Pack

The drive from your apartment to your former roommate and partner in crime Charlotte's hometown was a day's drive . Since Charlotte had come to visit you a couple times over the years decided it was time to return the favor . You noticed that your friend wasn’t sure about you coming down to visit. since she warned you of the small town mentality and wasn’t too happy about visitors . Promising the only cool person in town was her grandma that she lives with but reluctantly told you to come up for two weeks.
The drive wasn’t terrible, only a couple hiccups on the way that delayed you a couple of times. Finally being able to relax for a while without having to grade papers or hearing yelling of kids all day . You loved your job being a school teacher but sometimes you need to sneak into a closet to get away for a minute . Which you were convinced some the teachers had a hidden stash of something to keep them relaxed.

Driving in your old jeep passing signs for vote advertisement for Governor Andy Barber for Governor of Sleeping Willow . Taking in the handsome man on the billboard with the perfect trimmed beard and soft blue eyes . Thinking he had your vote just by appearance but giggled at the thought of the beard burn between your legs. Secretly enjoying your love of a good beard as passing the welcome sign of Sleeping Willow.

Seeing the outline of the small town in the distance, looking at your surroundings of the farmland and changing leaves . It looked so peaceful here, maybe a little house on the prairie vibe to it . Sighing as you feel slightly more relaxed at the prospect of enjoying peace and quiet with no interruptions.
Catching a flashing blue light in your rear view mirror wondering what could be the problem since you weren't speeding or driving recklessly. Waiting for the officer to come to your window as you rolled it down . Hoping the officer isn’t going to give me a hard time but was met with a nice set of soft blue eyes. The officer was tall and well built with a nice trimmed beard that hid the smirk on his face .
“Good Afternoon Miss I’m officer Levinson may I have your license and registration please ?”, Asking nicely while peering into the car . Handing over the items he requested while keeping your hands where he could see them.” Is there an issue officer?”, Hating how weak the voice sounded .

The officer smiled, handing back your item as he leaned down to be eye level with you . Watching the officer you could have sworn he tried to smell you but maybe the long drive was getting to you .” You have a tail light out on the driver side plus I haven’t seen you around here before ?”The officer's eyes scanned over while keeping a soft smile on his face . Something about this handsome man made you uncomfortable but remembering all those crime shows that started like this.
“Oh thank you for letting me know I wasn’t aware it was out “, Really wanting to stop talking to the creepy sexy pants that kept looking at you. something dark laid under those ocean blues and you didn’t want to find out what . “ I-I’m here to visit a friend for a little bit plus I couldn’t pass up the view ,” giving him a forced smile in hopes he will just let you go without a ticket .

“Well I hope you enjoy your stay here and make sure to stop at the hardware store to get that light fixed “, Officer Levinson smiled as he walked back to his car looking straight at you while getting in then pulling off in the opposite direction. Ari blue eyes kept looking back at you while driving away as he took a mental note of your license plate.
Riding through town seeing a hardware store that was attached to a garage stopping there .In hopes of getting a light bulb for your taillight was your best beat. Parking your car looking at the cute small town that was decorated for fall with the changing of the leaves in full bloom. The door ringed as you walked through heading down one of the aisles to find what you were looking for. Opening an auto parts book to check what size bulb you needed before grabbing the right one.

Grabbing the bulb heading to the counter to pay for it but didn’t see anyone at the register. Standing on your tippy toes to see anyone around after checking all the aisle for any sign of life in the end found no one . Thinking maybe they were in the garage side helping a customer . so leaving the bulb on the counter to head outside to find anyone . Seeing a man under a car working on something plus not wanting to scare the man . So you made a little noise so as not to startle him in any way.

“Excuse me sir I’m looking for someone to help me in the hardware store ? “, You asked while looking around at the man’s legs . Hearing the sound of tools hitting the concrete floor as he rolled out from under the car . A greasy man with dark blue eyes that had a buzzed haircut looked at you briefly before standing up. Realizing that maybe beards are a requirement when living in the mountains maybe because of the cool climate ?
“I can help you, what is it you are needing ? “,The tired sound man asked while you took in his handsome appearance. He had that rough bad boy feel to him with a heart breaker vibe that would leave you sore in the morning.
“All I need is to purchase a tail light bulb since mine is out “, informing the man that he was cleaning off his hands as he listened to you. You wondered if he was listening to you at all but was just nodding his head . He definitely wasn’t in any hurry at all because you are not the most patient person and living in the hustle of the city doesn’t help that flaw in your personality.

“Look I have already found the bulb I really need to get back on my way !” , puffing your chest out of irritation since being in this town less than 20 minutes already is not going well . A soft pout on your face as you looked at the mechanic like an impatient child ready to throw a fit.
The Mechanic put up his hand smirking at you in defeat as he led the way back into the store as he got behind the register.” Your not from here ? And I take it you are a city girl ? “,He looked you over after ringing up . Curtis couldn’t help finding that pouty look cute even when you are trying to be firm . To Curtis you were a little kitten that needed someone to make you purr.

Looking at his name tag then making eye contact with the wall of muscle . Wondering what is in the water here since he was the second beard and blue eye hottie of the day. “ Well Curtis I am not from here but I grew up on a farm if you must know …. I’ve just been spoiled by city living is all” , handing him cash as he handed you the change back .
Curtis chuckled at your confession while he would love to fuck that attitude out of you and put that mouth to better use . “Careful Kitten that will get you in trouble around here , put the bulb in a paper bag and hand it to you. Rolling your eyes at the alpha male response over being in this store .

Saying a quick thank you then b- lined straight for your car since Charlotte was probably wondering where you were at. Curtis watched you pull out heading into town as he sent a text message and got back to work. Your scent lingered a little bit which made a rumble come from his chest while readjusting himself to get back under the car .
Heading up the mountain you passed this huge mansion that had a lake behind it with a great view of scenery. Thinking to yourself of rich people with an eye roll as you glance at the property. Thinking what a waste of space since you couldn’t justify having such a big house. Turn down a dirt road catching the view of the old cabin of your friend's grandma's property. Parking the car then headed out when a weird high pitched shriek caught your attention, which came from the person you were here to see.
“You finally here !!! “,Charlotte screamed with her blonde hair in a messy bun and workout pants running your way. Pulling you into a tight hug before you were fully out of car so she could embrace you. Tapping your friends shoulder to loosen the grip from Charlotte hug since she has always been strong .
“ What took you so long ? Did you have car trouble ?”Charlotte asked, looking at your old jeep like it could fall apart at any moment. “No, there were a couple accidents that delayed me plus I got pulled over when I got into town,” rolling your eyes while grabbing your bag.

“Pulled over ? Where you speeding ? “,Charlotte chuckled at the fact you’ve already got into trouble in the small town. “No, the dickhead pulled me over for a busted tail light which I stopped at the hardware store to pick one up, “you noticed Charlotte was no longer smiling but shook her head at a thought.
“Well your here now and that is all it matters okay ?!so let’s get you settled in and then we can go into town for a drink , “Charlotte led you to a small bedroom across from the bathroom . The room had a view of the woods next to the house. “Oh grandma went to stay with my aunt for a little while so it will be just us while you are here “, Charlotte left you to unpack.

Charlotte looked at her phone to see she had a text message but swiped left to read it later . Looking back at your direction, sighing heavily not wanting to know what that text says .Since it was never good when you heard from them or caught their attention . Her thoughts were broken when she heard you coming down the hallway to the kitchen where she was standing .

“I’m ready if you are , “You announced while she went to grab the Keys and put her phone away. Loading into the old pickup truck that was Charlotte’s grandfather’s. heading down the mountain passing the huge house you saw earlier really to be able to look at it. “Who lives there ? “,Getting a good look at the home since you couldn’t while driving. The huge cabin style house with a wrapped around porch and large windows.
“People you need to stay away from while you are here and they aren’t people you need to get to know , “Charlotte glared at the property but it caused you to be curious . Where they old money that rubbed people the wrong way ? Was a drug cartel living there ? Or Just some rich people that think there above the law ? Thinking you will get your answer once Charlotte downs a couple of drinks.
It got dark here fast the streetlights were on and people slowly closing business for the day. Seeing the town's watering hole already had a good crowd . Charlotte wasn’t happy about the crowd but it was Friday so assuming it was expected for the locals closing out a work week. “Come on let’s see if we can find a table and gossip,” Charlotte winked at you leading inside the place .

The smell of cigarettes, beer and old building smell hit your nose with the low lighting. A couple of pool tables aligned the far end of the bar not far from the dart board . Spotting a table Charlotte told you to grab it while she got the drinks so dividing and conquering. The table was next to a window in the middle of the bar which was good since it gave you the opportunity to take in your surroundings.
Grabbing a seat to listen to the music which was a mixture of country and 80s rock. Looking around noticing all different age groups from the young rowdy to the old timers reminiscing over the good times. Charlotte came with a smile and a beer in each hand sitting down looking around the bar. “Are you looking for someone Charlotte? “,You teased giving her a wink while sipping your beer.

“No- No I’m just seeing who is in here tonight but it looks like the same crowd,” smiling while drinking her beer. Time has gone by fast with gossiping about love life’s or lack of one in your case but the beers just keep coming . “ So how do you do it ? Being a school teacher I’m pretty sure you have to be some kind of Saint or at least have the patience of one ?!”Charlotte commented as she stood to get the next round .
“Well it has its good and bad days … but I wouldn’t change it for the world”, You said while looking outside , noticing how dark it was . “ So how rewarding is it to deal with the sick ? You smirked since Charlotte was a nurse and often complained about patients . Charlotte went to get another round of beers since you had gotten the last .
While you waited for your friend to return feeling like someone was watching you but not sure where since it was pretty crowded. So finish off your beer while slowly scanning the bar . Three sets of eyes are watching you as they sit in the dark corner playing pool talking amongst themselves. Charlotte meets the men’s glaze glaring at them , deciding it is time to go, paying the tab.

“Hey I’m ready to go …. it getting pretty crowded plus we can stop somewhere if you want to get some beer and snacks on the way home ? “, Charlotte said flatly, looking at her since the change in mood turned a whole 360. “Don’t worry about the tab I already paid it so you can get it next time , “the blond was looking in a direction but couldn’t see anyone in particular. The downfall of being short while your friend stood at 5’6 to your 5’2 frame.
“Yeah sure we can go then stop at the store on the way back “, grabbing your stuff leaving a tip on the table heading to leave . Charlotte relaxed once we got into the truck stopping at the store to get beer and snacks . The store was quiet with how late it was after midnight but surprisingly still open. Standing in-front of the freezer section trying to decide on what ice cream you were in the mood for .
“Are you having a hard time deciding ? “,A deep voice grabbed your attention from the silent debate in your head . “Oh I’m sorry am I in your way ? I’m just deciding on what I’m in the mood for is all “, giving the good looking stranger a smile. Now come to think of it he looked very familiar for some reason and it didn’t click till he gave you that million dollar smile.

'`Oh you're the guy on the billboards coming into town right?”, Asking him which seemed to embarrass him a little . “Yeah that's me , the guy on the billboard. I'm Andy Barber by the way , “extending his hand to shake it . Trying to bite back on giggling as you tell him your name and shaking his hand . A comfort silence fell between the two of you but you did have a nice buzz from the bar.

“Well hopefully I have your vote in a couple of weeks ? “, Andy teased looking you over briefly before making eye contact again. “Well if I was a local then you could possibly have it …. but I’m just visiting a friend during fall break so I’ll be gone like the wind in two weeks , “telling the stranger you just met which suddenly wasn’t sure why you told him that . Blaming it on the alcohol was your best bet since you usually didn’t give out information freely to people freely.
“Oh that’s too bad the town gets too miss out on that sweet smile , “Andy compliments you as he grabs what he wanted out of the freezer . “Yeah it is a beautiful town you have here I can see why Charlotte loves it here , “grabbing your favorite ice cream heading down the aisle with him matching your steps. “ Charlotte? “, Andy questioned trying to put the face to the name which he matched quickly when he saw the blonde glaring at him.

“Oh there you are Charlotte ran into your future major , “smiling at Andy which he returned then meeting your friend with the same glare . “Well it was a pleasure meeting you, maybe we will run into each other again before you leave “, Andy smiled one last time before briefly looking down at Charlotte then continued on his way.
Something must have been going on that she wasn’t telling you Charlotte wasn’t typically so aggressive in nature. The blonde wasn’t being her bubbly self when Andy was next to you and her mood changed dramatically at the bar. It was a quiet ride back to the house and the atmosphere inside seemed tense . since your friend looked like she was having an internal battle with herself as she white knuckled the tiring wheel . The sound of wolves howling as you two heading for the house noticing how Charlotte stopped walking for a second then continued.
A couple days had passed since your first visit to the local watering hole and meeting Andy at the store . Charlotte had persuaded you not to go into town instead she took you to the best hiking trails and fishing holes around . Which you didn’t mind since you loved the outdoors plus the trees were fully changed and beautiful like a live painting moving when the wind blows. But you also wanted to check out the cute shops you passed by in town since you're a sucker for them. Luckily you finally got the chance since Charlotte had gotten called into work and wouldn’t be back till that evening .

Parking your car at the first parking spot you found excited to start window shopping, deciding on which one you wanted to go into . The first thing on your mind was coffee with it being the basic bitch if you came out craving a pumpkin spice latte . Finding the small coffee shop giving the girl your over and patiently waited for your name to be called . Not paying any attention to someone walking in till the feeling someone was standing next to you.

Turning around bumping into the person slightly noticing your bracelet was caught on the stranger's sweater .” Oh I’m so sorry I didn’t notice someone was next to me ,” looking up briefly at the man that was glaring at you . while trying to unhook your bracket without ruining his sweeter. “Look it’s okay accidents happen just watch out next time ,” he said flatly with irritation in his voice while looking you over when checking to make sure there wasn’t any damage to his sweater.
Stepping away from the grumpy man waiting for your coffee to be ready and silently kicking yourself for not being more aware of your surroundings. For some reason being in this town made you drop your guard when you shouldn’t. Standing there ignoring the man speaking under his breath behind you.

Hearing your name quickly grabbing your coffee while rushing out and away from the cleaned shaved dark blonde . Brushing it off as maybe he was having a bad day but now days that could just be his personality. Ransom watched you leave in a hurry smirking to himself at your submissive and caring behavior . He could see why his brothers were so smitten by a kind soul with a sweet face too bad you had caught the attention of monsters in the night.

Finding a cute shop that has home made items inside the smell of cinnamon hits your nose when entering . A soft voice greeting came from an older woman by the register to acknowledge you were there and to holler if you needed anything . So walking around smelling candles while reading home made signs to decorate your home with. A piece of jewelry caught your eye since it was unique.
The gems were all different colors but they all were carved into the shape of a wolf head . Picking one up surprised at the detail of the craving while taking note of how smooth to the touch it was . “Did you find something you like sweetheart?”, the shop woman asked, making you jump in surprise. You almost dropped the necklace on the table with the sneaky old lady.

“Oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you, please forgive me ,” smiling sweetly while leaning forward to see what is in your hand.” Oh yes those are beautiful cravings but you don’t need one sweetheart .Since you’ll have your own soon enough” , the old woman walked away leaving you floored and creeped out by what she said . Why would she say that ? And what did she mean ?
Going ahead buying the items you hand in your hand while trying to figure out this strange woman. Pushing down the feeling of dread forum into your belly as you headed to the register. “What do you mean back there ?”, Looking at the woman with the wrinkles in her face and gray hair in a loose bun. She seemed to ponder on how to explain it without making you run from the hills .

“Oh sweetheart they will come for you just wait and see .They have their eyes set on you and have been waiting for a long time “, the old lady said while bagging up the items . “Who is coming for me? Listen lady I’m not from here so I think you have me confused with someone else. plus I’ll be leaving soon enough, “ your voice was sharp glaring at the lady that was creeping you out and feeling paranoid.

“Oh you won’t be leaving any of the girls like you ever leave town and they will make sure of it “, the lady handed you the bag but refused to take the money. “Oh they will pay for the items you bought so don’t worry about “, forcing you to keep the money while staring at her horrified at the meaning . Taking the items from the lady storming out of the store heading straight to your car when you noticed a flat tire.

“Shit! “,You cursed under your breath trying to calm your nerves looking the tire over to see if it can be patched . Seeing a big nail the answer was no, sighing at the fact you will need to change your tire and not hoping your spare isn’t dry rotted . Jacking the car so you could change the tire but was struggling to loosen the lug nut. You were about to say fuck it when you noticed the sun suddenly went away looking up to see someone standing behind you .
“You look like you could use some help there doll ?”, the man in a nice tailor said the obvious. Looking over the man since you're pretty sure his whole suit is worth more than what you make in a month.” Listen thanks but no thanks I can do it ,” you grunted when finally loosening one of the lug nuts . One down four more to go wiping sweat from your forehead since it was harder work than anticipated.

“Listen doll as much as I’m enjoying this I am woman moment why don’t you move aside and let a man help you , “the stranger said with a condescending tone in his voice . Finally having enough standing up to confront the man which was a bad idea since you were eye level with his chest. Looking up at the man with annoyance of the day so far and didn’t need his commentary.

“I said I can handle it Mr. War bucks since I’m sure you have better things to do . like rub elbows with clients or run around with a snooty woman, " you glared at the man which he smirked, it only made you even more angry.” Besides I wouldn’t want your delicate hands to get dirty !”, Turning around to start working on the other lug nuts which loosen easily for some reason. Who said that they were angry didn’t help with some things .
Well you are pretty sure the anger helps in your efforts but the suited man just silently watched you go through the process. He even had the nerve to clap at you when you finished as he leaned against his black BMW.”Wow doll that has to be the most interesting thing I’ve seen today but I’m sure this isn’t your first show ?”, standing up walking to you while sliding his card into your greased hands .

“Next time you need help just give me a ring . I surely hate to see a sweet doll like yourself getting your hands dirty , “giving you a wink then getting into the car driving off. Tearing the card in half throwing it to the ground since it would be a cold day in hell before you call him for help. Slamming the car door shut as you got ready to drive back to Charlotte's.
“Steve Rogers can kiss my ass' ' you said to yourself while heading back to Charlotte's house . Still fuming when you pulled to the house grabbing your things unlocking the door when in the distance wolves started howling. Slamming the door when you got into the house grabbing a beer while you sat on the couch replaying what that ass hole said to you .

Now you understand why Charlotte didn’t go to town unless she had too with some creepy ass old lady to the condescending asshole . Coming to the assumption he must be the one that lives in that house but Charlotte said people are plural ? Shaking your head since you had less than a week till you left and you were counting down the days .
You even kicked around the idea of leaving early but you really didn’t want to hurt Charlotte's feelings . So downing the remaining of your beer deciding to just bite the built to finish out your time here. Which noting it will be a while till you come to visit this town again . The sun was starting to come down which meant Charlotte would be getting off work and dinner still needs to be cooked.

The ding from your phone made you leave the couch too see Charlotte texted you . “ Hey ! I will be running late coming back to the house . so don’t worry about dinner since I’ll grab something in town on the way.” Texting her a simple okay back to her which you really didn’t want to cook so decided ice cream and beer it is . Flipping the TV on to see what was on, I found a horror movie on and settled right in for the show .