We, who Survived

The fire snapped and crackled as its embers slowly died. The Thistle had long been eaten, its carcass devoured by Gem and half of its meat in our stomachs. Sleep was enveloping the main room, leading to an occasional yawn leaving my mouth. Nathan was already fast asleep next to me, our fur blanket from our bed wrapped around his half-clothed form. Once in a while, he would stretch and readjust his head on my chest or make adorable mumbles, none of which sounded like he was having a nightmare, thankfully.

During this time, I reflected. Listened to the fire, the wind brushing against the shutters and the chirping of insects. Took notice of Gem’s soft purring and Nathan’s gentle breathing before letting my gaze rest on the roof of the cave. Shadows danced against the moving rock, presenting pictures of forgotten childhood memories to be revisited and dreamed of. Small carvings in the stone are the only reminders of the first Cree to stay in the cave.

The younger me used to wander the hallways, playing Hunter and Prey with the other boys before going to sleep in a room I shared with Hawk. It was a small room that was only meant for the younger boys but Hawk would never leave my side, even if he had to sneak in somewhere just to make sure I was protected.

For now, though, the main room would be my place of rest and activity with Nathan.

I woke up with a jolt, thunder shaking the wooden walls and shutters. The smell of electricity was thick in the air, replacing the calm scent of smoke.

I sat up, stretching a hand out to feel for Nathan only to come in contact with empty space, the fur blanket gone. I knew he hated storms and the dark but not to what extent.

Rain thudded against the shutters, the clap of thunder becoming louder. Hurriedly, I breathed life back into the fire, placing a log into the pit for it to catch. The flames eventually sent out a flare of light, pushing the dark back just enough for me to see Nathan curled up under the blanket in a corner furthermost away from the door, his hands cupped over his ears. The blanket slipped down to show my tunic clinging to his frame.

Standing up, I walked to him, crouching down to place my hand in his hair. He visibly relaxed, his shivering beginning to disappear but he did not unscrew his eyes or let his hands drop from his ears. Not wanting to say anything, I pulled him into my arms, his legs straddling my hips as I held him close. His head rested next to mine, our cheeks touching as he gripped my tunic into fists. His breathing was becoming steady before quickening when another tremendous clap of thunder caused vibrations to travel through the stone floor. Nathan held onto me tighter, whimpering.

“I’m here, I got you, you’re safe,” I whispered, rubbing his back and kissing his cheek. “Calm down.”

“Distract me. Do something that will take my mind somewhere else,” Nathan said shakily, pulling away enough for me to see his eyes. “Please Fern, touch me.”

I felt frozen right there. It had only been just over a day since he was hurt by Spark. I did not know how he would react if he would be okay or have a panic attack with the wrong move. I couldn’t voice my concerns in time as Nathan abruptly kissed me. I could not say no. Taking the lead, I kissed back more intensely and let my hands wander underneath his tunic. He arched his back so his chest pressed against mine. I mentally told myself that I would not go lower than that.

Moving from his lips, I nuzzled his neck to the side and began slowly sucking, licking and kissing my way down to his collarbone. By then, Nathan was a squirming mess wanting both our tunics off. I obliged, ripping mine off but wearily started with his. He would be stark naked in my lap without anything hiding him. We were pushing this now, tugging on my conscious to stop but my hesitancy did not deter Nathan from helping me remove his tunic. He pushed himself closer, determination glinting in his blue and green eyes.

“We won’t go all the way, Fern, just what we have been doing,” He said, whispering and shivering when another bolt of lightning-caused thunder boomed overhead our cave. The lightning sent blue streaks of light through the shutters that glimmered dangerously off his eyes.

“Please?”

“O-okay, Kitten.”

Clearing my mind, I went back to sucking hickeys into his skin and layering kisses over them. My mark would cover Spark’s and the alpha-male part of my brain was enjoying every second of it. I ran my hands up and down his back, massaging, pinching, pulling him closer to me before our lips locked into a lustful battle that left us breathless and Nathan whimpering for more. I could not give him more or I would lose control and go further than what we had agreed on.

When we untangled ourselves, the storm outside had moved on, the thunder a receding rumble. Nathan was leaning into my side as we watched the last of the embers die, this time for good. Gem was nowhere to be found, possibly hiding in one of the rooms.

“That...was nice,” Nathan mumbled, his eyes closing. “Definitely got rid of some bad memories.”

“That’s good but don’t push yourself, I don’t want to hurt you,” I said heavily, pulling him flush into my side. “My worst nightmare is to see you crying and I am stuck helplessly watching on.”

“You don’t need to worry Fern; I know you won’t hurt me. You held back the entire time just now, I could feel you straining under me.”

My face instantly heated up. Out of all the people I knew and who knew the most embarrassing things about me, Nathan was the only one who could make me blush even if it were bodily functions.

“Not my fault. You are the one who started it anyway.”

“Are you pouting?”

“No. Go to sleep.”

Nathan burst out in laughter but calmed down when I huffed. He patted my leg before lying down and closing his eyes.

“You are the best.”

His words made me melt inside.