Encounters Pt. 01

Prologue

Amanda Willock watched the various trees as her father drove to their new home. Washington didn't look too bad, Amanda decided with a sigh. At least the scenery was pretty.

"You'll be fine," Karen said, looking back at her daughter. "This is our last move for the next five years. Your father and I want to stay here for your graduation from high school and college."

"I know, Mom," Amanda said, smiling. "I'm just sulking, I guess."

"Not to worry," Adam said as he adjusted the mirror to look at his daughter. "All these new boys to disappoint and new friends to make."

"Well," Amanda smiled. "You and mom did teach me how and when to defend myself."

"Yep," Adam smiled at his daughter as he hand went to rest on Karen's thigh. "The only time your Aunt Rebecca sided with your mom."

Karen scowled at the admission, though she knew Adam was glad they had taught Amanda to defend herself.

"She's supposed to come," Adam continued. "Some time this summer. She said she needed to talk with you about a few things."

"More of your family history?" Karen sighed and Amanda relaxed back into her seat as her parents spoke.

Going back into her reveries, Amanda thought of all the things she knew of Washington. Though, she admitted to herself, it wasn't much. Twilight, of course, would not be a good place to start an archeological reference point.

Surprisingly, a shift in speed before reaching town brought Amanda out of her thoughts and she watched as her father took a right as the G.P.S. informed him it was time.

Nearly hidden by the trees, a single lane road led to a large cottage. Late afternoon sunlight gleamed and shone against the windows of the cottage and the woods behind it seemed closer because of that image.

"It's beautiful," Amanda said as she leaned forward between the seats to get a better look.

"I could only get it as a rental," Adam smiled at his daughter. "I saw it in the book and knew you would love it. The realtor actually had to make a few calls to find the owner before I could even get that much out of him."

"I wouldn't sell it either," Amanda exclaimed as her father pulled up in front of the porch. "Does everything work?"

"It works," Karen chuckled. "However, no internet or cable television."

"Seriously," Amanda paused in the act of getting out of the car for a closer look.

"Seriously," Karen nodded. "And, have you seen any electric lines out here?"

"You bought a cabin?" Amanda gasped, looking accusingly towards her father.

"It has a thermal generator," Adam smiled. "All the electrical stuff is below ground so it doesn't impact the surrounding area."

"Awesome!" Amanda enthused. "This is totally awesome!"

Karen looked at her daughter a long time before looking back to her husband. Adam merely shrugged and sent her a smile.

Chapter 1

Amanda walked through the forest in wonder. Though it might be more aptly named a 'wooded area,' the way the dappled sunshine filtered down to the forest floor made it seem magical. Going west at the burned stump instead of east this time, Amanda was taking in the sights until she came across a small glade.

As the sun broke through the forest canopy it glittered like diamonds on the small pond. Amanda's breath caught at the beauty of it as a wold sat warming itself on a large stone.

Amanda was about to jerk back when strong hands grabbed her.

"Don't scream," the deep, baritone urged calmly, only a hint of annoyance in his voice as her teeth bit down. "And don't run.

"You have seen all the lilacs, fennel, marsh marigold, and other plants," the voice in her ear continued. "Yet you wear rose oil into the woods. Did you think she wouldn't notice?"

As her heart stopped hammering under his calm tone, Amanda nodded before she realized she was still biting down on his hand.

"Sorry," Amanda said softly. "If she knows I'm here, why doesn't she attack?"

"Wolves don't normally attack people," he replied. "A rabid wolf, or a wolf that is injured or starving may snap and try to defend itself. But, they will normally leave humans alone. Unless the human is stupid enough to go near their den. The entire pack will fight to save the cubs.

"If you can stay calm," he continued. "You may sit here and wait for me. If not, back up slowly and go back home."

Not wanting to show her fear, Amanda nodded and sat slowly. She nearly gave herself away and only force of will stopped her gasp as the large man walked forward.

Amanda watched as the man pulled a large, furry hunk of meat from his pack and placed it before the wolf. As he placed the meat, a low growl emanated from behind the wolf and another grey wolf limped out of the shade. Another, larger piece of meat was brought out and placed before this wolf.

As the second wolf fed, the man knelt and brought out a pottery jar and a washcloth in a plastic bag. Washing the dirt amidst low growls as the wolf ate, the man quickly cleaned the dirt from the area. Taking the pottery jar, he removed the leather top and rubbed the contents onto the paw. Inspecting the wound, he wrapped it in a small, tight bandage.

Finished, he gathered up his things before taking a large wooden platter from his backpack. Dumping a bag of cubed meat onto the platter, he placed it in front of the tree and Amanda watched as a small wolf nose began to appear from the shadows beneath the tree.

Rather than spending time with the cubs, the man backed away under the watchful gaze of the parents before he turned to the girl.

Amanda gasped as she finally saw his face. Though he was tall and, apparently, fit, he didn't look any older than she.

"You're just a boy," Amanda said as he took her hand and helped her to her feet. "How did you know what to do with the wolves?"

"You're just a girl," the boy said, amused. "Don't come here any more. Who gave you permission to come into the woods in the first place?"

"My house is on the other side of the woods," Amanda said, annoyed. "I have as much right . . ."

"Not here you don't," the boy countered. "Your property line ends well before the woods. Go home."

"I go where I want, asshole," Amanda began. "If you think . . ."

Amanda gasped as she found herself slung up in the air.

Once he had her in the fireman's carry, the boy took off at a quick trot. Though Amanda tried to stop him, tried to get some semblance of balance and get free, the boy's strength kept her tightly in place. Though she fought for nearly twenty minutes, the boy's steps never faltered and his grip, though firm, never became painful.

Realizing she would never get free until he decided to let her free, Amanda quit struggling. Once she stopped fighting, the boy began to run faster. As she watched, Amanda saw that he took a different route and saw that his path had fewer obstacles.

Though it had taken her nearly three hours to get to the glade, the boy broke from the woods in under an hour. As he ran for the house, Amanda blushed as she saw her parents coming outside and running for her.

The boy saw them as well and slowed to a trot before he began to walk. Amanda was surprised that, though he was sweating from the exertion, his breathing was steady.

"Are you all right?" Karen asked as she reached them, eyeing the boy. "Were you hurt?"

"She's not hurt," the boy said evenly. "She has no business in the woods. Keep her home."

"This is our home," Adam said, stepping in front of his wife and daughter. "She was just exploring the woods. She wouldn't have gotten lost. What made you think to put your hands on her?"

Adam was surprised when the boy only looked at him for a long time before smiling.

"Check your property line," the boy said, turning. "And talk with your realtor. Remember, only a certain portion of the land is here for your use."

Jumping forward to grab the boy, Adam was surprised when the boy spun out of the way, tripping Adam and using one arm to guide him, force him, to the ground.

"You don't know me," the boy said evenly, applying pressure at the wrist and elbow with his hands and at the shoulder by putting a foot there. "Samuel Clemens once wrote; 'The best way to win an argument is to start off by being right.' You're wrong to try to make this a fight."

Releasing the man's arm, the boy walked over him and continued into the woods.

"Adam?" Karen asked, surprised.

"I'm all right," Adam said, getting up. "I just lost my temper and attacked stupid."

"If you hadn't," Karen chuckled. "I would have.

"Are you sure you're all right, baby?" Karen asked, looking over Amanda.

"I'm fine, Mom," Amanda sighed. "I found a beautiful glade in there. Unfortunately, there was a family of wolves living there. One of them was injured."

"They let you go?" Adam asked, surprised.

"He kept me from screaming," Amanda admitted. "He brought them some food and helped the injured wolf. He didn't interfere with the cubs, though he did set up a platter of cubed meat for them."

Amanda explained everything that had happened, wondering as she did why she could still feel the way the boy's muscles bunched and moved as he strode through the forest.

Chapter 2

Amanda spent the next two weeks looking around town for any information on the boy. Sadly, being the new girl in town, she didn't know who to question for information.

With her chores finished, Amanda walked outside and stared. And stared. And stared.

Using a word her mother would have been most upset with, Amanda went back inside. Coming out in proper hiking gear, Amanda made her way into the woods. Following the boy's trail, she made it back to the glade.

The wolves, Amanda noticed, were gone. Even evidence of their being here was no longer visible.

"They left a few days ago," an amused voice informed her. "You lasted longer than I thought."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Amanda snapped as she turned to the infuriating boy.

"Which part?" he chuckled.

'Christ,' Amanda gave an inward moan. 'Even his laugh sounds like music.'

"Lasting longer than you thought," Amanda snapped, giving herself a shake and reminding herself that she was angry with this boy.

"Your father learned that this is private property," the boy shrugged. "You didn't care. You wanted to show me that I can't tell you where you can go."

Amanda nearly swore, as much for his tone as for his being correct in his reasoning.

Shrugging, the boy started walking towards the pond.

"How did you know this was private property?' Amanda asked, interrupting the boy. "How did you befriend the wolves?"

"The male was injured by a trap," the boy shrugged. "I released him and tended his wound. Seeing as he wouldn't be able to hunt, I helped them make it here and brought them food.

"You described me a 'just a boy,'" he smiled as he looked down at Amanda. "Why were you offended when I call you just a girl?"

"Sorry," Amanda said after a moment, blushing. "I just meant . . ."

"That I was a dumb lout," he laughed. "A cardboard cutout that you had seen thousands of and worth no more consideration.

"Come on," the boy continued as he began to strip. "The water will be good for you. As red as you are, you definitely need to cool off."

Amanda gasped as the boy removed his clothes and hung them over a branch before wading into the water. Though tall, he had a taut, runner's physique. All rangy muscle and bones.

"You sublimated your fear of the wolves," the boy smiled. "You aren't afraid of a little water, are you?"

"I'm not in the habit of undressing because a boy tells me to," Amanda countered. "You don't even know my name."

"Your name is Amanda Willock," the boy shrugged. "Your parents are here to work on the military base, though I haven't found out what they're working on.

"Small town," the boy laughed as he saw her expression. "Everyone knows everyone. Outsiders are always a source of gossip. Everyone is talking about your family."

"How did you take down my dad?" Amanda asked.

"No," the boy chuckled. "You either join me in the water, or you go home. No more questions until you decide."

Certain he thought she would chicken out and leave, Amanda went to the tree and hung her clothes beside his. She thought about leaving her bra and panties on, but, preferred to not dress in dry pants and wet under garments. With a last look to see that he wasn't staring, Amanda removed her undergarments and quickly ran into the pond.

"I come here to relax," the boy admitted as he lay back and allowed the water to keep him afloat. "I find the glade very peaceful."

"It's beautiful," Amanda admitted, self-conscious and trying not to let it show. "Most boys would have been staring at a naked girl by now."

"Most boys," he chuckled. "Wouldn't have endangered themselves to get a wolf out of a trap, help them to safety, give them a place to birth their young, and feed them until they were strong enough to find their own way."

"True enough," Amanda laughed. "What's your name?"

"Elric," he smiled as a ray of sunlight turned his pale hair into spun silver. "My mother was a fan of Michael Moorcock."

"Well," Amanda chuckled. "Better Moorcock than Wilde. You might have ended up as a Dorian."

"True," Elric chuckled. "I hadn't thought of that."

"As long as we're playing nice," Amanda chuckled. "Is it all right if I invade your space? I want to draw this in the worst way."

"Not yet," Elric smiled. "You can come. But, wait until late August to draw it. You'll find more color then as the late blooming flowers are coming out."

"Thank you," Amanda nodded. "You're not as much of an asshole as I thought."

"You seem to be as stubborn as I thought," Elric chuckled. "I like that you aren't intimidated by me."

"People are intimidated by you?" Amanda asked, feigning surprise. "As dinky as you are?"

"Only stupid people," Elric admitted. "Those who leave illegal traps or those who hurt my friends. They are usually fairly easy to intimidate."

"Not one to put up with people's shit, are you?"

Elric sent her a feral grin that sent a shiver of delight down Amanda's spine.

"What time is it?" Amanda asked after floating next to Elric for a while. The silence had been companionable rather than uncomfortable and neither had thought to fill the time with inane drivel.

"If you leave now," Elric said, looking at the sun and the shadows. "You should make it home at about six."

"Crap," Amanda said, spinning to race back to shore. "My parents were supposed to be home by five."

"Your father seemed very competitive," Elric said as he matched her pace. "Tell him you had to come scout out the glade."

Turning to snap at him, Amanda slipped as she was about to get out of the water. Elric grabbed her quickly. Spinning, Elric used his momentum to jerk her into his arms even as the rocks cut into his back.

Amanda gaped and saw wonderment in Elric's eyes as wind rushed out, then into the glade. Pulling her tight, Elric held her against the wind to protect both their eyes from dust.

As the wind settled, Amanda pushed herself up, surprised to see that nothing had changed.

"What was that?"

"No clue," Elric said, getting up gingerly to look at his back.

"Oh, Christ!" Amanda gasped as she saw the cuts on Elric's back. "I'm so sorry."

"Accidents happen," Elric said, pointing to the blood on her knee. "Even those that leave scars."

Shaking the dirt from their clothes, neither saw their blood as it joined beneath the rocks and slid into ancient runes beneath the stones.

Chapter 3

As expected, her parents weren't pleased when Amanda told them where she was and what she had been doing. However, they did agree that clearing the air with the strange boy had been the right thing to do, even if it was the wrong place and wrong time to do so.

Going to bed, Amanda was shocked that her dreams of Elric stirred within her heart. Had she been awake, she would have blushed at the number of times and number of ways, Elric found to have sex with her. More surprising, was the number of times she found herself taking him in her mouth to get him to use her exactly as he wished.

As the summer storm raged overhead, Amanda was swept through orgasm after orgasm in the arms of her dream lover.

The sound of the alarm was hell as Amanda rolled over to bat it from her dresser.

"Rise and shine, SleepyHead," Karen chuckled as she opened her daughter's door. Karen stopped as she smelled the room. "Are you all right, honey?"

"Strange dreams," Amanda admitted as she slid from bed.

"That must have been some dream," Karen said, closing the door behind her to go over and open the windows. "It smells like a lot of frustration in here."

"Mom!"

"Hey," Karen chuckled. "I understand. I have your dad so I understand how not having a boyfriend at your age can leave you a little frustrated."

"I'll become a lesbian," Amanda groaned on her way to the bathroom. "Just so you don't have any grandkids to torture."

Laughing, Karen returned to the kitchen and began to make breakfast.

After her shower, Amanda crinkled her nose at the smell of her room. Looking at her sheets, she pulled them from her bed and took them to the laundry room.

Karen chuckled at her daughter's expression. Laughed harder at Adam's bemused look and continued to scramble the eggs.

"About ten minutes," Karen said as Amanda headed back to her room.

"What are your plans for today?" Adam asked as Amanda returned to the kitchen, concerned about the bags beneath her eyes. "You're not going near that boy are you?"

"He wasn't that bad," Amanda said gently. "I know that he wasn't very polite. But, mostly, he just wanted me gone from the wolves. He seemed more surprised that it took me so long to get back to the glade.

"I told you what he did just to keep me from getting injured," Amanda continued. "The cuts he took on his back would have been the side of my face if he hadn't intervened."

"Bring him to dinner," Karen sighed as Adam opened his mouth to speak. "Tell him you can't go to the glade if he won't come to dinner."

"Mom!"

"I won't deny the forest to you," Karen said as she laid a plate before her daughter. "But, he doesn't need to know that."

"I won't do it," Amanda said adamantly. "I will invite him for dinner, but, I will not lie to him."

"Tell him I'd like a rematch," Adam chuckled. "And, that I'd like to thank him."

Karen laughed at the expression on her daughter's face.

"You know that your father's competitive," Karen smiled down at her husband as she grabbed a cup of coffee before sitting. "Hell, even I want a chance to go a round with him."

Adam arched an eyebrow at Karen who shrugged.

"I have better balance, dear," Karen explained. "And you know that's true. I want the chance to hit him for bringing her back like that."

"He'd probably agree to that," Amanda admitted after a moment. "If only for a bit of fun."

"On a side note," Adam sighed. "We're going to be stuck on base this weekend. Some gear is arriving and we're going to need to get it set up and running before we can make it back. Anything you're going to need before we take off?"

"Poptarts and HotPockets," Amanda shrugged. "Oh, and some extra towels. If I end up swimming in that pond again, I want to be able to dry off with my own towel."

"Now I understand your dream," Karen chuckled warmly before leaning forward and beginning to eat her breakfast.

"Dreams?" Adam asked, looking from his wife to his blushing daughter.

"It was nothing," Amanda said as she too began to eat.

After finishing her chores, Amanda brought out her bikini and backpack. Bringing along a water bottle, trail mix, and a towel, Amanda headed for the glade. Though she spent the day luxuriating under the sun, Amanda never saw Elric.

Frustrated, she returned home in time to start dinner before her parents arrived.