All the things I didn’t know.

Into the woods.

4 days later I stood in my driveway as Brad loaded the last of my bags into the back of my Jeep.

I was about to get into the drivers seat when Mom came running out of the house yelling “wait! Charlie! You forgot something!” I turned around to see her approach me with Willow, my stuffed wolf. I don’t remember who gave me Willow or why I named her that, just that ever since we moved away from my dad she had brought me comfort. I was really glad my mom had thought to grab her for me. “Thank you Mom, for everything” she grabbed me into a huge bear hug that I thought would never end, not that I wanted it to.

Mom looked into my eyes and said “I love you so much Bubs, please be careful. And call me. Every day. No, make that twice a day. At the very least” a single tear escaped from her cheek. “I love you Mom”.

With that she let me go and I quickly climbed into the drivers seat knowing that if I didn’t leave now I wouldn’t go at all. I clipped my seatbelt in and shot Dad a quick text - Leaving now. Should be there by dark.

It was about a 4 hour drive from moms house to the address of dads compound so I made sure to stop for an iced coffee before I really got on the road. Once I had everything I was off. After driving for about 3 hours I noticed the scenery start to change, the trees become thicker and the rolling hills could be seen in the distance.

It’s been so long since I’ve been here I had forgotten how beautiful this area is. I passed a sign on the side of the road listing the distance to nearby towns at the bottom it read Jade River 100kms. That’s it. My new home, or at least my home for now.

I drove for another 45 minutes before turning off to a small winding road leading you into a thick forest. At the end of the road is a massive steel gate with a small gatehouse to the side.

I slowed to a stop and rolled my window down. A ginormous man with a thick beard and piercing blue eyes stepped out. “What business do you have with Jade River?” He asked gruffly. “Um, I’m Charlie Summers, I’m here to stay with my dad Charles” I meant it as a statement but it came out as a question. Suddenly his facial expression softened and he slightly bowed his head and strongly said “my apologies Miss Summers. Welcome to Jade River, it’s an honour to have you here. Your father hasn’t returned from the Alpha summit, he should be back later tonight. I can have someone escort you to his home.”

Wow, so formal “No. thank you. As long as he hasn’t moved I should be able to find it.” He nodded and slightly smiled and turned to go back into the guard house.

The gate opened to reveal a place I didn’t recognize at all. It had completely changed and evolved from the quaint little village I remember. Don’t get me wrong it was beautiful, adorable homes dotted along streets with tall, full, mature trees, it just wasn’t the place I remember.

As I drove along I realized that finding my way might be harder then I thought. I decided the best plan of action was to follow the main road, people walking down the street turned to watch me as it was obvious I was an outsider. Clearly my bright red truck was not familiar to them.

I continued driving until I came upon what I can only describe as the most central part of the community. Right in the middle of beautifully manicured grounds sat a house on steroids. It looked like a much larger version of the most perfect home I could have ever imagined.

It stood 3 stories high with natural stone going halfway up the sides, the top half was a deep navy blue siding leading up to a jet black roof. The house and its many windows were trimmed in white except for the front of the house. It boasted a grand front entrance made of natural woods coming to a peak above two heavy wood double doors.

I pulled up in front of the doors and a very handsome, and surprisingly tall guy appeared at my door. He couldn’t be more then 21 but wow he could be a model. I opened my door and got out, “Miss Summers, welcome. I’m Torin, your father asked if I would help you get up to his place. If you want to come with me I’ll get a ome… I mean somebody to bring up your bags and park your car for you”.

He smiled a brilliant smile at me and for some reason I felt like I could trust him.

“Please just call me Charlie, everyone around here is so formal”. He laughed “okay, Charlie, can I help you up to your dads place? We’re only formal because your dad is a important man and we want to be respectful”. I nodded not knowing what to say and I reached into my car to grab my purse and cell phone before we started to the stairs.

The door swung open and we walked into a big open hallway with a staircase leading up to a large second floor balcony. Directly in front of us were a set of doors leading into an elevator.

My dads place was on the third floor, Torin asked if I wanted to take the elevator but I had been sitting for way too long as it was, I needed to stretch my legs. What I really needed was a run but it was late. I made a mental note to go tomorrow morning first thing.

Once we reached the top floor Torins cell phone started to ring. “Sorry, excuse me” he said to me before turning away slightly and answering his phone. After realizing that Torin had gotten into what seemed to be an important call I started to wander down the hall. I stopped in front of the double doors at the very end and just had a feeling that this was it.

I turned to look at Torin who pointed at the doors and nodded.I took that to say ‘that’s the one’ and opened the door.

Suddenly I was hit with the most wonderful smell. It smelled like figs and pine and musk. A masculine smell no doubt but so warm and inviting. I do not know what kind of air freshener he has but I know I need to get one.

I was surprised to see a very modern home decorated in light whites and greys with pops of colour. The kitchen looked pristine and unused. Not surprised, dad never was much of a cook.

After wandering around my dads place, which felt weird and intrusive to do with him not here, I found what I assumed to be the guest room. It was way bigger then my bedroom at home and had its own bathroom.

I knew I needed to take a shower, I had stopped for something to eat on the way so I wasn’t hungry but I did manage to find some fizzy water in the fridge, I grabbed one and headed to the bathroom.

As soon as I stepped into the hot steam I instantly relaxed. I had been in the shower for a few minutes when I heard the voice in my head clear as day say “home” and sigh. I shook my head and realized I must be exhausted from the emotional drainage of leaving my mom and my home behind as well as the long drive.

I quickly finished my shower and realized I didn’t have anything to change into. I wrapped myself in one of the huge fluffy towels I found in the closet and shuffled my way back out towards the front door. I noticed my bags hadn’t arrived yet so I popped my head out the front door and saw them sitting a little bit down the hall. After triple checking that there was no one around I ran out to grab them. They were heavy so I only dragged the one I knew I needed into the room I would be staying in.

I took my time getting changed and then decided to look around a bit more. Off the main living room was a huge balcony over looking the forest. It was dark but it was at that moment looking up at the stars that I realized that this house was built on the exact spot where I lived with my mom and dad. Happy memories of running and playing with my mom and dad came rushing back, I also remembered a friend I had. It was a little boy a few years older then me, he had the warmest chocolate brown eyes and dark brown hair. Why can’t I remember his name? I can suddenly remember everything about him but I can’t recall his name! “What was his name?” I asked myself outloud. ‘Cohen’ the voice in my head stated assuredly. “Yes! Cohen! Thank you!” Oh man, I’m thanking the voices in my head, I really must be tired. What’s worse is that the voice said you’re welcome.

After admiring more of the home I decided to go to bed. Something about this place made me feel much more comfortable then I should feel in a place I haven’t been in years. I made my way back to my room and climbed into the much too large king sized bed.

I couldn’t help but smell the sheets over as I snuggled further under the covers. I picked up my phone and called my dad, it went to voicemail so I figured he was still in a meeting. I called my mom to let her know I had arrived safe and sound. While I was talking to mom a message came in from dad -

Hey Chuck, Torin let me know you made it there and are all settled in,. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you home. I’ll see you in the morning, we are flying out soon. Love ya

I quickly text him back -

Love you too.

That was the last thing I saw before I drifted off into sleep.,

The next thing I knew I was opening my eyes to the first rays of morning sun coming streaming through the window. That was the best sleep I’ve ever had.

I tossed the covers off and quickly changed into some army green leggings, my favourite black sports b*a and a white tank top. After finding everything in the kitchen to make coffee I headed downstairs .

Once I got down stairs I passed by a few ladies in a simple uniform of a black polo shirt and black pants or skirts. All of the shirts had embroidery below the left shoulder that said Jade River in script. The ladies were all busying about but they all either said good morning or smiled as the passed.

I made my way out back into the yard and looked around. This I remember, it felt like coming home as soon as I stepped into the edge of the forest. I quickly stretched and then took off, something felt different. I felt lighter, faster more agile and my knee felt 100% better. I ran through the forest never once questioning my direction or worrying that I would be lost. I intuitively knew the way back. I ran for about an hour before deciding to head back and see if my dad was up.

I jogged back up the stairs and into my dads suite. Once inside i immediate threw off my tank top and leggings as they were sweaty and nasty. I headed into the kitchen to get a bottle of water. As I was bent over in the fridge the delicious smell I had been smelling since my arrival intensified tenfold.

“I think you might be lost” even though this was the most velvety smooth deep sensual voice I had ever heard, the strangers voice behind me scared the sh!t out of me! “Ahh!!” I turned around and leaning on the doorway was the most perfect Man I had ever laid eyes on. His eyes were the colour of milk chocolate, warm and intense, he had a head of dark brown effortlessly tossed hair that made me want to run my hands through it. His face was chiseled and he had just the perfect amount of stubble on his strong chin. He stood in front of me in only his basketball shorts that sat low on his hips. His body looked photoshopped. Tanned smooth skin covering a washboard stomach, muscular shoulders and chest. He hooked to be in his early 20s and was probably around 6’3. He was easily the most gorgeous man I have ever seen and if he didn’t just scare the hell out of me I might have wanted to jump into his arms.

“What are you doing in here?!” I shrieked.

“I could ask you the same thing, not that I mind having a fuking stunning woman in my kitchen, but who are you?” He rebutted.

“Your kitchen?! Isn’t this my dads house?” Then it dawned on me. There were no pictures of me or anyone I recognized around, holy sh!t. I’m in the wrong house!

“Charlie, I’m Charlie, my dad is Charles Summers. I’m so sorry I thought this was his house and I just got here last night and it was dark and oh my goddess I am so sorry” I blabbed on as I held my face in my hands.

Great first impression Charlie, breaking into someone’s room, eat their food, sleep in their bed. I’m like friggin Goldilocks except Goldilocks wasn’t caught in the kitchen in her underwear.