Courted by the Vampire by Sandra Sookoo

upright.” He shouldered his duffle bag and took her bag as well, then tugged her toward a dark and murky section of the forest. “It appears there is a cave of sorts up ahead. It is probably the best we will get tonight.”
    Hannah groaned as the cold fact she’d sleep outside sank into her overly tired brain. “Great.” She stumbled over yet another tree root. The next thing you tell me will be the state forest around Lake Michigan is in reality an enchanted forest.
    W armth around the edges of her mind must be the unusual sensation of Edwin’s laughter. Her brain shivered as if touched by a feather duster.
    “Every place is enchanted to some degree, spatzi . You only need to open your mind to see.” He let go of her hand to forage around in the small cave, disappearing into the intense darkness.
    She stood alone in the noisy forest and tamped down tightly at the fear that clogged her throat. Hannah wiped her suddenly sweaty palms on her jeans then squinted into the emptiness around her. She tried to will Edwin to come back. He didn’t. Something was in the darkness with her. The baby-fine hairs at the back of her neck stood at attention. The nighttime noises suddenly hushed. She recalled everything she had ever learned while watching nature programs on cable. Didn’t lower species of animals grow quiet when a predator entered their area?
    Hannah swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to concentrate on the area directly around her. She fumbled for her bag before it dawned on her that Edwin had taken it with him. She stepped backward. When an arm clutched her around the waist, her breath caught in her throat. Another hand covered her mouth to effectively stifle her scream.
    “Quickly , come with me. Make no noise, make no sound, do nothing until I tell you it is prudent for you to do so.”
    As Edwin’s voice rang in her ear, she nodded her acquiescence and relaxed somewhat. She was too frightened to enjoy the comfort of his closeness. He guided her through the underbrush to the cave, silent as the night itself.
    “The shelter is not big , but it is currently unoccupied and fairly clean. Do not, under any circumstances, turn on your flashlight or do anything to provoke interest in your position.” His whispered voice brushed over her cheek, sending shivers of excitement down her spine that had nothing to do with their present situation. “Do you understand?”
    Hannah nodded, acutely uneasy at the urgency in his voice. She shook off his hand. “Where are you going? I can feel something out there. Will you be in danger? Do you need my assistance? Can I—” Her flood of words broke off as Edwin claimed her lips. His dark, color-changing eyes flashed in the dim light of the moon. She stepped away then banged the back of her head smartly on the side of the rough cave. “Why did you...?”
    “Stop talking .” He pressed a finger to her lips then leaned in close. “I may be away for a bit but do not worry. You will be protected here.”
    “I demand to know where you’re going.” She clutched a fistful of his shirt, pleased when he paused.
    “It would behoove you not to demand anything of me at this moment.” His eyes glittered with anger even as his voice purred in the stifling air.
    She planted her hands on her hips and returned his glare. “And if you knew what’s good for you, you’d lose the attitude.”
    For long moments, their eyes locked. Neither blinked. Finally, Edwin dropped his gaze. “A werewolf lurks outside our shelter. I will warn him away.”
    “You’re going to fight, aren’t you?” Her pulse quickened at the prospect.
    Frustration prompted his sigh. “Blows will be exchanged, and no, you cannot watch.”
    Edwin stepped out of the shelter and arranged a large slab of limestone at the entrance of the cave. Hannah was happy with that arrangement because at least there was a bit of light. Apparently, he wasn’t done. He piled branches and foliage around the rest of the opening,