The howling wind outside rattled the only window of the one room schoolhouse, tearing my attention away from the stack of math tests I was grading. The tree that grew by the window bent like old brittle bones. The branches scraped against the thick glass pane like talons. The clouds were growing heavy and dark and a few flakes began to fall. Another blizzard was brewing, and I would've closed up for the afternoon and hurried home, except I was stuck waiting for one last pupil, six year old Issac, to get picked up. The inquisitive boy was curled up on the rug, reading a book quietly with my own daughter Alyce, who is the same age.

My heart swelled with pride to see the pair so deeply immersed in their book. I taught them to read just a few months ago and they're already two of the best readers in my class.

I shake my head and chuckle. It's still so hard to believe that a few years ago I was the most fearsome werewolf slayer in the land. Now I'm teaching kids reading, writing, and arithmetic.

As soon as my daughters were born I knew it was time to hang up my red cape, and put aside my weapons. Fighting dangerous rogue werewolves was no life for a young mother. Besides we now live in relative peace with the packs, although many humans are still wary of werewolves and other shifters. I should know because my late husband was a werewolf who had been slain by a shifter.

Before I risked getting lost in memories, the door to the school house swung open, and the man I had been waiting for strode inside: Issac's father Damon Darkclaw. Damon closed the door and leaned against the wall, crossing his muscular arms across his chest. It was easy to see why Damon was the leader of the Darkclaw pack; with his molten golden eyes and silver-blond hair that rested on broad leather clad shoulders.

He inclined his head to me politely. " Good afternoon Scarlett, my apologies for being late. I had something to take care of."

I nodded, figuring official pack business had held him up. The village elders, including my granny I had rescued long ago, frequently met with Damon and his alpha wolves. It was all part of keeping the peace that had made our village a safe place to raise a family for humans and werewolves alike.

The children were so absorbed in their reading we had to practically pry the book from their fingers to be able to bundle them up for the cold that awaited us outside. " Aww Dad can we stay a bit longer?" Issac pleaded as his dad looped a knitted scarf around his neck.

" Please? We were just getting to the best part!" Alyce moaned, as I plunked her hat over the raven curls that were just like my own.

" You can finish the book tomorrow, first thing in the morning," I promised, ignoring their pleas. While it made my heart glow to see them so passionate about a book, I was more than a little worried about making it home before the storm hit hard. We live on the outskirts of the village and our walk home is long even on a day when the weather is fair.

" I could escort you ladies home, it's on the way," Damon offered. Damon is our neighbor. His oldest daughter Imogen is best friends with my oldest Skyla, and the girls attend the village secondary school. As far as neighbors go I can't complain. The sweet little things Damon does for our family never fail to make me smile; from chopping wood for our fireplace to helping shovel us out when it snows, or bringing over a crockpot full of his famous chili so our families can share a meal.

" Gathering wool Scarlett?" Damon smirked.

My cheeks burned and I tugged the thick knitted cowl up to hide it.

Always the gentleman, Damon handed me my red cloak trimmed with fur around the hood. Even though I left that life behind, red is still my signature color. Smiling, I accepted the cloak from him, our fingers brushing as I did so. A spark shot through my fingertips at the brief contact and I wondered if he felt it too.

"Let's head out," I said, ushering the kids and Damon out the door so I could lock the school up.

The snow was swirling from the gloomy sky and the gravel road leading out of the village towards the tree lined path was already coated with white fluff. I gestured to the wooden sled I made for Alyce last Christmas. " Why don't you two kids hop on?" With wide smiles the kids climbed on the sled.

Damon held out his gloved hand to take the reins. " Allow me Scarlett."

I followed, my boots crunching through the snow as Damon jogged down the path with the sleigh. The kids excited shrieks filled my ears as I took in the quiet beauty of the snowy evening. My earlier anxiety was melting away surrounded by such innocent joy.

Damon slowed down, panting slightly. " Guess you're getting your exercise in huh?" I teased.

" You could say that," he said, offering me his arm. I slid my arm through his as we approached the snow covered hill leading to our homes and past the woods. Despite the chill, Damon felt warm pressed so close to me. I shook my head, I couldn't let myself enjoy his company too much. He was just my neighbor and that is how it had to remain.

" Mom, can Issac and I transform? Please?" Alyce begged hopefully. My youngest had inherited her father's abilities, but rarely had a chance to explore her other form. I glanced around us. We were far enough away from the village that no superstitious eyes would spot her. Why not let her have a little fun?

" Ok just don't go far," I said warily.

Soon two grey wolf pups were streaking past us, snow flying in their wake. They bounded up the hill yapping playfully. Damon grinned, as thrilled with their youthful antics as I was.

Our log cabins were coming into view when a frightened yowl snapped my attention to the woods. I tore away from Damon's grasp and trudged through the thick snow towards the towering pines. Two burley men in hunting gear stood on the outskirts of the woods, each holding a squirming wolf pup in their massive hands. Hunters. The older hunter laughed mirthlessly

" Let them go!" I snarled.

" I'll think about it," the younger one drawled, " if you call off your dog." I could hear a low threatening growl beside me. Damon had transformed and was ready to fight. My eyes flicked towards him. In his wolf form he was just as magnificent, all gleaming fangs and silvery fur.

Before either hunter could blink, I slid free the sharp daggers I wore strapped to my waist and hidden by my tunic. Daggers out, I flew at the men causing them to stumble backwards in shock and drop our pups. " Run!" I yelled, my blade arching down to connect with the vulnerable flesh between the younger hunter's neck and shoulder. Blood spurted from the wound. He clamped his hand down to staunch the flow as he crumbled to the ground. These fools may have been afraid of werewolves, but I would make them regret the day they decided to mess with a mama bear!

Damon had launched himself at the older hunter and was pressing him into the freezing ground. Damon's razor sharp fangs lay bared against the trembling man's throat, ready to rip it out. " I beg you, let me go so I can tend to my son's wounds," he croaked. These vile men were pathetic and were the reason the peace between humans and werewolves was so precarious.

" If you dare set foot in my village again I won't hesitate to slice you to ribbons." I wiped my bloody dagger clean on the hunter's chest, hoping to drive my point home. He groaned and clutched his shoulder.

Damon backed off the father, snapping his jaws in warning and we headed off to find the kids. They were waiting at the bottom of the hill, back in human form. Issac was shaking and Alyce's blue eyes were brimming with tears. I wrapped my red cape around her and kissed her cheeks. Damon transformed back just in time for Issac to fling himself into his father's arms.

" You're safe now," I soothed, settling Alyce back on the sled beside Issac.

" They were no match for you Scarlett." Damon flashed me a grim smile.

" No one messes with an angry mama." I patted the sheathed daggers at my side.

We were silent as we slogged the rest of the way home through the snow. After a day of work and that unexpected skirmish, I was exhausted. All I wanted was to curl up by the fire with a mug of tea and rest. I knew that wasn't going to happen as soon as our giggling twelve year olds thrust open the door to my log cabin to greet us.

Despite my weariness, I plastered on a smile for my family. I treasured being a mother more than anything, but raising a family alone was rough.

" Surprise! Happy Valentine's day!" My family and neighbors cried.

" Dad what took you so long?" Imogen sighed, exasperated.

" We were so worried we almost went looking for you!" Skyla clasped my hand tightly.

" We got a little held up," Damon muttered. " We'll explain later."

" Well everything is ready as we planned," Skyla giggled, pulling Alyce and me inside as quickly as she could.

" I'm so excited!" Alyce squealed.

Hand on my hips, I arched a dark brow at Damon. " Were you all in on this?" Damon shrugged, his lips curving into a crooked grin. We followed the kids towards the den. I couldn't believe I had forgotten it was February Fourteenth: Valentine's Day!

A fire was crackling in the fireplace lending the room a cheery glow. A large woven blanket was spread out before the hearth and on it was the picnic basket I used to deliver supplies to granny. A bottle of rose champagne, a baguette, and a wheel of gouda were peeking out from the basket. Skyla was holding a tray of chocolate covered strawberries in her hands.

Tears pricked my eyes and I took a deep breath, determined not to cry in front of Damon and our children. " This is beautiful," I gushed.

After our Valentine's feast, the girls took the younger kids to the kitchen to play a board game. I stretched out next to Damon before the fire and he poured me another glass of fizzy pink champagne.

" Happy Valentine's day Damon." I clinked my glass with his. " You know, I'm sorry that horrid hunter called you my dog." I hated the way some humans still treated werewolves like they were animals.

Far from being offended, Damon smirked. " You know Scarlett, I wouldn't mind being yours. I know it's been a while for us both, but I'm willing to try if you are."

My heart stuttered to a stop. I may have admired Damon and found him powerfully attractive, but I had sworn off relationships with humans or werewolves after becoming a widow. Yet now Damon was gazing at me with eyes like burning gold and I couldn't help myself, so I moved closer.

" May I kiss you?" He murmured, raising my chin gently with his fingers. I nodded as his lips brushed against mine like warm velvet. His woodsy patchouli scent engulfed me as the kiss deepened. Once I had dedicated my life to slaying werewolves; now for the second time in my life one had slain my heart.