Family

Once everyone was safely inside and everything was put away, I stared at the bonfire through the back window to make sure it didn't start a forest fire. As I watched, I folded my arms across my chest, and then noticed red eyes glaring at me from the forest. I had hoped that we would have an uneventful summer, but it looked like we were going to have more to deal with than just bonfires and fun. 

"You okay?" Dakota asked, wrapping his arm around my waist from behind, propping his chin on my shoulder. 

I nodded. "Yes, of course. I was just watching the fire to make sure it didn't start a forest fire."

Dakota nuzzled through my long hair and kissed my neck. "Don't worry. Noah and the other guys are going to put it out in a little bit." He motioned with his head toward the door. "Let's go."

Suddenly, the red eyes flashed, deep set in the forest again. "Dakota, whatever the creature is, it's definitely still out there. I saw it's eyes just now."