An electric hum buzzed around them. Time slowed as she focused on his words of...warning? Pfft. Raising her hands she wiggled them under his shirt, sighing as the heat soothed her skin. Raking her nails across his abdomen a luscious grin spread across her face.

"Fuck ye-"

Lips crashed upon hers as he captured them. His tongue met hers for battle. The hand on her cheek slide to the nape of her neck, pressing her deeper into him. The other glided down her hips, where he gripped her ass forcefully. Khalia moaned into the kiss, biting at his bottom lip from the sensation. A sly grin formed on his face, and he gave her ass a rough slap, she sucked her teeth.

"I know a spot if you're willing. I promise the bears won't get you, but I'll put you on your knees" Huskily he spoke, dragging his thumb across her collarbone.

A lust drunk, she pondered over his proposal. Logically she wouldn't agree to something like that because she enjoyed living. This was a prime set up for brutal dismemberment, at least, that's how the movies go. Nevertheless, he promised to have her on her knees and that she found bodacious.

"As long as you don't kill me, lead the way Sir." Grabbing what was left of her joint, Khalia sparked it, smiling at the orange glow that casted over his face.

His eyes are so dark.

"Sir? I like that. Say it again." Grinning, he took her hand and gently lead her into the forest.