Underneath The Oak Tree Novels & Stories

He led me through the crowded house, weaving past groups of laughing people and red Solo cups, until we stepped out into the backyard. The night air was cool and refreshing against my flushed skin, carrying the faint scent of cut grass and distant bonfire smoke. The music from inside became a muffled thump as we walked toward his car, parked under the sprawling branches of an old oak tree at the edge of the property. Jax hopped up onto the hood first, then helped me up beside him. The metal was still slightly warm from the engine. For a long moment, we just sat there in comfortable silence, shoulders brushing, staring up at the stars peeking through the leaves. My pulse still hadn’t settled.

Rowan said, pointing through the trees. Kael rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. "We stay together." Nobody argued. We followed the sound. The forest changed as we walked. The pines gave way to older trees. Their branches spread so wide that the sunlight barely reached the ground. The air smelled of wildflowers. Then... I saw it. An oak tree. Its trunk split into two before reaching the branches. The same tree from my mother's drawing. "The orchard," Elias whispered. No one moved.

Colton looks like he wants to walk into a tree. I shake my head, unable to stop the small smile tugging at my lips. “You two are terrible at lying.” Oakley beams. “Thank you.” “That wasn’t a compliment,” I say. “It felt like one,” he replies. Colton exhales slowly. “Let’s just… move on. The orchard is this way.” Oakley nods quickly. “Yes. Orchard. Trees. Fruit. No mysterious healer prophecies there.” Colton mutters, “Hopefully.”

"We are the only humans in this place. Nothing could happen to her. But I know you would worry, so I am making sure you can keep an eye on her." We walked for several minutes, the path winding between massive tree trunks. I kept glancing down at my daughter to make sure the movement was not disturbing her, but she continued sleeping peacefully. Then the trees began to thin. The path opened up into a large clearing bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. "Stop here and put the baby down under that tree." I followed his pointing finger and saw a large oak tree at the edge of the clearing. Its branches spread wide, providing shelter beneath.

I knew he was supposed to be here. Thinking he was yet to come, I sat under the oak tree and waited for him. I kind of see why he liked this place, the cool breeze brushing against my skin was so calming, and the leaves on the oak tree rustled with the wind. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply, enjoying the calm environment. I think I was too engrossed in how good I was feeling that I did not know when I fell asleep. I don’t know how long I had slept, but when I woke up, I was moving in the air, my eyes immediately flew open, scared I was being kidnapped.

she asked for the third time, curiosity evident on her face. “Be patient, my dear,” I replied with a smile. “Just a few more minutes.” “You know I'm not good at being patient.” “Oh, I'm well aware,” I laughed. “Remember when you were waiting for the results of the Elder Council's test? You paced for three hours.” “That's different!” she protested. “That was about our future as—” She stopped as we rounded the last bend and the view spread out before us. A small meadow surrounded by tall trees, with a small river flowing on one side. In the middle of the meadow stood a huge, ancient oak tree—its branches spread wide, creating a perfect natural canopy.

Xynathius spoke from beside me, a hint of a smile tugging at the sides of his lips. “Stop the car, let's take a picture underneath the tree,” I offered and he nodded before parking it at the side. “Come,” he offered me his hand and I gladly took it. The pink and white cherry blossoms were raining down due to a strong gale and we stood under the tree letting them fall in our hair. Xyn looked cute with flowers decorating his hair and I heartily laughed. The big scary lycan was standing under a flowering tree with his mate, who could have imagined?

Finding a secluded spot beneath the shade of a sprawling oak tree, we settled onto a blanket spread out on the grass, the gentle rustle of leaves overhead the only sound that broke the silence. For hours, we talked and laughed, lost in the magic of the moment. The world seemed to fade away around us, leaving only the two of us and the infinite expanse of possibility stretched out before us. The sun was setting when we arrived at the park, illuminating the sky with orange and gold tones and illuminating the surrounding area with a cozy warmth. We located a quiet area under the canopy of a large oak tree and stretched out a blanket on the grass. The only sound that disturbed the quiet was the

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN The oak tree was huge and from where Lucas stood, its shape reminded him of a piece of broccoli. The great trunk was thick and gnarled, the leaves spreading like a vast canopy of deep jade. This magnificent symbol of nature sat alone in a green field, an azure, cloudless sky as a backdrop. Lucas ambled up the hill. There was no such thing as urgency in a place such as this. His heart maintained the sense of peace he had carried since . . .

Mother Nature does some of her finest work this time of year and I absolutely love the crisp air. Peyton and I continue to walk on into the woods just ways enjoying one another's company and conversation. I step behind a very large and old Oak tree and undress, placing my clothes inside of a hollow log that had probably fallen a very long time ago. You could tell by the many layers of moss that had grown on it over the many years since.