Keith Relaxing had been an impossible task for the Alpha since he’d left Shirley’s the night before. All day, he found that he couldn’t stop thinking about the woman - how her voice had seemed so fearful on the phone that he’d snapped his pen in half when he’d heard it. Or how he’d nearly broken his front door when he rushed out of it before tearing out of his driveway, going at an ungodly speed in his car. He’d been beside himself as he imagined what he’d find when he arrived at her house, only able to calm down a little when he saw for himself that she was okay. But the information she’d given him only raised more concern. Someone was terrorizing her and he couldn’t figure out who may be behind it. All he could do now was ensure her safety and keep a watchful eye out. Sure, he still didn’t completely trust the woman, but that didn’t mean s

Shirley Just seconds after I’ve received the second message, there’s a knock at the front door - causing me to nearly jump out of my skin as I quietly yelp. I look toward the entryway with fear filling my every nerve, waiting as I anticipate multiple knocks to follow - or even a neverending chiming from my doorbell. But as I practically hold my breath, I find that neither of those things happen. There was only a single knock and then nothing - just pure silence. Slowly, I make my way toward the door, trying to get a better view of it - even if I know I won’t be able to see who’s standing on my doorstep. Still, I wait for more telling sounds, soon hearing one as there’s another knock. But it’s gentle, not at all menacing as someone raps their knuckles against the wood before they withdraw again. My tormentor wouldn’t do that…would they? Well, I suppose it would mak

Shirley My gaze is locked on the fire, unwavering as my body slowly moves. I unbuckle my seatbelt, reach for the door handle to my right - completing each action like I’m on autopilot, in a trance.  I can hear Keith yelling at me to stay in the car, but I’m already opening the door and stepping out. The flames are still roaring and rising toward the sky, making me question how we didn’t notice them earlier. I can now confirm that what I thought was fog is actually smoke, floating up to the trees and dispersing through the surrounding area. I’m in complete shock as I stare at the fire, my mind empty as I watch the Tudor enveloped and breaking to pieces. At this rate, the flames are sure to stream toward the forest as it’s already beginning to touch the trees. I pray that they don’t succumb to the heat, knowing it’s the only thing I can do. I feel completely powerless

Shirley There’s a smile on my face as I wake up the next morning and I know it can be blamed on the lovely scent that drifts up into my nose. As I roll in bed, I happily stretch across the soft bedding, finding that the smell is all around me, warmly greeting me for the morning. Even Cicy seems delighted as she wiggles around inside of me, wearing her own grin as she brushes her fur into the scent. She even nudges me, causing me to lightly sweep my cheek against the pillow under my head as I take another long inhale. However, as I register the quality of the material against my skin, I immediately feel myself tighten. The next second, my eyes fly open and then I find myself swiftly sitting up, blinking wildly as I take in the room before me that is now glowing in the morning light. Keith’s. I’m at Keith’s. I’d somehow completely forgotten an

Shirley As I’m getting ready for the day the following morning, I can’t help but acknowledge the restful night of sleep I’ve had - despite the dinner with Keith, despite him asking me to spend Thanksgiving with him, despite everything. Somehow, I managed to pass out soon after I returned to my room, and I slept soundly throughout the whole night. And now I’m moving around the guest bedroom, tidying up a little so Keith doesn’t think I’m some wild animal. Meanwhile, I have my phone propped against my shoulder and Jean’s sweet voice filling my ear. Well, it’s sweet despite the sadness in her tone over the news I’ve just shared. “What do you mean you’re not coming home for Thanksgiving? I was really hoping I could see you,” she tells me. “I know, Jean. I was too,” I tell her as I fo