Otter Creek born unto trouble

shani dropped the pelts beside the bank, spreading them in a neat line for him to dry on. she planted herself at the ledge, unmoving.

absolutely not.

takota slipped into the creek like a shadow cut loose, all dark muscle and stubborn pride. even shuddering from the cold, he was strong in that rough, impossible way of his; the kind of strength carved by hardship, not vanity. sunlight caught on the wet line of his back, turning him into something fierce and untouchable.

god, he was handsome. infuriatingly so. and she loved him for it, even when it made her want to claw his ears off.

he jerked his head. come closer.

she didn’t budge.