Cozy Tents and Golden Eyes
“Phew, finally we are done,” Lily said with a big grin, stepping back to admire their handiwork.
The tent looked surprisingly cozy for something thrown together in the middle of the woods.
It was a high-quality one provided by the school, sturdy canvas, reinforced poles, and a decent-sized interior but they had added a few small homey touches to make it feel less like a temporary shelter and more like their own space.
Lily had draped a soft fleece blanket she’d brought over the inside of the entrance flap, clipping it at the top so it hung like a cozy inner curtain.
It gave a bit more privacy when the main zip was open and added some extra warmth against the evening chill.
Scarlett had gathered a few fallen pine branches with nice shapes and arranged them along the sides like simple natural decor, and she’d also placed a couple of smooth stones she found nearby at the entrance as makeshift doorstops.
They’d even hung a small solar lantern from the center pole that cast a gentle, warm glow inside once it got darker.
It wasn’t luxury, but it felt… lived-in. A small pocket of normalcy in the middle of Blackthorn Ridge.
Saint had helped with the heavy parts, his big hands surprisingly careful with the stakes and poles. Now he stood a little to the side, looking quietly proud.
“It looks good,” he said quietly, voice low and warm. “Safe.”
Lily beamed at him. “Thanks to you, mostly. You’re really good at this.”
Saint’s ears turned a faint pink. He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve… set up tents before. For hunting.”
The word “hunting” hung for a second, but Lily just nodded, choosing not to push.
Scarlett smiled softly. “It feels… almost normal.”
They were still admiring the tent when bickering drifted over from the neighboring site.
“You’re doing it wrong,” Kaiden’s voice snapped. “Are you blind? It doesn’t go that way.”
Kane’s reply was immediate and venomous. “Call me blind one more time and I’ll rip your fucking throat out and wear it as a necklace.”
Rhys stood off to the side, arms crossed, leaning against a tree with his eyes half-lidded like he was watching a mildly entertaining show. He hadn’t lifted a finger to help. Their tent was still half-collapsed, poles scattered, fabric tangled.
Lily muttered under her breath, “They’ve been at that for hours now.”
Scarlett couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped. “Rhys looks like he’s enjoying the chaos.”
Saint turned to the girls, expression soft but determined.
“I’ll go assist my Alphas,” he said.
Both nodded.
They watched as Saint walked over, grabbed Kane by the back of his shirt before he could lunge at Kaiden, and pulled him back effortlessly.
“Enough,” Saint rumbled, voice calm but firm. He then knelt and started fixing the poles with quick, efficient movements.
Lily watched with a small, surprised smile. “Honestly… he’s so sweet.”
Scarlett nodded, eyes drifting. “Yeah…”
Her gaze inevitably pulled toward Rhys.
He was still leaning against the tree, eyes now closed, head tilted back like he was listening to the wind. The late afternoon light cut across his sharp features, making him look almost ethereal.
Then, as if he felt her stare, his eyes opened.
Golden, Intense and locked directly onto her.
Scarlett’s heart skipped hard. Heat rushed to her cheeks. She quickly looked away, biting her lip.
A moment later, Professor Ryan’s voice rang out across the clearing.
“Everyone, come together! Gather round!”
Students began moving toward him, murmuring. Scarlett, Lily, and the others joined the growing crowd, though the guys next door were still busy fixing their tent.
Ryan waited until most were assembled before speaking.
“Alright, listen up. It’s already getting late, so no one is going deeper into the woods for a bath tonight. You can wash your faces, brush your teeth, and take care of basic hygiene around the designated areas near the tent’s edge. Dinner will be served in thirty minutes at the central fire pit.
After that, it’s straight to your tents. Lights out at ten. No wandering. No exceptions.”
He scanned the group with a stern look.
“Tomorrow we start the real activities. Rest while you can. And remember, this is still a school trip. Behave.”
A few groans rose, but most students just nodded, tired from the long day.
As the group began to disperse, Scarlett glanced back toward their tent.
Saint was still helping, now holding a pole steady while Kane grumbled. Kaiden stood a little apart, arms crossed, watching with a neutral expression.
Rhys, however, was looking straight at her again.
And this time, he didn’t look away.
Her stomach flipped.
“So what do we do first?” Lily asked, shifting her weight. “I need to change my underwear. I’m still spotting.”
Scarlett nodded immediately, understanding.
It had been exactly a week since Lily took the abortion pills the day before the Purge.
The bleeding had started heavy the first few days (like a very intense period), and now, a week later, it had lightened into normal spotting, still enough that she needed to change and stay comfortable.
“Okay,” Scarlett said softly. “I’ll come with you and keep watch so no one comes while you change. We can wash our faces and brush our teeth there too.”
Lily gave her a grateful smile. “That’s a plan.”
They slipped into their tent where their duffel and tote bags were kept. Lily pulled out a fresh pair of underwear, a pad, and her toothbrush. Scarlett grabbed a clean pair of underwear for herself and her own brush.
They stepped back out.
Kane was still helping with the neighboring tent, grumbling under his breath while Saint worked quietly and efficiently.
The two girls walked over to Professor Ryan, who was standing near the supply area.
“Professor,” Scarlett asked politely, “where can we get water to wash our faces and brush our teeth?”
Ryan pointed to a cleared spot a short distance away. “There’s a big drum of clean water over there. Use the bowls and cups provided. Don’t waste it, it’s for everyone. There’s soap too.”
They thanked him and headed over.
The drum was large, with a couple of bowls floating inside and beside the drum sat another basin filled with cups and plates.
Lily quickly changed behind a thick cluster of bushes while Scarlett stood guard, keeping an eye out for anyone approaching.
Once Lily was done and had adjusted her pad, she washed her hands thoroughly with the soap.
Scarlett then took her turn. She bent down, washed herself carefully between her legs then changed into fresh underwear, and washed her hands.
After that, they both brushed their teeth and splashed cold water on their faces, feeling slightly more human.
When they returned to the tents, they saw that Saint had already finished helping with the guys’ tent. It stood straight and solid now.
They put their things inside their own tent, then headed toward the large central fire pit where dinner was being prepared. Some students were already seated on the logs arranged in a wide circle.
Lily and Scarlett found a spot on one of the thicker logs and sat down together.
The fire crackled warmly, casting dancing shadows across everyone’s faces. The smell of grilled food and woodsmoke filled the air.
Scarlett glanced around, unable to stop herself from looking for the others.
Saint was already walking toward them.
And behind him, she could see Rhys, Kaiden and Kane finally heading over too.
Her heart gave another annoying little flip.
This camping retreat was definitely going to test every ounce of her sanity.