"You do know where you're going right?"

Ezra shot me a dirty look. 

I didn't mean to insult him...well I did...but we've been driving for nearly two days and it didn't seem like we were anywhere near our destination. Plus, Ezra had to feed. The looks he was giving me kind of scared me, like if I didn't keep my guard up, I'd be eaten. 

Under his eyes bore dark bruise like bags and his cheeks were gaunt. As sick as he appeared, he still managed to look beautiful. I guess that was the perk of being a nymph.

"You need to eat," I added. 

"I know that, we're not much farther. I can feed when we get there," he barked angrily, keeping his eyes on the road.

"You said that five hours ago."

"It's a half an hour away!" 

I glanced outside the window, we were surrounded by trees and there didn't seem to be any civilization for miles. The forest was endless. I looked back at him skeptically, "Are you sure about that?"

"If you don't shut up! I will feed on you!" Ezra growled with a crazed look in his eye making me shut up instantly. 

The ride was silent with the faint background of the radio, playing a soft rock song. Only fifteen minutes later did I start to see buildings and people. Sighing in relief, I sank into my seat. 

"Its just down this street.," Ezra informed making a left down a path with trees on either side. I started to groan until I saw a huge house in the distance with a single car parked outside. When we pulled up, a tall muscular man was leaning against the door frame with thick strong arms folded across his wide chest. I could see his broad shoulders and narrow waist with long elegant legs.  His hair was even longer than Ezra's nearly sweeping the ground in a dark braid. 

He watched us approach with bright yellow eyes. I could tell he was a were, question was; what kind? The closer I got, the more beautiful he became until I was transfixed by him. Just staring into those ochre eyes, had me spiraling. 

His gaze never left mine, looking just as awed as I did. His full lips parted slightly. 

"Are you two just going to stare at each other or are we going to go inside so I can feed?" Ezra snapped impatiently, looking more than a little pissy.

The man glanced away, slightly shaking his head before turning his attention to Ezra. "I apologize old friend. It's been quite a while, hasn't it?"

The richness of his voice had me tightening in my lower regions. As if he knew, his eyes slid back over to mine. "Who's your friend?" 

"Noah. Noah Kismet," I answered offering my free hand. He gripped it in his own giving me a firm shake. The roughness of his skin reminded me so much of Ryker.

"Wesley Mills," he replied with a small smile. 

Cosmo, Griffin, Ezra, Wesley,...Sylus, Nolan, Ryker, or Gentry.

Was he one of them? One of my supposed lovers the Riddle Forest had told me about? I would be lying if I said a part of me didn't wish it were true.

"Come inside, you must be tired after the long journey. Ez, just head up to my room. Noah, I'll show you to the shower and you can help yourself to anything in the kitchen." 

I smiled, but it was strained. Hearing him talk about feeding Ezra annoyed me. I didn't want to be jealous, I had no right, but I couldn't help the strong feelings.

Ezra disappeared up the stairs while Wesley led me down a hall to a bedroom with an en suite.

"Wesley?"

"Wes," he grinned. "Call me Wes."

I smiled back, "Okay, Wes. I don't want to seem rude, but I'm extremely curious. I can tell you're a were, but what kind? I can't seem to figure it out."

Wes' grin widened giving me a glimpse of his sharp fangs. He looked dangerous, but I have never felt so comfortable, so safe. 

"Saber tooth tiger." 

A Saber tooth. How rare.

Wes approached me, leaning in close to take a whiff. "It's your scent," he whispered.

"My scent?"

"It calls to my tiger."

I shivered as his nose skimmed my neck. It didn't occur to me what my scent calling to him meant, but none of that mattered because he pulled away quickly. I hadn't even realized I was holding my breath until it came rushing out leaving me panting.

"I have to get back to Ezra, but I'll be done soon. I can usually feed him quickly. After that, we'll talk more because I'd love to know more about you." The statement was flirtatious, but his eyes were serious. With ease, he slipped from the room leaving me staring at empty air.

I think I'm starting to believe the Forest. 

Gah, what am I thinking! Ryker is the only one for me. The only reason I'm on this journey and meeting these people is because of him. Because I need to find him, whatever the cost, so I can be with him. In life and in death. 

Fantasizing about other men and flirting counted as being unfaithful, right?

Maybe the fatigue from the drive was starting to get to me. I'll just take a shower then nap a bit. Wes and I can talk when I wake up.

More and more the shower called for me and soon the urges were quenched once I was submerged under the heated jets of water kneading the tense muscles of my body. I think it's safe to say that I took quite a while inside but it was so refreshing that I couldn't help but bask in the greatness a few moments more. 

Only when I was sure that if I didn't get out immediately, I would be turned into a prune, did I shut the water off and climb out, wrapping a plush white towel around my waist. On the counter was a new razor and shaving cream. Ryker liked it when I was smooth. Though I guess that didn't matter anymore. I put the razor back down.

I dropped the towel in the bin when I drifted out into the room and pulled the spare clothes on. My stomach grumbled, I haden't eaten in days. Ezra was so adamant about making a straight shot here, but I'm pretty sure that it was his hunger that refused to let me even take a leak. 

The kitchen can't be too far from here. I'll just grab a bite to eat then I'll take a nap. 

After wandering around the spacious house filled with Native tribal pieces, I found the kitchen in the back. Wes was already there filling up a cup of coffee with a pair of black gym shorts hanging low on his hips. It was clear he was wearing nothing else beneath it which put dangerous thoughts into my head.

His hair was undone in loose waves down his back swaying with his motions and slowly enticing me. Silence fell thick but only because I was transfixed. I hadn't even realized Wes had turned and was staring right back at me leaning against the counter with a smirk on his lips. I have never seen something so sexy. 

I gravitated towards him with no control. It was slightly embarrassing when I ended up nearly in his face, but his sweet breath kissed my nostrils and all was forgotten. 

"So you feel the call too," he stated brushing my cheek with the palm of his hand. I shivered at the contact. 

"I just-" My body melted against his, leaving no space between us. The hard planes of his sculpted chest pushed against mine was enough to send me into physical overload. Every word on my tongue dissipated and all thoughts of Ryker were forgotten.

His hands slid up my sides and I shivered again, my lips parted in empty anticipation. God, what is happening to me?

"Don't cry," Wes cooed. 

Cry?

Sure enough, wet streams were sliding down my cheeks and wetting his incredibly soft skin. Why was I crying?

Realization hit me like an electric shock and I jumped away from him quickly. The lost contact was baffling. From the expression on Wesley's face, I could say he felt the same way. 

"I just met you," I whispered though I knew that was just an excuse. I didn't need to know him, my soul already did. 

How cheesy did that sound?

But it was true. I could feel him inside me, not physically, but mentally and it was a bit unnerving. 

Who was he?

"Noah?"

I glanced up at the sound of my name being called and was caught by his smoldering yellow eyes, probing everything that I was. I felt naked in his gaze, but I'm not entirely sure that was a bad thing. He was just so big and dominant, just like Ryker, I was putty in his arms. 

"Would you like some coffee?" 

I let out a breath I had no idea I was holding. Things would have gotten difficult if I had waited a few more moments like that. 

"That would be nice, thank you," I answered in one breath. 

He nodded acutely before turning and getting another mug and filling it up. There was an assortment of sugars and creamers that was left on the counter and I took the liberty of adding the amount of sugar and creamer I wanted once he handed me the mug. He slid by me to the refrigerator to fetch some turkey sandwiches and led us over to the dining table. 

It only occurred to me when we were finally seated and half of my sandwich was devoured that Ezra was not present. It was quieter and less annoying. Of course I would never say that to his face, I value my life too much and my manhood.

"Where is Ezra?" I asked after a sip of my coffee, which tasted amazing I might add. 

"Still in bed."

I felt my face harden but I tried to hold back all the negative emotions that surfaced with those three words. Wes seemed to notice and looked down at his plate awkwardly. It was silent. 

"I'm sorry," I admitted finally.

Wes furrowed his brow.

"For what?"

"I have no right to be possessive over you or make you feel like it was wrong to sleep with him. The reason I'm even here is because I'm on a mission to find my lover," I explained guiltily. 

Wes's eyes flashed dangerously when I said 'lover.' His jaw was clenched so tightly, I was sure he would grind the bone. I felt even worse for leading him on, but I couldn't control myself. His body called for mine. 

"Your lover?" he repeated.

I nodded my head. Guess that should have been the first thing that was established between us. What a crappy boyfriend I am.

"His name is Ryker Wells. He's a witch, but he ventured off into the Land of Forbidden Spells and I'm on my way to find his body."

Wes raised a brow, "Body?"

"I'm assuming he didn't make it. I'm sure you know what they do to witches there, but he was convinced that his Shifter blood could mask his scent. I told him it was impossible, but...he went anyway." 

Great, now I'm getting all choked up again. 

"You're a witch too, correct?"

I nodded.

"Then what sense would it make to chase after him. You will be killed just as quickly and I smell no other scent on you meaning you have no foreign blood to mask your scent. They'll find you immediately."

I didn't answer him, just played with the crust left on my plate. Whenever Ryker made me sandwiches, he would take the time to cut the crust off, knowing that I didn't like it. God I miss him. 

The silence forced Wesley to piece the facts together. 

"You plan to follow him in death," he concluded. 

I refused to answer again. I can already see where this was going. He'll call me a fool and preach about how I was throwing my life away, literally. I've already gotten the grief from Mira and I didn't need it for anyone else.

"I won't let you commit suicide," 

"Wes, it's not really your decision."

"Like hell it isn't! I just found you and I refuse to let you slip through my fingers so easily."

"And how will you stop me?" I challenged.

"I'm coming with you."

Wait, what?

Why would he journey to such a dangerous place with me? We just freaking met today! Isn't it impossible to create a bond so quickly? To have him risk his life for me so early?

"You don't have to do this. No, I won't let you do this," I shook my head as I spoke. He couldn't. I won't let him make the same foolish mistakes I was. It was bad enough Ezra tagged along even though I know he hates my guts. I can't let another person be sacrificed for my death, which was inevitable. 

"And how will you stop me?" he challenged leaning across the table until his lips were inches from mine. The close proximity drove my senses wild, I couldn't tell up from down. My thoughts scattered and all I could see were those lips, those full, soft, lips. 

Ryker.

I snapped out of it quickly stumbling out of my seat. "I'm tired. I think I should go to bed," I muttered.

"But it's only eight thirty," Wes protested, looking disappointed that he couldn't finish what he started. 

"It was a long ride," I mumbled washing my dishes and bolting out of there. Once in the guest room, I flipped the lock. I'm sure Wes wouldn't sneak in here, but I just felt better with the door locked. 

"What is happening to me?" I sighed leaning my back against the door and sliding down to the floor. 

Could it really be true? What the forest said to me? Will I really have eight lovers? How is that even possible? 

But it is, because these feelings I have for Wes is not just lust, its deeper. I want to explore it, but I know I shouldn't. It's not right, it's not fair to Ryker. 

Though Ryker leaving me wasn't fair either. I fingered the ring that was tied to my neck with a brown rope. I don't get it, why did you leave me? You know it wasn't your fault, fate decided it was their time and they had to go, why can't you understand that?

Suck it up Noah, be strong. You have to find him. He left and there is no use dwelling on what his reason was. You have a duty and you have to be at your best in order to fulfill it.