Howls and screams of terror and pain mixed together, the only sounds in the silence of the night. It was as if the night life itself knew the dangers of being caught out tonight. The poor humans never stood a chance. A human could never out run a wolf, let alone a werewolf.

"Run Skyler! Find a tree to climb!" A girl screamed out, one of the poor humans now entangled into the world of the supernatural. The girl stood protectively in front of Skyler, a brunette of the same height. The girl shoved Skyler backwards and the wolf in front of her growled. It was the only wolf around, the other three seemed to attack on her friends. The wolf charged at the girl and she jumped to the side, claws scraping her arms. The girl winced in pain.

"Go Skyler! Please!" The girl commanded.

"But Sunny!" Skyler backed away slowly, eyeing the midnight colored wolf. The wolf growled at Skyler who stood there looking scared. Sunshine, known as Sunny to her friends glared at her sister.

"Go! Get to the road, find a car!" Sunny said as she grabbed a rock from the ground and threw it at the wolf, hitting it on the head. The wolf turned it's attention towards her. Her sister turned and started to run away and the wolf once again focused on her sister. She threw another stick at it, knowing it was useless. She was dead either way, but hopefully she could live long enough for her sister to get to the road. Maybe her sister would find a car, maybe her sister would at least survive. Let it be said that Sunshine, was a fierce protector over those who she loved, and her gentle sheepish sister brought out every protective instinct she had. She kept throwing what she could at it, sticks, rocks, dirt, it focused on her and growled, striking fear into her. Sunshine challenged the wolf with her eyes. The wolf began to advance towards her. It launched itself at her, it's jaw clamping down on her arm. Sunshine cried out as it took her down onto the ground, momentarily stunning her.

"Sunny!" Skyler wailed out into the night. The wolf stopped attacking her and glanced in the direction her sister had ran. The wolf then howled and took off in that direction. Sunshine picked herself up from the ground with a whimper.

"Fuck," she cried out. Sunshine took off after her the wolf and sister, hoping she would get there in time, even if her head was spinning.

'This is probably the most foolish thing I have done in my life,' Sunshine could not help but think. Sunshine came upon the horrific scene soon, her sister's body was crumpled onto the ground, her legs looking a mess. She glanced at the midnight wolf attacking a brown and white wolf. The midnight wolf was huge compared to the brown and white wolf, easily dwarfing it. She grabbed her sister and her sister whimpered in pain causing the midnight wolf to howl. The brown and white wolf launched itself at the midnight wolf, catching it in the neck just barely as it ducked.

"Sunny...you came..." Skyler whispered, her hazel eyes shimmering with tears.

"I'm here...of course I would."

"Run...please..."

"I just can't leave you!"

"We both know you cannot drag me out of here and escape."

"As if I could escape at this point..." Sunshine cried, tears pooling in her eyes. Sunshine heard a new set of howls in the distance. All of a sudden there was a bite on her shoulder and she was dragged away. Sunshine screamed out in agony, teeth tearing her skin from her shoulder. She was tossed against a tree suddenly, causing her to gasp out for air. Sunshine turned her head towards her sister, to see the midnight wolf launch itself at her again. She didn't have time to react when it bit down on her side. Sunshine cried out again.

"Fuck! Fuck you, you stupid wolf, stay away from my sister," Sunshine said at it advanced towards her sister. The wolf turned around and glowered at her, growling. It attacked her with its claws, batting her around and cutting deep into her skin. Sunshine felt dizzy and she stopped moving, stopped fighting back. Her vision began to get blurry. The wolf left her alone then and she saw the strangest site then, the midnight wolf began a strange transformation. It turned into a naked man. Sunshine would have laughed or thought she had been slipped some drugs, if the pain and nausea bearing down on her was not making it real. Bad enough it felt like there was a fire inside of her and she felt hot, far to hot. Her vision blurred and she blacked out.

"Sunshine!" A familiar male voice called to her briefly as felt like she was floating in darkness. Sunshine wondered where she had heard that voice before.

It was a clear warm summer night, the moon was still upon the horizon,waning away but still bright. A group of backpackers sat around a fire laughing and joking. There was four of them traveling together, three girls and one guy. Suddenly a series of howls filled the nightlife and the wild life around them grew quiet. The four of them glanced at each other in fear.

"I thought there was no wolves in Colorado..." A girl with dark brown hair spoke up.

"Anna, There is not, I did my research. There was a possible spotting of one, but the scientists were not sure," the guy spoke up.

"Shush Jake, I do not want to get everyone freaked out," a girl with golden blonde hair said. Her eyes glanced to the girl at her side who was shaking in freight. Their eyes and hair color was different, but they held the same bone structure, giving them away as family relatives.

"Sunny, I am scared," she said to the dirty blonde haired girl. The dirty blonde was one Summer Sunshine Asher. Her parents were neo-pagans, though Sunshine was not. Sunshine held no religion, but there was one quality that had set her family apart, a secret they all kept, their own abilities. Sunshine could communicate with the dead, or namely the spirits hanging around and have not gone on, wherever they go. Skyler never confided in Sunshine what she could do, only that it had scared it and she tried not to do whatever it was.

"Don't worry Sky, it will be okay, you will-" The howls drew closer interrupting Sunshine's comment.

"Shit, is it just me, or are those howls getting closer?" Anna muttered. Anna had a very quiet ability, empathy, but it helped Anna manipulate crowds and people.

"What do we do?" Jake asked out loud. Jake had the same ability as Sunshine, which is what had connected them in the first place. They met because of Jake's dead older brother, who connected the two. Jake had grown up with Anna. Their abilities had instantly bonded the three of them, as outsiders among others.

"Call 9-1-1?" Skyler said hopefully.

"I am sure you guys are imagining things," insisted Sunny.

"Woah, Miss Sunshine, keep looking on the bright side of life, I would rather not die by a wolf pack attack."

"They would be more scared of us then them. But fine, remember if we do see them, don't run, keep backing up facing them and do not give eye contact. That should work," Sunshine commented.

"Thanks for the 4-1-1, but that does not ease my fears," Jake snapped. Sunshine gave Jake her best smile, but it quickly turned into an expression of freight hearing a growl very close to her. Sunshine glanced around but saw nothing.

"You heard that?" Anna whispered.

"It may seem silly, but lets head to the road," suggested Sunshine.

"What about our shit? We paid good money for it," groaned out Jake.

"Jake, you have some serious issues man," Anna grinned. The howls cause them to pause. It was further away this time.

"Nevermind, let's just stay guys. Let's tune in for the night, we can go to town tomorrow. The town is close?"

"Yeah it is Jake," Sunshine assured. They doused the fire with dirt making sure the fire was out before slinking into the tent. The four seemed to relax into the tent, as if the thin material was enough protection that formed a barrier. Sunshine laid awake staring at the ceiling listening for more howls, but as the night crept on, Sunshine's eyes drifted close and she felt into a restful slumber.

"So where is this motel Sunny?"

"It should just be up ahead!" Sunny insisted glancing down at the map. They turned down the street and there was a giant sign that read "West Haven Inn."

"Why did we have to come to this small town anyways?" Anna grumbled.

"You wanted down time and after this we are not stopping till we get to Colorado Springs baby!" Sunshine cried out in excitement.

"Alas fair maiden, our journey is not at an end yet! Hey! Let's rent a car and just drive there!" Jake said. The girls laughed at Jake's animated movements. They entered the motel and felt the instant relief of the air conditioning. Sunshine approached the desk where a young woman sat she glanced up and smiled at the travellers.

"Hello, may I help you?"

"I need a room with two beds, please for two nights," Sunshine said and quickly took care of the details.

"Alright guys, here is the room keys, let's go shower, clean up, and go out and get some food. Meet back here at six guys," Sunshine said.

"You aren't going to chill with us?"

"Nah, I want to check around this town, see what they have for food and coffee," Sunshine said with a grin.

"You and your coffee!"

"Hey I've been deprived for the past week!" Sunshine whines before skipping into the bathroom to shower and change. Sunshine basked in the warmth of the hot water before getting dressed in new clothes.

"Jesus! Can you take any longer?" Jake grumbled before dashing into the bathroom.

"Hey!" Anna cried. Sunshine laughed and left her two friends and sister in the motel room. She went up the woman sitting behind the desk.

"Is there any coffee shops around here?"

"If you take a right out of this building and keep going up to the light, you hit Main Street. Go left and it's there about a five minute walk," the lady answered.

"Thanks Miss!" Sunshine said and hit the streets. She took notice of the restaurants along the way, wondering what she should try, noting the diner at least for breakfast tomorrow. She grinned seeing the small coffee shop. The names seemed to be pretty redundant here, "East Rocky Coffee." The door bell dinged as she walked in, inhaling the aroma of fresh ground coffee.

'Damn, it smells good in here,' Sunshine thought. Sunshine glanced up at the board studying it, torn between getting a latte and a coffee.

"Oh hello? Can I help you miss?" A girl said coming up to the register. Sunshine approached the register and smiled at the girl.

"I am trying to decide what I would like to get, a latte or a coffee. I have been feeling deprived of coffee for the past week," Sunshine admitted.

"Oh are you a backpacker?"

"Mmmmhmm." The door bell dinged again as someone entered in the coffee shop. Sunshine stepped aside to let the other customer order first. She glanced over to see a tall man towering over. Sunshine was of average height, but he made her feel small.

"Um, you can order first?"

He smirked at her, "Can't decide?"

"No, not really, it all just sounds really good right now."

"Try their Milky Way Coffees, they are to die for," he said with a grin.

"Um thanks Mr...?"

"My name is Micah. Micah Kaiser."

"Well thanks Micah," Sunshine grinned.

"Could I have a medium Milky Way Coffee Black, please?" Sunshine said.

"I'll have the same and two Reese's Mash cookies," Micah added. The employee smiled and rung it up together.

"Um, I can pay-"

"It's my treat," Micah said with a grin. Sunshine's face was still smiling, but her eyes lay emotionless watching Micah carefully.

"Hey now, don't look so suspicious. We get a lot of backpackers that come through this town, people are always passing through and you have the look. I am sure if you just got here you are desperate for coffee," Micah said noticing her suspicious look. He gave her an easy grin.

"Here you guys go," the employee said presenting the two coffees and the cookies on plates. Sunshine grabbed it and quickly sat down at a table looking out the window. Micah sat down across from her, sipping his coffee.

"Do you like to people watch?" Micah said breaking the silence.

"Yes, it's the only time I can really stare at people without them getting all nervous. I like to draw," Sunshine answered.

"And clearly hike," Micah said.

"Yes, I love to backpack. I actually delayed going to college so I could hike the Appalachian Trail."

"Was it fun?"

"Fun? I guess, it was exhausting, but it was amazing. It was six months on the trail and towards the end I had to call home and beg mom to pay for me to spend a night in a hotel, I missed having a shower."

"I could not imagine six months on the trail," Micah said shaking his head.

"The first month is the hardest, getting accustomed to the trail. I loved and hated going into town because I would then spend the night in a hotel, eat a fresh cooked meal and I would ask myself why go back? Still at least one part of my bucket list is accomplished," Sunshine said with a grin. Her grin turned into a frown as she took a giant gulp of her coffee, her attention turning to Micah. She hadn't really paid attention to him before. His eyes were bright sapphire jewels, surrounded by a ring of amber and flecked with a few gold specks. Her favorite part of the anatomy to draw were eyes and his eyes were drop dead gorgeous. Micah's hair was a rich black that looked silky soft.

"Is there something on my face?"

"Nah, I'm studying you from an artist's perspective. Your features are almost classically beautiful in a, I guess masculine but sharper dangerous looking away," Sunshine said.

"Ah that means I'm handsome?"

"I guess," Sunshine shrugged. She hated these awkward moments, where she was unsure if she was flirting, or if they were flirting. She never really understood it. She never really understood how people could look at another person and say I would want to do them. Sunshine was just someone who thought someone looked aesthetically pleasing, or at least pleasing in the way that she wanted to draw them because they had some unique feature. Micah was a unique feature from head to toe, incredibly tall, looking ever bit a predator, a charming devil. He was buff too, but not the extreme body builder, more she guessed a fighter's buff.

"Are you done studying me?" Micah grinned.

"I wish I had my sketchpad. I'd rather draw you," Sunshine admitted, "but mostly I just want to draw your eyes. They are really unique. They remind me of jewellery, a peace of jewel set into a gold ring. They are just really pretty."

"I'll take the compliments where I get them," Micah gave a deep laugh. Her phone cried out 'Hey Listen!'

"Zelda?"

"You betcha!" Sunshine picked up the phone and read the text, her sister letting her know they were heading out to find a place to eat. It went off again, this time a text from Anna telling her to enjoy herself and not be a stick in the mud. She could almost hear Anna's voice in her ear, telling her to be less serious, to have some fun, as you are only young once.

"So how long are you staying in town for?" Alarms were ringing in her ears but she was not sure if she should answer. He was a complete stranger after all. Sunshine certainly made the perfect target, she was alone. She furrowed her brow in deep thought but answered out loud for him.

"Two nights, then we are hiking back to Colorado Springs before flying out." Micah grinned at her answer. The grin unnerved her, especially the way the amber ring in his eyes seemed to darken.

"Want to catch dinner with me?" Sunshine pondered for a moment but remember Anna's constant reminder for her to loosen up and not be a stick in the mud.

'Should I really be doing this? If it was Anna, I am sure she would be climbing up the walls texting me how she was going to get lucky tonight,' Sunshine thought. If Anna could have one night stands, Sunshine was sure she could manage. Sunshine wondered for a second if this was too dangerous, but against her better judgment, she then smiled at Micah and nodded.

"Sure, I am free," Sunshine said.

"Great! Do you mind if we head out now? It will take us half an hour to walk to the tavern I have in mind. Its a local spot, but it brews it's own beer."

"That sounds perfect, do they do summer ales?"

"Yeah they have this really nice summery pale ale," Micah answered. He gave her this devilish grin as he stood up. He got some napkins and then placed them on the table for her.

"What is the name of the tavern?" Sunshine asked as she took a bite and savored the taste of the Reese's mash cookie, almost moaning at the pleasure to her taste buds.

"It is called the Wilcox Tavern," Micah answered as she wrapped it up and then carefully pushed her chair in and then Micah's.

'Out with one Micah Kaiser for dinner at Wilcox Tavern,' Sunshine quickly texted Anna. The 'Hey, Listen!' went off real quick with Anna's reply of 'you go girl!'

"Why'd you do that?"

"Habit, but mostly because it annoys me when people do that to me at the coffee shop I work at," Sunshine answered before picking up her cookie and coffee, walking out the door to the coffee shop.

"Have a good day miss and Mr. Kaiser! " The female employee called after the two of them.

"You know, you have not told me much about yourself," Sunshine said.

"I am not really good at talking abut myself."

"Why not?"

"I prefer to learn about others," Micah said giving her an easy grin, but Sunshine noted the uneasiness in his eyes.

"Let's see, here, I am a sophomore in college, I am 22, I am going for my Nursing degree, I love tattoos and piercings as you can clearly see. I also like to draw and paint. I used to be a big time gamer before I got into college, if I was not hiking, or working, I was gaming. You?"

"I am 30, I have my master's in business, and I run Kaiser Group Inc, which in turns runs a bunch of other corporations. It is my dad's legacy for me. I graduated high school early, I used to be big into gaming, but now when I have down time I usually play Call of Duty and I sometimes play the MMO Deviants Guild."

"You played that game?"

"You know it?"

"I told you I used to game. I was part of the Rising Winds guild, I played a cleric. I was lucky to get in, I don't know how I managed."

"Shit were you Aired by chance?" Micah said. Sunshine stopped short.

"Yeah."

"You need to come back! Join up wit the Skoll Furies. Rising Winds left the game after you left," Micah said with a grin.

"I was their only cleric left after Tinka and Clefairy left," Sunshine said.

"The game isn't the same without Rising Winds. This is such a small world that I meet in the infamous Aired," Micah said with a cheesy grin. They continued to chat, falling into an easy companionship. Sunshine continued to try and pry answers from Micah, but often he would direct the questions back towards her. It made her suspicious of him, but she did figure if the employee referred to him as Mr. Kaiser and he said he ran Kaiser Group Inc, he was not using a fake name. Still, she could not shake the odd feeling of him being dangerous.

They took a turn down a street and Sunshine grinned spotting the glowing sign for Wilcox Tavern. The placed reminded her of a log cabin and it was huge, easily taking up a whole block to itself. Micah lead her into the place and she quickly noticed how cozy it was. It was packed too. There was two groups of people already waiting.

"Oh hey Micah! Oh and you have a date too!" Greeted a beautiful hostess coming up to greet them. Sunshine flushed at this. A date? That was going to far, but before she could speak up and deny it Micah spoke then.

"Could you sit us in the fire room?"

"Yeah sure, hun, anything for you. It is just you two right?"

"No one else is joining us, Jen," Micah replied.

"Then it is no problem. Come on you two." Jen lead them through a series of walkways and rooms, each packed with people.

"This place is really popular..."

"I like to believe their beer is some of the best America has to offer," Micah said.

"The Woodstock Inn in New Hampshire has some good beer," Sunshine protested.

"Maybe, or maybe I'm just a proud native." Sunshine shook her head at this and Jen sat them down in the fire room. It was a warm room, with a fire place directly in the center, and a vent above it. There was a sports TV on one of the walls and rock'n'roll blaring in the speakers. They were placed in a corner thankfully. Sunshine noticed a few tables open, but more for couples than for the groups waiting. It still left her feeling bad.

"You should try one of their burgers, or their ribs, or maybe try the pizza," Micah said.

"Let me see Micah! I'll decide for myself!" Sunshine laughed at Micah's boyish excited grin as h continued to throw suggestions at her as she read the menu.

"Hello I'm Eve, I'll be your waitress tonight. Is there anything I can get you to drink to start with?"

"Could I have just water and-"

"Two of the Summer Pale Ales," Micah finished. Eve wrote it down and quickly walked off.

"What about my ID?" Sunshine said shocked.

"You are with me, nobody will ID you here. Thought is good to already know you are of age," Micah said with a teasing smile.

"I could order for myself, you know," Sunshine grumbled.

"I'll let you order food for yourself, but you need to have the Summer Pale Ale while it is in season." Micah reason, Sunshine sighed at this. Sunshine eyed the burgers before deciding what to get. Eve returned with their drinks.

"Are you guys ready to order?"

"I am, are you Sunshine?"

"Totally, I am starved!"

"What can I get for you then?"

"I'll have an order of the hot buffalo wings, the ultra spicy, and then can I have the portabello mushroom and Swiss burger with the baked beans and onion rings," Sunshine ordered. She folded up the menu and her eyes drifted over to the menu listing all the other alcoholic beverages.

"Sure, and you?"

"I want to have mozzarella sticks, an order of the jalapeno poppers, and I would like to have the Baby Back Ribs with just extra onion rings." Eve quickly wrote it down and Sunshine turned her attention back to Micah.

"You can seriously eat all that?"

"Of course, I am a growing man and I need to take care of these muscles," Micah said jokingly. Sunshine shook her head at his silly attempt to joke. They continued to chat animatedly throughout dinner, joking back and forth. Sunshine ate slowly working her way through her appetizer and her dinner, while drinking beer after beer. Sunshine gave up keeping up with Micah after the third beer, as he seemed to chug one after the other. She was not sure if she was impressed that after dinner that while she was tipsy from drinking six beers and was having trouble with her balance.

"I told you the food and the beer was amazing," Micah said happily.

"I guess I'll have to trust your judgment with food and beverages clearly from now and ever," Sunshine said, slurring a little. Sunshine tripped a little but quickly balanced out.

"I am very well versed in food," Micah said rising his eyebrows a couple times. Sunshine tripped again and caught herself on Micah's arm.

"Sorry, just a wee bit tipsy," Sunshine murmured. Micah slipped an arm around her waist as they started walking down the street away from the tavern.

"It is fine. I should take you back to your motel," Micah said quietly.

"Should?" Sunshine repeated back. Did she read this entire evening wrong? She had done it before, she bit her lip, maybe he did not want her.

"We can go back to my house if you want," Micah said nonchalantly, his eyes watching her carefully.

"I'd like that," Sunshine said. Micah grinned, his eyes filled with an emotion Sunshine was not sure what it was, but she figured it was desire. She had seen it before on a previous boyfriend's face, before having the worst sex experience ever. He leaned down and kissed her then, drawing her close against him. There was nothing like sparks flying, but it felt good, kissing him, making her heat up. Micah pulled away, leaving her breathless, a small smirk on his lips.

"Let's go home then," Micah murmured. Micah led her down the streets until they arrived at a small brick house. Micah unlocked the door, letting her go in first. She stepped into the hallway and slipped her shoes off and left them next to a pair of boots. Micah closed and locked the door slipping off his shoes. He took her by the hand and led through the house. Sunshine barely noticed the house as they slipped into the bedroom.

Micah's hands dragged her against him as he crashed his lips against hers aggressively. Sunshine tried to keep up with his kisses, as they left her breathless. Even if this was just a once in a lifetime, she wanted to please Micah. They fumbled with each other clothes as they made their way to the bed slowly. Sunshine felt awkward against Micah's experienced hands, but it seemed she did enough as he murmured endearments against her neck and moaned. They tumbled together into the bed, naked, finding bliss in each other's arms.

"Look, at you grinning like the Cheshire cat!" Anna teased Sunshine as Sunshine entered the motel room finally. Sunshine just shrugged and grinned, feeling no shame for the two nights she had spent in Micah's arms. While the sex had certainly been pleasurable, it was his easy company that she had enjoyed. There was no demands, no strings attached. Still Sunshine felt guilty because she had been sort of seeing a guy at college.

"Well of course I am! We need to move out by ten am, is everyone ready to go? Did everyone eat breakfast?"

"Yes Mother Duck, we had the free continental breakfast here already, we are just waiting on you," Anna filled in for the others.

"You took your jolly time getting back here," Jake said.

"Mmm, I didn't want to leave my warm bed," Sunshine said.

"Or someone's warm arms," Anna said. Sunshine flushed at this, her cheeks burning bright red.

"That may be...but still..." Sunshine went over to her backpack and quickly packed her old clothes into the backpack. She touched the new pants with a sigh. It seemed silly to cling to the memory, the knowledge she would never see him again. It was not like he was her dream man and it was not like she knew him well.

"Stop daydreaming and let's go!" Jake whined. Sunshine shook her head and stood up, quickly getting her backpack on and adjusting it. They checked out quickly and hit the streets, heading out of the town. Sunshine glanced back and gave lingering gaze before turning her attention back to where she was going.

"So what did you guys do?"

"We ate out, relaxed, we saw that new movie with that vampire hunter in it. Shit man, the vampires looked so freaky in that movie," Jake commented.

"I think it was pretty awesome Jake," Skyler spoke up finally. Sunshine glanced at her sister and smiled happily. Skyler was still timid in social situations and was not even very comfortable around Sunshine's friends, but this trip helped her to speak up a little.

"That is cause Sunny and you are weirdos liking horror movies. I just don't get how you can't get scared," Anna said her voice disgusted.

"I know it is not real. That is the big difference, hence why we find it so hilarious," Skyler said.

"Right-o! I like movies that have a more psychological affect, a thrill that leaves you on the edge of the seat. Those are the neat movies," Sunshine said.

"Like A Tale of Two Sisters?" Skyler asked.

"That movie was really good, especially since I had very little idea what was going on," Sunshine admitted.

"I have not seen that one," Jake commented.

"It's Korean, I highly doubt you have," Skyler said. Anna threw her hands up in the air at this.

"Let's take a break from the horror genre guys, maybe we can talk about that hot stud that Sunshine has been seeing. Seeing as Sunshine has barely texted us, let alone called, it must have been some wild sex escapes. I want the dirty details." Anna demanded. Sunshine laughed and blushed bright red.

"Nah, I shall not kiss and tell or embarrass Skyler or Jake with renditions of the flexible bedroom acrobatics," Sunshine said dryly trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Now onto our route guys, we will follow this road until..." Sunshine's voice drilled on about their route, while Skyler snapped pictures here and there. Eventually Sunshine gave up and took to just observing the scenery around her. Sunshine had always lived right near the ocean, but admitted to herself only privately that Colorado was just as beautiful as living near the ocean. They stopped for lunch and to rest in the shade while the sun beat down on her. Anna sat down next to Sunshine in the shade.

"Did you get the stud's number?" Anna asked her.

"Doesn't that defeat the purpose of a one night stand?"

"I think you defeated the purpose of a one night stand."

"Okay I spent more than twenty-four hours in his company, so sue me."

"So did you get his number?"

"No, I did not," Sunshine said quietly. In a way, Sunshine did regret it. She highly doubt that Micah would pursue her for a relationship. Micah had dropped her off at the motel with a hug and well wishes on her trip. They had not lingered, had not exchanged numbers and certainly while age was not a factor, she had been used as a warm body for two nights. That fact did not disturb her as she had gone along with it. Micah had been nice, his happiness catching, a mixture of seriousness with a boyish charm that had not worn off the grown man. At least he knew responsibility as he ran his rather's company and was not in the tabloid's as some drug abusing man. It wasn't enough for a relationship, or to real know if pursuing a relationship was worth it, but those two nights in his arms had been blissful.

"Hello?" Anna said waving her hand in front of Sunshine's face. Sunshine gave her friend a sheepish smile. Micah Kaiser, what a charming devil, but at least, Sunshine could agree, she was out of his clutches and he would never hold her heart as she would never be returning to Colorado after this hike.

"Whats up?"

"You are totally in la-la land together. Sunny, you should have asked him for his number. You never daydream over a guy."

"Micah is a charming devil, I think he would charm even a bear to do his bidding. It is better than I, only a mere slip of a girl escapes that man's clutches."

"Well it is a little to late to go back now. You could always google the man!"

"Hello! That is way to much like being a stalker. I am not going to be that chick," Sunshine said.

"Just a suggestion, you still have not got a new boyfriend since the break up before Jon went to college," Anna said quietly.

"Acutally I have been sorta seeing a guy at the college in Vermont. I don't think it is going to work out, we are too on and off. He is fun, but I think he is one of those bros, not really a bad guy, but he follows the crowd far to easily."

"Damn girl, you are way to picky."

"Not picky, just...well...me being me. Sunny Asher, the Mother Duck," Sunshine said with a sigh.

"Well Mother Duck, is it time for us to go?"

"Yes my duckling time to go! Cluck cluck! Ducklings let's go!" Sunshine cried out.

"What is this? I am rendered a duckling now?"

"Yes, cluck cluck! Come on chickadees, lets go!" Sunshine broke into the songs she knew in girl scout camp with Anna and Skyler joining.

"The littlest worm I ever saw!" Sunshine sang out. Eventually Sunshine exhausted the songs and they marched in silence.

"Oh hey! There is the camping site!" Jake cried out happily.

"Are you really that excited Jake?" Skyler teased out quietly. Jake mock glared at the three girls.

"I should have insisted Dan come with us! I am the only male here! Maybe I can find some male company at the camp grounds!" Skyler laughed at this. They walked into the free camping site, drifting around together before finding the spot to camp at. Jake and Sunshine set up the tent arguing over the fact that Jake had packed it wrong again. Skyler and Anna went off to purchase wood so they could cook over the fire. They were still arguing even with the tent set up when Skyler and Anna arrived back.

"You two are still arguing over that? It really is not that bad," Skyler murmured. Sunshine threw her hands up in the air, but shut up over the argument. They cooked quietly, the only sound of the crackling fire.

"Is it weird we are the only ones out here tonight?" Jake asked quietly.

"It is a week day," Sunshine murmured.

"Don't worry about it guys everything is fine," Anna said with a grin.

"The spirits are quiet tonight," Jake said.

"I have noticed that too," Sunshine said.

"You guys are going to make Skyler scared! You know she was already feeling bad about going on this trip!" Anna snapped at them. Jake and Sunshine stared at each other over the campfire before Sunshine huffed and went into the tent. The fact was, even if they were in the middle of no-where, ghosts always followed Jake and Sunshine around. It was like the two were a spirit magnet. As they did not want to advertise or draw attention to their ability they had no one to talk to but themselves, to theorize over their ability. Jake entered the tent quietly behind her.

"There is nothing we can do Jake," Sunshine said, breaking the silence.

"I know, it just bothers me," Jake said quietly. Sunshine rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling, breathing in and out. Howls filled the night air in the distance. Sunshine glanced over at Jake, seeing his expression thoughtful.

"What are you thinking?"

"I am wishing we took that bus from West Haven to Colorado Springs," Jake said at last. Sunshine nodded and hummed quietly to herself, curling up on the bed roll. She wanted to sleep and forget the howls, the fears from the lack of spirits. Anna poked her head into the tent then.

"You two going to sleep now?" Anna asked.

"I guess so," Sunshine answered. They again heard the howls. It sounded still in the distance, but closer.

"What is with these howls?"

"I don't know Anna...but it worries me, considering everything."

"Everything will be alright Sunny, it always is."

"As much as I am one to usually agree, I feel really hesitant about it," Sunshine replied back. The howls was heard closer.

"Why don't we go to the bathroom stalls? It is not much cover, but the door closes," Jake said.

"That sounds like a fantastic idea!" Sunshine agreed.

"Skyler, we are going to go the bathrooms, it won't be a restful night, but let's be safe than sorry," Anna told Skyler gently. Skyler nodded, but look tentative. Jake grabbed the bedrolls from the tent. Anna and Sunshine took their backpacks and started to walk towards the bathrooms with Jake leading the way. Sunshine glanced to and fro, ffeeling fear pound in her veins. Sunshine had never felt such fear in her life, it made her hyper aware of every howl she heard, how each howl seemed closer.

"Fear is the mind killer," Sunshine said out loud and kept quoting the quote from Dune again and again. "I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over and through me."

Anna screamed loudly behind Sunshine. Anna was pinned down by a giant wolf. Sunshine froze for a moment as she stared at the snarling giant creature. It looked like a giant wolf. Sunshine's mind kicked into overdrive, emotion fleeing from her mind as she began to push Skyler behind her.

"Jake, take Skyler's hand, I'll follow behind," Sunshine said quietly, not making any loud noises. Jake grunted in response and did as requested. Sunshine kept her eyes on the lone wolf who bit down into Anna as Anna screamed and screamed. There was no point in saving Anna, it would only end up being the death of Sunshine, Skyler, and Jake. Hopefully they would make it to the safety of the bathrooms before it finished with Anna or turned their attention upon them. Suddenly there was several howls at once and Sunshine saw more giant wolves running in the direction of the wolf that was chomping down on Anna.

'Stay calm, stay calm,' Sunshine thought to herself.

"Sunshine, get her to safety."

"What are you going to do?"

"Play hero, then haunt your ass."

"That does not sound right. We are not dying here."

"Does this look like a situation we can get out of?"

"One can hope," Sunshine murmured.

"Run! I'll distract them." Jake insisted. Sunshine continued walking along past Jake, her lips trembling. She was beyond emotion at this point, her only thought was saving those she loved, but she realized in this strange situation that there was no hope left. This situation was so strange, they did not teach you had to deal with giant wolves. Sunshine glanced back as she picked up the pace, hating the fact that to move faster she needed to be focused on what is wrong of her. Jake was slowly walking towards the group of wolves, who weren't acknowledging him yet. She began to pick up the pace hoping she could make it in time.

Sunshine was just out of sight when howls and screams of terror and pain mixed together, the only sounds in the silence of the night. It was as if the night life itself knew the dangers of being caught out tonight. Sunshine held onto Skyler's hand tightly as she began to run. There was no fear, only the thought of reaching safety.

"Look what we have here, hm?" A male's voice rung out, cold and clear. Sunshine came to a stop and glanced to the side. She could barely see him in the darkness, her eyes to weak to see much of any color or the distance he was. Skyler stilled behind her gasping. Sunshine glanced at her in concern but practically began to drag her away. She had no time to deal with a strange man.

"Look mister you better head to safety!" Sunshine called out. The man began to laugh, harshly, causing Sunshine to still. He strode forward and suddenly there was a loud cracking noise startling Sunshine and Skyler. They stared horrified as the man's body began to change, slowly but surely changing into a giant wolf.

"What the..." Sunshine whispered in amazement and fear. She grabbed Skyler's arm and began to run, hoping to outrun what was apparently a werewolf pack. Her poor friends, her poor sister, poor her. Sunshine felt that the bathrooms were to far, why did they have to camp so far from the entrance. Sunshine tripped and fell, taking Skyler down with her, as she was still clutching Sunshine's arm tightly. Tears pooled in her eyes and she angrily wiped them away. Humans could not outrun wolves, why did she think she could make it in time. Humans could not outrun werewolves, they would never stand a chance if the stories of werewolves happened to be true.

"The bathrooms won't save us..." Skyler whispered.

"Run Skyler! Find a tree to climb!" Sunshine ordered, her expression fierce, as she heard a howl incredibly close. A wolf with pitch black hair approached them slowly. Sunshine shoved Skyler backwards and the wolf in front of her growled. It was the only wolf around, the other wolves seemed to be occupied with Anna and Jake. The wolf charged at the Sunshine and she jumped to the side, claws scraping her arms. The girl winced in pain.

"Go Skyler! Please!" Sunshine begged.

"But Sunny!" Skyler backed away slowly, eyeing the midnight colored wolf. The wolf growled at Skyler who stood there looking scared. Sunshine realized how useless it was, with wolves that could turn into humans, the bathrooms and the trees would not be safe. What was she thinking? Maybe if her sister could make it to the road, maybe she could find a car who hopefully was not driven by a werewolf.

"Go! Get to the road, find a car!" Sunny said as she grabbed a rock from the ground and threw it at the wolf, hitting it on the head. The wolf turned it's attention towards her. Her sister turned and started to run away and the wolf once again focused on her sister. She threw another stick at it, knowing it was useless. She was dead either way, but hopefully she could live long enough for her sister to get to the road. Maybe her sister would find a car, maybe her sister would at least survive. Let it be said that Sunshine, was a fierce protector over those who she loved, and her gentle sheepish sister brought out every protective instinct she had. She kept throwing what she could at it, sticks, rocks, dirt, it focused on her and growled, striking fear into her. Sunshine challenged the wolf with her eyes. The wolf began to advance towards her. It launched itself at her, it's jaw clamping down on her arm. Sunshine cried out as it took her down onto the ground, momentarily stunning her.

"Sunny!" Skyler wailed out into the night. The wolf stopped attacking her and glanced in the direction her sister had ran. The wolf then howled and took off in that direction. Sunshine picked herself up from the ground with a whimper.

"Fuck," she cried out. Sunshine took off after her the wolf and sister, hoping she would get there in time, even if her head was spinning.

'This is probably the most foolish thing I have done in my life,' Sunshine could not help but think. Sunshine came upon the horrific scene soon, her sister's body was crumpled onto the ground, her legs looking a mess. She glanced at the midnight wolf attacking a brown and white wolf. Sunshine noticed a reddish brown wolf laying dead. The midnight wolf was huge compared to the brown and white wolf, easily dwarfing it. She grabbed her sister and her sister whimpered in pain causing the midnight wolf to howl. The brown and white wolf launched itself at the midnight wolf, catching it in the neck just barely as it ducked.

"Sunny...you came..." Skyler whispered, her hazel eyes shimmering with tears.

"I'm here...of course I would."

"Run...please..."

"I just can't leave you!"

"We both know you cannot drag me out of here and escape."

"As if I could escape at this point..." Sunshine cried, tears pooling in her eyes. Sunshine heard a new set of howls in the distance. All of a sudden there was a bite on her shoulder and she was dragged away. Sunshine screamed out in agony, teeth tearing her skin from her shoulder. She was tossed against a tree suddenly, causing her to gasp out for air. Sunshine turned her head towards her sister, to see the midnight wolf launch itself at her again. She didn't have time to react when it bit down on her side. Sunshine cried out again.

"Fuck! Fuck you, you stupid wolf, stay away from my sister," Sunshine said at it advanced towards her sister. The wolf turned around and glowered at her, growling. It attacked her with its claws, batting her around and cutting deep into her skin. Sunshine felt dizzy and she stopped moving, stopped fighting back. Her vision began to get blurry. The wolf left her alone then and she saw the strangest site then, the midnight wolf began it's strange transformation again. It turned into a tall naked man with black hair. She could not make out the features for the life of her, her vision was to blurry to even notice the black hair anymore. Sunshine would have laughed or thought she had been slipped some drugs, if the pain and nausea bearing down on her was not making it real. Bad enough it felt like there was a fire inside of her and she felt hot, far to hot. Her vision blurred and she focused on her breathing.

'Where are the spirits?' Sunshine thought.

"Sunshine!" A familiar male voice called to her briefly as felt like she was floating in darkness. Sunshine wondered where she had heard that voice before.

'Pitch black hair,' Sunshine thought.