I walked next to Ezra, staring straight ahead. There was a chill in the fall air, making me wish I had worn something that covered more, but this was my only outfit that went with Halloween. Our hands brushed and a chill that had nothing to do with the air shot through me. Stop it. Stop it right now Logan. I bit my lip. You are not falling for this man. You can’t. You don’t want to. He’s not nice, he’s not sweet, he’s not incredibly gorgeous, and his voice doesn’t make you happy, his laugh doesn’t make you have trouble breathing. His touch does not make you want more, and his lips do not want your lips on them.

“You okay?” Ezra’s intoxicating voice drifted to me. “We don’t have to go through the haunted house if you don’t want to.”

“N-no, I’m fine. It’s not that, I just spaced out.” Seriously Logan? You sound like a love-struck teen. I bit my lip again. After a second I smirked, bringing old Logan back. “You can’t make up excuses to not go through this haunted house.” I turned to him. His piercing gold eyes made my heart skip. I quickly averted my own to the rest of the festival.

People walked and ran around, reveling in the holiday. We stopped in front of the haunted house and Ezra’s fingers tangled into mine. My breath caught.

“Are you ready?” He asked. I nodded and we stepped into it.

******

We stepped out of the final door. I had a bush strong on my cheeks, having screamed more than a few times. Just as I was going to take a deep, relaxing breath a chainsaw revved behind us.

“Ahhhhhhh!!” I screamed, jumping into Ezra’s arms.



He caught me easily and held me close, walking away from the man with the chainsaw. Ezra said nothing, but I saw the smirk on his face.

“Jerk, put me down.” I muttered, pushing against his chest. He stopped and looked around.

“No, I can’t. I think I see a clown behind that tree. I better hold on to you since he’ll just make you jump into my arms again.” He laughed. I glared at him, but first snuck a peak to see if he was telling the truth.

“Stop it. Put me down. Now.” I growled.

“Aw, come on Lo,” He said, setting me down, “You can’t expect me to let that go. The great Logan Belle, afraid of clowns?”

“Enough. You can’t truthfully say their freaky smiles aren’t freaky. And their creepy outfits? They could be hiding knifes or other murder weapons under there, just waiting for their next unwilling victim to let their guard down.” I looked around the dark park. “Can we just go home.”

Ezra’s smile fade. “I’m sorry Logan, I didn’t mean to ruin your night. I’ll make sure there are no clowns anywhere in this park if it’ll make you feel better.” His seriousness made me shiver.

“It’s not that. I just want to go back. I’m getting tired.” I honestly didn’t know why I wanted to go back all of a sudden. My eyes scanned over Ezra and I bit my lip again, throwing the image of curling up next to him out of my mind.

“Alright, let’s go.” He said, taking my hand again. When I didn’t pull it away he glanced at me, but said nothing.

******

My eyes flashed open and I stared up at the top bunk. It was just a dream, Lo. I shook my head. Admit it, you love him. If you could just admit it your life would be just like your dream. Could I really do it? It would be easier to just keep lying to myself, wouldn’t it? As my mind was making itself up for me to march into his room and tell him, a movement in my room made me jump.

“Did I wake you?” Ezra asked, his voice dripping with sleep.

“No, a dream.” I replied, sitting up to look at him.

“Oh, was it good?” He asked, stepping slowly toward me.

“No. They never are.” I watched him. He kept tapping his hand against his leg, something he did when he was nervous. “Ez…what’s going o-“ I began, standing up.

“Logan, there’s something I need to tell you.” He rushed out.

I stood up, my breath catching. “W-what.” I breathed. Ezra rushed towards me. He stopped when he had me leaned against the bed. He didn’t seem so tired anymore, just nervous.

“Logan Belle, I love you.” He whispered, gold eyes staring straight into mine. I froze, mind and heart warring with each other. I bit my lip, forcing myself to focus. It was hard.

“Ezra…” managed out, my hand moving to his chest. His heart was beating almost as fast as mine was. “I-“

Just then the door burst open, followed by Rowan. He didn’t even stop to take in our position. “Ezra, they’re here.” He growled.

“Please, don’t forget what’s on your lips. Tell me after.” He pushed away and drew his wand from his pajama pants pocket. “Take care of her Rowan.” He stopped at the door and looked at me over his shoulder. “Logan, this isn’t goodbye.”

As he shot off down the stairs I pushed off the wall after him, only to be caught by Rowan’s arms.

“Let me go! What’s happening! I’m the strongest you have! I have to go help him!” I screamed, fighting futilely against his arms.

“No. I’m getting you out of here. The Weres have found us and are disregarding the neutral ground France provides.” Rowan said, annoyance in his voice. He threw me over his shoulder.

“No!” I clawed at his back. “No, no, Rowan please, I can’t let this happen. Not again. Please.” I begged. My world was shattering again. Every time I had something good it had to be ripped away. I heard Rowan mutter something and suddenly I felt very tired.

“Rowan…” I breathed, wishing I could fight back. Instead I could only succumb to the sleep that he wove over me, all the while wishing I could be by Ezra’s side.