“Michelle,” Julia said while snapping her fingers repeatedly.

Michelle blinked three times before taking a deep breath. She focused on Julia, smiled, and set her eyes on the fish. That’s a positive development.

Julia wondered if there was a hint of hesitation in those eyes. However, Michelle grabbed the leaves, wrapped them around the fillet and ate it like a tortilla. Why didn’t I think of that?

Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.

After a couple of bites, Julia realised that Michelle’s breathing was slow and how she stared out into the forest. This was uncharted territory for Julia, because empathy was never a priority for the pack. Werewolves smash, and never deal with the fallout…

“Michelle,” Julia said while snapping her fingers several times.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.

”Goodbye,” Julia said while waving.

Julia stood by the curb as the vehicle pulled away from the curb and sped down the highway. After the break lights faded into the night, Julia dragged her weary legs up the outdoor stairs and found her room. This was not a five-star establishment, but the bed was big and clean. Fuck yeah! I have the bathroom all to myself!

“Sleep or shower?” Julia asked.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.

“I can’t stay,” Michelle said.

“Time to move on?” Julia confirmed while noting that the sun was getting scarce.

“No, I’m done,” Michelle said just as her eyes teared up.

Julia pushed herself off the tree and sat with Michelle. Her presence might provide a measure of comfort, but the hiker broke out in tears. The distraught woman then reached for Julia.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.

After the first couple of bites, Julia noticed that Michelle’s eyes were glassy while her breathing had slowed. This was new territory for Julia, since empathy was not a priority for the pack. Werewolves smash, we don’t deal with the fallout…

Julia snapped her fingers several times and said, “Michelle.”

Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.

Julia ended up with two steaming fillets of trout. For presentation, the fish was served atop a sheet of birch covered in a bed of fresh leaves.

“You should eat,” Julia said after placing the plate near Michelle.

Famished, Julia had no trouble breaking apart the fish with her hands before popping a piece into her mouth. This catch had an earthy taste. Hunger overrode such concerns, along with trivial notions like table manners.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.

“Thanks again,” Michelle said before hugging Julia.

The embrace went on for a lot longer than Julia anticipated. While it was beginning to feel awkward, she was not about to break free first. I wonder if her boyfriend is getting any ideas…

“If you are ever in the city,” Michelle said, “Give me a call.”

“I will,” Julia lied.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.

“Stop,” Julia said when she caught sight of those bright flashlights. “Fucks with night vision.”

“Why…” Michelle began to say until she realised the threat. “Right…”

“Follow my lead. Stay close, and it’ll work out.”

“What if—What if he shows up?”

“He won’t,” Julia lied.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.

“How could I have been—” Michelle sobbed.

“Shhhh,” Julia replied, and suspected this might sound like a load of bullshit. “This has nothing to do with you. Predators come in all shapes and sizes.”

“But—That’s not right!” Michelle yelled.

“Life rarely is,” Julia replied softly.

Disclaimer: This excerpt from Dark Hearts is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth. The image is sourced from Pixabay.