In The Pines Novels & Stories

Even if she didn’t know I was there. The Pines Resort sat nestled between two lakes and surrounded by pine trees that stretched toward the sky. It was way too fancy for what Naya had called a “chill weekend for a group project,” but that was Naya for you; everything had to be dramatic. I parked behind the main lodge and stepped out into the crisp mountain air, tugging my jacket straight as I headed toward the guest cabins. I didn’t even make it ten steps before someone noticed me. “Oh my god, is that Luca Moretti?”

Pine and Fire The gates of Pine Wood Pack loomed high, wrought iron framed with stone, the crest of a wolf entwined with pine boughs carved above the arch. Beyond it, Evandra glimpsed the sweep of the forest—towering redwoods and firs rising like sentinels against the sky. Their resinous scent drifted in on the mountain breeze, earthy and sharp, clinging to everything. The SUV rolled to a halt, its tires crunching over gravel. Evandra’s hands fidgeted in her lap as she peered out the tinted glass. This was it. Her second homecoming, the second step on the path the Moon Goddess had laid before her.

I kept on walking and smiling as I noticed a fountain basin hidden under the trees opposite the east font of the Palais. "Wow!" I muttered. "Isn't beautiful?" Drake asked behind me. "It is," I said smiling as I sat down on the grass. Drake set the food basket on the ground and brought out the contents in it. There was a cocktail wine with pizzas and Burgers. "For real!" I asked him raising a brow at him. "Don't you like it?" He asked innocently. 'He behaves so childishly nowadays, how will he pick pizzas and Burgers for a picnic,' I thought within me.

【The Cub】 Every deep autumn the snow stacked itself high in the northern pine forest and refused to melt until spring. Sylvan crouched beneath an old pine at the edge of the timberline, a fistful of needles pressed into his palm. He was tasting them. Not eating. Just letting each one rest on the tip of his tongue, teeth closing just enough to split the surface, bitter and astringent seeping out. Different pines carried different tempers. The bitter ones closed a wound fast. The astringent ones pulled swelling down. He could tell them apart with his eyes shut.

The moon sat high and heavy above the pines when Tamsin reached the main den hall. Wolves milled in the shadows, their voices low, their eyes flicking toward her mark and then away. No one blocked her path, but their presence pressed against her like a weight she could feel in her bones.

No acknowledgment. But that was fine. Because silence was still a response. ** The sun was just beginning to dip behind the mountains when Emily stepped off the bus, the scent of pine and earth wrapping around her like a quiet promise. Whispering Pines Eco Park was breathtaking. Tall trees swaying gently in the breeze, birdsong echoing through the woods, and a sky so wide it made her feel small in the best way. Stanley was beside her, carrying both their bags with a grin that never seemed to fade. “This place is amazing,” he said, nudging her shoulder. “You’re going to love it.”

“I’m glad you love the scenery. Wait until we reach the villa, you’ll enjoy it there. Your Grandmother may as well be a florist with how many flowers she puts around the place!” Denice’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve always wanted my own garden! Maybe I could help her.” “She would enjoy that very much.” As their conversation ended there, they slowly approached Strawberry Pines. Strawberry Pines was filled with color, like the rest of the country. Except, it was unique in every way possible! Different arrangements and assortments of flowers continued to line the town with its beauty. From shades of reds and pinks, to blues and purples, to whites and yellows! They had them all!

Thanking God for all her blessings was top priority. They started trekking up the mountain as partners. Jaimee felt lucky that her partner was Jack, the guide, himself. If anything happened she had the expert himself. Her calf muscles were already starting to burn as they ascended the mountain, but further along, her adrenaline made the burn go away. She started walking faster, building up speed but Jack gave her a warning, “Don’t burn yourself out too quickly, Jaimee, we still have a long way to go before sunset. Get plenty of fluids too. But you’re all doing great, let keep going a little further before we stop to eat lunch.”

Fernando’s POV The sky had turned an inky blue when we finally pulled off the road. A blinking neon sign buzzed faintly in the distance, illuminating the weather-worn letters that read: Sunset Pines Motel. Its name sounded better than it looked. The parking lot was half-empty, cracked and littered with dried leaves that skittered across the pavement in the night breeze. One lonely streetlight flickered overhead like it had given up trying. Ashley killed the engine and I let out a sigh.

"Tomorrow night at seven. The Orchid Room, Pine Retreat Villa." Wasn't Dylan Armstrong the Whites'lifeline? Then I'd turn that lifeline into a noose around their necks. ... The next day. Suburbs of New York. Pine Retreat Villa was nestled in the twilight of Laurel Mountain. Lights dotted the woods like scattered stars. I parked my car in a temporary spot near the entrance early. I tapped my fingers lightly on the steering wheel. My gaze sharp and alert. In the rearview mirror, an arrogant license plate came into view.