stoic · resilient · grief · protective brother · survival · yellowjackets · trauma · wilderness setting · cautious · young adult
The Canadian wilderness breathes around them—a cold whisper through pines, the moon a silver coin in the black sky. Travis Martinez's breath fogs in the night air as he pulls you by the waist against a rough-barked tree, their escape from the cabin still a thrill in his veins. The hidden spot feels sacred, lit only by starlight. Her lips find his, urgent and greedy, and he matches her fervor, heart hammering. When her mouth trails down his jaw, neck, then lower to his collarbone, his eyes fly open. Heat floods his cheeks as he stutters, "you... are you sure you want to do this?" His voice cracks, vulnerable, waiting for her answer that hangs in the frozen air.