IT was turning out to be one of those days. The kind that never seemed to end. Never seemed to stop and let you catch a break — the power had gone off in her apartment and she’d slept through her alarm, traffic had been horrible, the coffee machine in the precinct had broken right before she completed her cup and her prime informant had come to her, fearing for his life. Under normal circumstances she would have handle things differently — but Kevin was associated with dangerous people and had been for some time. Any hint of betrayal would lead to almost certain violence.

                              And Austin hadn’t been wrong. Not a few hours later had she received a call from a panicked and frantic Kevin, telling her people had come into his house and tried to kill him. It took her no time at all to pick him up in an unmarked car and shuttle him to the hospital, fully ready to keep watch over him until witness protection could be arranged.

                              “Hey,” she placed her hand on the counter of the emergency room reception desk, flashing a smile. “One of my friends cut his arm pretty bad with some glass and I was wondering how long it’d take for him to get looked at?” Discreetly, she straightened and showed the badge at her hip, which earned her wide eyes and a short, quick, nod from the young woman sitting behind the desk. I’ll get you a doctor right away — the words pulled a smile from her lips and she nodded, gaze returning to scan the surrounding waiting area, eyes trained on every single person. Watching hands and body language as she kept Kevin close by her side.

It had been a frustrating night so far for Dr. Palmer. Not busy, just challenging having to deal with particularly difficult families, a minor complication happening during one of her surgeries, and arguing with a sobering alcoholic. It felt as though Alex hadn’t had a moment to breathe since she got to work. But finding herself suddenly in an empty hallway, she took a moment to lean up a surprisingly empty gurney. Her head falling back and her eyes fluttering shut, Alex took a deep and slow breath, the sounds of the busy hospital falling into the background. Any time she felt overwhelmed, at work or waking up from a dream, she felt the need to regain control of her body and controlled breaths was the easiest way to do that.

                        IT’S fun, trying to crumble Ana’s self control. Distantly Raf wonders if that’s what had started the little session in the kitchen — Pax wasn’t the most dominant of people but he knew she loved to get a rise out of someone every once and a while. “Dinner first?” he murmurs, breaking away from her lips but hovering close, “Are you sure that’s what you want?” The smile across his lips twists up one side as her lips find his jaw, his stance wavering momentarily. It certainly doesn’t feel like that’s what she wants, especially not when she shifts to his neck. But he pulls away regardless, matching her own movements. It’s a level of self control that he didn’t know he possessed — later. Save it for later.

                        Shifting past Ana, Raf makes two plates, piling on the seafood before heading back to the table. Placing Pax’s food in front of her, he opens one of the ice chests and pulls out a bottle of white wine, nestling it into a bucket of ice set on the table. “Make sure to save some space for dessert,” Paxton smiles, opening the three beers one after the other, placing each in front of their respective drinkers. “Raf showed me how to make chocolate covered strawberries. They’re chilling in the refrigerator inside.” Rafael snorts as he takes his seat, trailing his hand across the back of Paxton’s shoulders as he passes her. “You mean you didn’t eat them all after you made them?” he prompted with a raised eyebrow.

                         Rolling her eyes affectionately, the other woman lets out a small scoff, as if insulted. “Please,” she responds with a wave of her hand, reaching for her beer and taking a sip. “I have some self control, thank you.” A pause as she glances to Ana, “Most of the time, at least.”

Ana rolled her eyes but still leaned up to kiss him again, “Don’t tempt me, Rafael,” she warned. Although, it wouldn’t take much else from him or Pax to make her forget dinner. But her resolve held as she slipped by him and made her way to the table, moving around Pax and sitting down next to her. “Oh, wow. I feel spoiled,” she admitted, a slyish grin on her face, “The wine will be great with that. I’ve always got more room for good food.”

MATE · BOND: Usually occurring in shifters of some kind. You feel your mate’s emotions just beneath the surface of your own. You get little inklings of them, like a whisper, just enough to have a general idea. Eventually, once the bond has really solidified, a mental connection can be established (where brief conversations can be held). There’s also a sense of knowing, no matter how far away your mate is, when something is wrong, or if they are okay. They’re really in sync around one another, too. If an alpha pair has an established/good mate bond, the entire pack (which experiences a pack bond) can feel theirs, too. ( @ethor-writes )

                      SHE couldn’t help the small pull of a smirk across her lips at his comment. “I guessed as much.” Charlie knew his foot was fine — mostly because hers didn’t hurt, either. If that made any sense. Which. It didn’t. Or shouldn’t have, at any rate. “Hunting with me isn’t like hunting with the boys,” she stressed simply. “Pretty sure I can navigate much better than them, so. If you don’t have faith in yourself then at least have some in me, yeah? I’m not gonna lead you down somewhere I don’t think you can go.”

                    A small snort left her at his answer and she fought the urge to roll her eyes — it’s not like she was fond of this either. She was the one inevitably getting married, after all. The blonde couldn’t find a good reason for DJ to be upset as well. Lost in thought, it took a moment before her attention was brought back to her companion. Eyes lifting, Charlie blinked before composing herself. “Oh, right, right,” she nodded — it wasn’t any different from how she hunted ( except she was usually alone and didn’t have to strip in front of her future fiance’s brother ). Following suit she bent down, unlacing her shoes before slipping them off, hands moving to the button and zipper of her jeans. “I’ll head to the other side of the truck. You can just, uh – you can put your stuff in the passenger seat when you’re done.”

“Fine, fine. I at least trust you enough to not get me killed,” he shrugged, hoping that was it for the trust exercises. “Thanks,” he mumbled as moved to the other side of the truck. Slipping off his pants and boxers, DJ shivered slightly as he gathered his things and set them in truck. Stepping a few yards away front he truck to give himself space, DJ took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

                    RAFAEL inclined his head at the compliment, silently passing a thank you to the two women before taking another swing of his beer, finishing off the bottle. “What have you eaten so far?” he questions, curious. “Nothin’ better than whats right here, I can assure you, but color me curious.” Still, he couldn’t help but smirk, even when she approached him it felt as natural as it did with Paxton. “It was my pleasure,” he replied, slipping a hand under the hem of her shirt to brush against the small of her back. Hugging her to him, he kissed her back slow, tasting her for a moment before letting her step away. Raf’s gaze followed her as she made her way towards the simmering pot holding the lobster, turning to head over to Paxton.

                  “I’m not going to say it,” she replied to him, reaching out to tug at his shirt. Always the affectionate of them, Raf allowed himself to be pulled down to her level, taking her lips with his own. A smile morphed across her lips — she could taste the beer and the faint hint of Ana’s chap stick. It was always soft and delicate with Paxton, intense and heated with Ana, and Raf was sure they’d eat him alive together. What was even more important? He’d enjoy every minute of it. “I’ll get you a plate, love.”

                  Placing his empty bottle on the table, Raf turned and stepped up behind Ana, winding his arms around her from behind. “You enjoying yourself so far?” he whispered hot against her ear, cold hands finding the soft skin of her stomach underneath her shirt. Nuzzling the side of her face gently, Raf pulled Ana back into him, pressing his hips forward in a slow drawl. “Beer? Wine? Soda? Water? I’ve got anything you can think of, just tell me and I’ll get it.”

Ana couldn’t help but melt into Rafael as his fingers brushed against the skin of her lower back. His touch she was much more used to, usually playful and a little daring. The two of them didn’t have to talk much to feel like they were close. With both of them, Ana felt as through they all just worked without explanation. She smiled to herself as she walked toward the pot, grabbing a lobster and anything else that was being kept warm by the grill.

                        GRINNING from ear to ear, Paxton threaded her fingers through Ana’s hair as the other woman’s head rested against her shoulder. With a light chuckle she watches as Raf approaches, shifting towards him slightly as he moved to kiss her cheek. Now that she’s reminded of the food, the Santorini native can smell it, her stomach grumbling in eager response. Oh. Right. Maybe she does need to eat actual food before the fun stuff starts. As Ana looks to her, Paxton can’t fight the urge to touch her face — so she does. Light fingertips trail across the other’s cheek as she speaks and Pax sighs contently, tucking a strand of brunette hair behind Ana’s ear. “I guess we should,” she replies, unlatching her legs from Ana’s waist as the other retrieved some beer from the fridge ( Pax’s fingers ghost up to her lips, the light tingle from Ana’s chap stick still there, lingering ).

                      If this is how she’s going to spend the rest of her life, with Raf and now Ana, she’s perfectly content with that. The nervousness that had materialized before was all but obliterated and, really, Paxton thinks it had been absurd to even be scared. Ana was it. And that was exciting. Melting into the kiss to her cheek, the Greek slid off the counter, tightening her hold on Ana’s hand in her own as they made their way to the patio.

                      “I knew food would do it,” Raf commented, amused, motioning for the two women to find a seat around the table. He’d already set it, plated a few things and left others on the grill to stay hot. All in all, it was another evening in paradise — a breeze an a cold beer enough to relax him after a day out on the boat. “Ana help yourself – be quick, though, Pax just might eat it all.” The words earned him an unimpressed look from Pax as well as a swat to his arm before she found her way into a chair, pulling Ana down with her. “Someone’s got jokes today,” Paxton shoots back, making a face. “You gotta try the lobster, though,” she turned to Ana, “I hate to admit it but he makes the best ones on the island.”

Ana hummed happily and as before, leaned into the light touch that brushed across her cheek. She had only walked a few feet away, but that already seemed to far and was grateful to take Pax’s hand in hers. Ana laughed and shook her head at his comment as they returned to the patio. She was quickly pulled down into the other woman’s lap, leaning into her and burying her face into the crook of her neck before sitting up and placing the three bottles on the table. “It looks amazing, Raf. Smells even better,” she grinned at him, wrapping her arms around Pax’s neck. 

          SHE doesn’t know what it is about DJ that makes her want to get him to believe in himself. Charlie doesn’t believe in luck — at least not in the way DJ often speaks of it. Spend a few months of rigorous training with her and he’d kick the habit of constantly falling prey to unfortunate circumstances. She’d all but promise it. “And I’m telling you,” she starts, putting a hand on her hip and letting out a sigh laced with a small bit of a smile. “You’re way too hard on yourself. If you already think you’re gonna mess up then you probably will.”

          For a brief moment Charlie caught herself staring — before she shrugged and turned her gaze sideways. “Anything we can find, honestly,” she answered. “But I’m hoping we’ll be able to track down a deer or two.” Just the thought of running (on all fours instead of two) made a small bubble of excitement stir within her stomach. Being a wolf was one of the most freeing feelings in the world and hunting? Exhilarating in its own right. “You ready to bring one down?”

“I don’t think, Charlie. I know,” he retorted, “My foot’s fine, by the way.” In all his years of coming up second best to Liam, DJ could be pretty sure how this night would turn out. He knew what pack members said about him behind his back, embarrassing and clumsy among the words to describe him. DJ could not possibly figure out why Charlie has a blind belief that he could get better, or why she was wasting her time trying to make it happen.

                          IF they weren’t careful Paxton knew she’d encourage the idea of skipping whatever Rafael was making outside and having Ana right there on the kitchen counter ( there’s a small part of her that hungers for that ). And the sounds the other woman’s making isn’t helping Paxton’s resolve, it’s actually crumbling it, piece by piece. Her fingers tighten in Ana’s hair, head shifting forward, capturing the others lips in a fumbled kiss. She wanted to be close — closer — yet Ana was already pressed flush against her. Still. Paxton needed more, her hand shifting under the hem of the other’s shirt before the simple thought could cross her mind. Ana’s skin was soft to the touch, heated and she wanted to touch, touch touch, dragging her fingertips against hips, over the small of her back, up her spine.

                        “You two are absolutely hopeless,” the words are dripping with amusement and Pax pulls away quickly, hands still locked in Ana’s hair and against her back, head turning to find Raf peeking in from outside. He’s not surprised, not really. Paxton had taken to Ana faster than others he’d seen which made a smugness bubble in the pit of his stomach. He’d been right about Ana. About them.

                        Making his way inside towards them, the smile across his lips grew even as he took a swig of his half full beer. It wasn’t jealousy churning deep within his gut, but excitement. And something else entirely, but he’d save that for later. Grabbing the hastily discarded plate ware with one hand, he presses a quick kiss to each of the girls cheeks. “I’m glad to see you’re both getting along so well,” he throws over his shoulder as he walks back towards the patio, smirk still plastered across his lips. “Food’s ready, by the way. Whenever you guys wanna head out.”

The feeling of Paxton’s grip tightening in her hair had Ana pulling at her shirt, pushing herself up against the other woman. She took in a sharp breath as fingertips found skin, teeth capturing Pax’s lower lip. All that existed in that moment was the two of them, so Ana was startled slightly when a voice broke through. Spinning around to seeing Rafael peering in at them from outside made Ana laugh in relief and excitement. If what just happened was any indication, tonight was going to exceed any expectations she had before.

                        PAXTON is instantly dizzy, lightheaded, mind consumed completely by Ana. Removing the dishes from play had done exactly what she wanted and Paxton melts, pressing against the other as hands wind around her waist. A smile curves across her lips and she fights the urge to whine when Ana pulls away, instead heaving out a hot breath of air. Swallowing, Paxton watches and waits — waits for the small shift of Ana’s head to signal they’re going to do this again and she’s pressing forward with more fervor this time. Hesitancy is thrown out the window as Paxton allows herself to be maneuvered and when she feels the base of the counter at her back she shimmies up until she’s sitting on the counter top next to the toppled dishes, wrapping her legs around Ana’s waist and pulling her closer ( there’s a need to be as close as she can, a need that she doesn’t think can be quelled ).

                      It blows her mind that not fifteen minutes ago she’d just met Ana — yet she couldn’t quite explain the clench in the pit of her gut or the flutter of her heart. She’d related it to the first time she’d ever met Raf (sometimes you see people and you just know ). It’s that feeling of contentment that surges through her now and Paxton all but sighs into Ana’s mouth, tongue swiping over the other girls lower lip. Open mouthed and hungry, she continues the desperate kisses as her hands search for any purchase of skin she can touch. Fingertips slide over Ana’s arms, across her shoulders, past her neck to tangle in the brunettes hair. There’s a sharp tingle setting across her lips as she pulls away to draw in a ragged breath and Paxton realizes she knows Ana’s chapstick, a heated smile curving at the corners of her mouth.

Ana slightly stumbled as legs were wrapped around her waist, pulling her forward. A smirk made the corner of her lips curl as she ran her hands over Pax’s thighs, leaning up to continue kissing her. The taste of Paxton was intoxicating to Ana, her mind foggy and movements clumsy. Honestly, she couldn’t even figure out how she had ended up here. The normal constructs of society told her that this was wrong and that she was in over her head. But, in the back of her head, Ana entertained the idea that maybe things didn’t have to be as complicated as everyone else made it out to be. And for now, she would spend every minute enjoying this weird and perfect dream.

                          THE smile on Paxton’s lips shifted slightly at Ana’s prompt, curling this side of a knowing smirk. “What would you have to do?” she repeats, scrunching her face up as if she were truly thinking about something good. “Absolutely nothing, though I’m not above some forms of bribery,” she ends up finishing with a shrug of her shoulders, smile leaving something to the imagination. “It would be my pleasure to show you around one on one.”

                        Paxton tilted her head to the side slightly, gaze unwavering. “I’ve never been to Seville but I love Latin food and music,” she admits. “More now because of Raf. I’ll admit he makes a great serranito, we’ll have to get him to make it for us one day soon.” There’s a part of her that seems to be able to talk to Ana as if they’d known each other all their life, yet there’s another part of her that wants to explore. The sudden shift in roles — Paxton isn’t afraid to admit that she gets flustered easily — does something to her. Builds a tight knot in the pit of her stomach. She likes this, likes turning Ana into an awkward, stuttering mess.

                        “In a second,” Paxton replies in a feather light voice, eyes still locked on Ana’s. “First I… wanna try something.” Shifting forward, she hovers just above Ana’s lips, feeling the other’s breath shift across her face lightly before she closes the distance between their mouths. Unconsciously Paxton’s hands search for the dishware in Ana’s grasp, fumbling with the plates before managing to set them on the counter next to them.

Ana’s eyes are locked on the other girl right up until their lips press together. So desperately, she wanted to reach out and pull Pax closer to her. Luckily, as if Pax had read her mind, she grabbed the dishes from Ana and set them to the side. At the sound of the dishes on the counter, Ana snaked her arms around Pax’s waist and pulled her in. The kiss started slow and soft, contained as the two of them tested the waters. But the water was sweet and Ana wanted more. She broke away only slightly and opened her eyes trying to find green ones, eyelids heavy with lust. 

                          FOR a small moment Paxton’s entire face lights up with excitement. It’s one of her favorite things, showing the island to someone who’s never truly explored it. They could visit places she normally wouldn’t be able to go on a work sanctioned trip. Taking Ana to one of the few hidden pools on the island made a small bubble of fire churn inside her gut. “I’d love to,” Pax replies with a wide grin. And she means it. Wholeheartedly.

                          It’s electric. It’s magnetic. It’s… something. Paxton had felt it the moment Ana had opened the door and placed it aside. She was just excited to meet someone new. But now? The small tilt of Ana’s head into her hand, the feeling of her heated skin against her palm. It was intoxicating. And they hadn’t even broken out the alcohol. Yet her effect on the other was infectious and Paxton wanted to continue with it, wanted to make Ana breathless. “Spain?” Paxton echoes, shifting closer. “So I’ve found myself two Spaniards, then? What a lucky girl I am.” That was exciting in and of itself and she focused her attention on the features of Ana’s face as she spoke, tracing the corner of the other girls lips, her temple, along her jaw. “I’m glad you didn’t leave,” she admits after the story is done, green eyes lifting back to Ana’s.

                          Rafael has had Paxton. In more ways than one he will always have her. And he’s had Ana. Both in the same ways as Paxton and not — but the two girls haven’t had each other. Not yet, at least. And there’s a fire inside Paxton’s gut that desperately wants to change that. Once again her eyes return to Ana’s lips, except this time the pads of her fingertips brush over the skin and Paxton bites her lower lip, breaking her gaze away and returning it to  Ana’s.

Watching Pax get excited at the idea of showing her the island made Ana smile wide. Someone with passion for something always made Ana more attracted to them, and Pax happened to love where she was from and Ana could understand that. She had always loved Seville, so much so that she had planned on never leaving. The decision to leave was basically the product on a bottle of rum, but it had worked out in the best way possible. “What would I have to do to get a private tour?” Ana asked, her head tilting to the side as a warm grin graced her lips. 

                IT had been some time since Paxton had felt the nervous excitement that was currently bubbling in the pit of her stomach. She didn’t need anyone else besides Rafel and she had been absolutely certain of that for a time. But then he’d told her about Ana and the giddiness from when she’d first met him came back full force. She knew because when the other let go of her hand she instantly regretted it. Paxton was touchy, crazed physical contact, and the fact that Ana was far more affectionate than Raf ( not to say that he wasn’t ) made her stomach flip.

                A laugh left Paxton’s lips, chest shaking as she turned to look at Ana over her shoulder. “Funny,” she replied with a smirk, “That’s what he said about you.” And he’d been right. Normal circumstances would tell her to be jealous — society, her parents, they’d tell her that this couldn’t work. Three people being in love with each other. But they just didn’t know. Couldn’t wrap their head around it. “Well,” she started after a moment, hands pulling down a few plates and bowls. “I was born and raised here, so this has been home for all of my life. I work as a tour guide, which – I love. I love Santorini. I love showing people the magic of this place. It’s paradise. Helping people find that here? It’s… it’s so cool.”

              Turning, she handed the plates and bowls over to Ana, eyes wondering over the other woman’s face, her brilliant eyes and wide smile. “As for why he thought we’d get along? I’ve got no clue.” Slowly, her free hand shifted up to brush fingertips across Ana’s cheek, “I’m glad he did think that, though. Maybe it’s something about both of us being so carefree,” Pax shifted to tuck a strand of hair behind Ana’s ear, head tilting to the side fondly. “Tell me – what’s your story? How’d you find your way here?”

Ana laughed and shook her head, “That boy really has a way with words,” she joked. She had to remind herself that she was talking and flirting with his girlfriend. And that she had slept (many times) with her boyfriend. And here they all were touching, kissing, and acting civil together. It wasn’t that Ana was opposed to that idea, what was weird was how normal it felt to her.

                    IF she could have it her way ( which, usually with a few expertly executed pouts, she did ) Paxton would forgo food and head straight into snuggling. She loved the sex, she really did, but there was something far more intimate in being close to someone without actually doing anything. Shy of making out, of course. A content hum left her slightly parted lips as Ana found her hand, threading their fingers together — yeah, they’d all get along just fine. Paxton was sure of it. “Me too,” she replied after a moment, practically melting into the other two. “He’s an awesome cook. Wouldn’t think so in the first place – ” Pax gave Raf’s hip a playful squeeze. “But he is.”

                    Rafael snorted affectionately and pulled at Paxton’s hand. “Look who’s got jokes today,” he chuckled, flashing a smirk over his shoulder to the two women before shifting back to the grill — he’d neglected the food long enough. Truth be told he’d let it all burn just for the sake of keeping close to his company, but he had promised a good meal. “Don’t worry about it, Ana. This was a spur of the moment thing.”

                    “Yeah, what Raf said. And I – uh,” again, a flustered tornado of butterflies appeared in the pit of Paxton’s stomach at the proximity of Ana’s face to her own. She was caught there, returning the steady gaze before her eyes flicked down to Ana’s lips. Eyes. Lips. Eyes. Lips – “Plates. Silverware,” she finally managed to get out, squeezing Ana’s hand. “We need some plates. They’re in the kitchen cabinets.” With a smile Paxton turned away and pulled Ana lightly with her. “Follow me.”

Ana couldn’t help but smile as the other two interacted. They seemed so comfortable and natural around each other, and it made her wonder what it had been about her that made them think she would be a good fit for them. Whatever it was, she was glad it brought her here. Who could be mad about this situation when they were sandwiched between these two beautiful people?

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                      STUNNED. That’s the only thing Pax can fully distinguish through the sudden flush of her cheeks. If Ana wasn’t still standing in front of her she would have touched the spot where the other woman had kissed — she was sure her skin is hot to the touch. And once the initial surprise passes ( she hadn’t been sure how all of this was going to go, but she was pleasantly surprised ) Paxton can barely contain her excitement. “Likewise,” she says back, watching the curve of Ana’s lips as she smirks. “Oh, yeah, he’s out back,” Paxton steps aside and motions for the other woman to step inside, following her as they make their way to the back patio.

                      Distantly Raf has attempted to listen, though he’s only managed to pick up small murmurs of conversation — but Pax hasn’t protested their guest and he assume’s that’s saying something. And then there’s arms around his waist and he knows those arms. Knows that touch and that voice and those lips. “I wanted you to be surprised,” he murmurs back, turning his head to the side to kiss Ana’s temple just as she recedes. And then Pax is there, wrapping the both of them in a hug, pressing Ana to Raf’s back and encircling them all in her arms.

                      “I’m so happy you guys are here,” her voice is audibly giddy with excitement as she buries her face in the back of Ana’s neck, placing a soft kiss to the other woman’s skin. Raf shifts back into Ana, wanting her to feel as secure in between them as she could, one of his hands reaching back to find the small of Paxton’s back, the other threading through Ana’s hair, resting against the back of her neck. “Food first,” he says after a long beat, “I don’t want it to go bad so you all better have brought a good appetite.”

“Well, I was that. Pleasantly surprised,” she said with a small chuckle as he turned to kiss her forehead. Another pair of arms was suddenly around them and Pax was pressing herself into Ana, sandwiching her comfortably and enjoyably between the two of them. She practically melted standing there, a wave of contentment expressing itself in her sigh. One arm wrapped low around Raf’s hips pulled him in closer to her and the other dropping down to run her hand lightly over Pax’s arm and eventually rest of top of her own hand.

                            RAFAEL fought the urge to roll his eyes, instead returning his focus to the freshly cleaned and cut octopus searing in a pan on the grill, nudging the closes one with his tongs. “Paxton,” he started with as much patience as he could muster ( though a smile spread wide across his lips ), “She’s going to love you. I don’t think there’s a person on this island that doesn’t – and if there is, well. There’s something wrong with them.” Then, over his shoulder, “Can you check on the lobster?” There was only a slight fidget of nervousness bubbling in his gut — this would mark the first time they’d ever asked someone to join them for more than just dinner. Then again Raf and Pax didn’t really live all that normal of a life. Santorini was basically paradise on Earth, rules and customs of the mainland were practically lost to them.

                          Frowning slightly, Paxton pouted from the patio chair, legs hung over the side. “But what if she doesn’t?” the woman prompts with a huff, rolling out of the chair like it was the hardest thing in the world for her to do. Making her way over to the large silver pot on the adorning grill, opening the lid and glancing inside. “They’re fine. You should be able to take them out – ” the knock at the door broke Paxton from her train of thought and all nervousness vanished. Instead the feelings were replaced by a childlike giddiness. Out was the thought of this girl partaking in intimate and sexual situations with her and Raf (and that most peopel frowned upon that ), in was the excitement of meeting someone new. “She’s here!” turning on her heels, she bounded back into the house, through the family room, before reaching the front door. Gripping the handle, Pax opened the portal, eyes falling on the woman standing on the other side.

                          She was beautiful. That was Paxton’s first (and only complete ) train of thought. So much so that she couldn’t help the smile from broadening across her lips. “Hi,” she offered, completely entranced. “I’m Paxton – Pax. You have to be Ana.”

Ana bounced on the balls of her feet as she waited for someone to answer the door, her bottom lip between her teeth. Suddenly, she heard a click and the door swung open, looking up to meet the eyes of one of the most beautiful girls she had ever seen. A smile seemed to spread across Ana’s face instantly as the dark-haired beauty introduced herself. “Yes, hi,” Ana leaned forward and placed a hand on Pax’s hip, brushing her lips gently against the girl’s cheek. “It’s really great to meet you, Pax. I’ve heard some great things about you from Raf,” Ana admitted, her smile turning into a slight smirk.