Somehow, with everything going through my head, I fell asleep. Such a deep sleep because when I woke I was in a room on a comfortable bed. It smelled like C.J. Testing the waters, I started at my toes and stretched every muscle. I was stiff but no longer sore. Even my headache was down to a mild roar. Definitely manageable. The sun beating in through the curtains gave off enough light I was able to see the room. The first thing I noticed I was alone. I think that was a good sign but that too had me conflicted. How long had I been here was another question. The second thing I noticed was the room looked and felt very familiar but I knew I had never been in this room. No, not room but cabin.

There on the familiar night stand where the photos, I last remembered clutching them against my chest. Ignoring the photos I took a better look around as I sat up. Not just any cabin but one of the cabins from the camp. Was I back at the camp? Oh thank heavens it was all just a horrible nightmare. I must had fallen asleep and someone put me in C.J.'s cabin. His scent was all over the room.

A soft knock at the door had me jump. "Hunter? Are you decent?" C.J.'s familiar voice was on the other side of the door. I think I stopped breathing for a couple heart beats. "I know you're awake. I could tell when your breathing changed." That wasn't creepy at all!

I waited another beat before I answered. Looking frantically for a way out. Why was I looking for a way out? I was back at the camp. I just had one of my nightmares again. "Ah...yeah...Come in." I couldn't keep the nervousness out of my voice. He could probably smell it even if I could keep my voice steady.

"Hey." C.J. stuck his head in before entering all the way. A mug in his hand and a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You look a bit better. Here, drink this." He handed me the mug and I could tell by the smell it was the same nasty stuff he gave me before. Shit, this wasn't a dream.

"No thanks. I am feeling better." I wanted nothing to do with that stuff. It was horrible but there was this deep nagging feeling that told me I needed to stay away from that drink.

C.J. looked guilty and sad. "Hunter, you need to drink this. It will help clear your head. Please, trust me." His hand was outstretched. The mug less than a foot away. I was already shaking my head. C.J. sighed. "I am just trying to help. You need to get stronger and get your head clear. I promise it isn't as bad as the last time." His sweet smile, the one I loved to see light up his face, had me soften a bit. Or was that hope?

I had really, really bad feeling about this but I also had a feeling if I didn't drink it freely someone would make me drink it. I took the mug with slightly shaky hands. Putting it to my lips I took a small drink before putting it down. I had to ask. Well had to ask many things but one question at a time. "Where are we?" I would stay focused on one question at a time.

C.J. laughed shyly. His face turning pink all the way up to the tip of his ears. "This one is all on me. We are back at the camp. I thought you would feel more comfortable here. We need to talk, Hunter. You need to learn everything and now."

I wasn't sure if I would call this comfortable. My supposedly dead foster parent was alive. My supposedly best friend was never an orphan, which he had me believe all these years. And we were back at a place where I thought was the only reliable place I have ever had but I wasn't sure that was true. On the bright side of things I was about to get some answers.

"Ok, talk." This may be simpler than I thought.

"Drink first then I will talk." C.J. countered. By the look in his eyes this was non negotiable. Fine I could play that game as well. I took a small sip. He was right, it didn't taste that bad. How could something smell so bad taste so sweet?

"Good girl. What my dad said was all true. Adam is not your uncle. You don't belong to that pack. This is your pack. You were born into this one. Those," he pointed over to the pictures laying on the nightstand, "are your parents. Sorry, were your parents. The story you know about them is true. They were attacked and killed. But they did that. Adam's pack." He stopped and stared at me. Probably to make sure I was following him. I was but I just couldn't believe it. I think he could tell I was having problems believing any of it. "I wouldn't lie to you about this, Hunter."

That made me laugh. "Why not? You have lied to me before. For as long as I have known you, you have lied. Repeatedly. Why should I believe this? This insane story?" I was getting mad again. How could anyone be this sick? Tell me horrific lies with a straight face?

Now it was his turn to shake his head. "You need to understand that we had too. We were ordered too. I never wanted to lie to you. I hated it more than anything. You see when we first met I was staying at my aunt's house for a couple months because my parents were ordered to do that. I actually thought they left me. The sick bastards didn't care who they hurt! Do you know how many nights I cried in bed? It was only you that helped me get through all of it. You and that smile. Then after, when you came to stay with us the second time they threatened that they would kill my mom if I told you that they were my real parents. What was I supposed to do, Hunter? I was just a kid. We were both just kids." He had tears in his eyes. I could feel his hurt. His fear. I couldn't stop myself from reaching out to my friend.

Holding his hand I silently encouraged him to go on. "It wasn't until last summer that I found out everything. That was also when my dad was able to run to your real pack and tell them everything. He no longer feared for me or my mom. I could help protect her and myself. So my dad found your pack and we told them everything. He was so worried that they would kill us but he had to do the right thing. Get you back and away from those sick, twisted wolves. You needed to be home. To be back with your real family."

I wasn't sure what to believe. Could it be true? A part of me couldn't even comprehend them doing something like this...but he sounded so convincing. I just didn't know. I needed more. But what could I ask to know for sure?

"I...I...never mind. I will leave you alone for a bit. I know it's a lot to take in." He turned to leave but I couldn't let him leave yet.

"Please stay," I begged. I didn't want to be alone right now. I was up on my feet taking his hand again pulling him to the bed. I don't think he wanted to be alone either.

"Drink and I will stay." C.J. gave me a small smile but sat on the bed with his feet up and his back to the head board.

I rolled my eyes but took a drink. Not a sip but a drink. This stuff was growing on me. It was making me feel warm and comfortable. C.J. opened his arms and I took the invitation. Curling up beside him, my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat was peaceful. His scent was warm and familiar. "What were you going to say earlier?" I yawned and curled up closer. He was so comfortable.

"It's nothing." He mumbled sliding us down so we were both lying down. His arm that was under me traced circles on my lower back while his other was tracing my jawline.

"Please..." I did the playful batting eyes thing at him while trying not to laugh.

He sighed. Whatever it was he wasn't comfortable. "Just that I...care about you."

I tried to keep the giggle inside but it escaped. I was so tired again but felt light and fuzzy inside. "I care about you too." Moving my arm around his waist I squeezed tight. Letting my eyes close I felt more relaxed than I had in a while.

"Hunter?" I think I made an incoherent noise. "Please. Please don't leave me. I need you. I promise to protect, love, and respect you but just don't leave me. Be mine..." C.J.'s voice trailed off or I fell asleep. I wasn't sure which one.

When I woke I was truly well rested and completely beyond starving. Still in C.J.'s arms the sun was peeking through the windows. I wasn't sure if he was already awake or the demands my stomach made, loudly, woke him. His chuckle said he must have been awake. "What time is it?" I stretched out. If it wasn't for my stomach I could have laid there for a bit longer. It was so nice being held. And he was so warm.

"Hmm...6:30am. You slept most of yesterday and all night. You haven't eaten since noon yesterday you must be starving. Up we go. Food for my Lupa." C.J. chuckled again when my stomach roared its approval at the word "food".

Taking a quick shower was a must. I could feel the dirt from the cave. Even better was a fresh pair of regular tan walking shorts, red tank top, bra, panties, socks and new shoes. I didn't even want to know where or who found me the new clothes. They weren't mine and felt brand new. World record for the quickest shower for a teenage girl and I was dressed and ready for food. I thought they were going to bring the food to me but to my pleasant surprise we left the cabin. Maybe they weren't lying. Maybe this was my pack. If I wasn't you would think I would be locked up so I didn't run.

Even better than that was C.J. arranged a picnic for us in a clearing not too far from the cabin but gave us the illusion of privacy. Although I haven't seen anyone I could feel them. Smell them close by. None of the scents were familiar to me.

Chicken, salad, strawberries, Italian bread, and juice. It looked great and tasted even better. I ate more than my share but C.J. didn't complain at all. His smile just kept growing and started to laugh when I groaned and fell back undoing my button on my shorts so I could breath. Oh yeah I ate like there was no tomorrow.

The sun was rising, the air warmed, and all seemed peaceful. "Thank you. That was delicious. Who ever said roasted chicken wasn't for breakfast was so wrong." We laughed. Laying on my back enjoying my time with C.J. I closed my eyes feeling the gentle breeze and sun warming my face. I could feel the smile still on my lips. Even the shadow that fell across my face wasn't alarming due to how unbelievably relaxed I felt. Plus C.J. was with me so I had nothing to worry about. It took a second for my brain to realize what had really happened. C.J. was kissing me.