Chapter 6: The Waterfall

They arrived back at the cabin, their backpacks filled with supplies. Camden was eager to learn the layout of the cabin and began organizing their newly acquired items with Clayton's assistance. Together, they worked harmoniously, finding a place for everything and ensuring that their living space felt comfortable and welcoming and that all the necessities were easy to find.

Once they finished their tasks, Clayton declared that it was time to head to the waterfall. Camden's eyes lit up with excitement as she grabbed the new backpack, quickly stuffing her pink frilly bikini inside, along with some dry clothes just in case and some snacks. She couldn't wait to experience the cool, refreshing water. She was outside in a flash and had shifted into her wolf form before Clayton had even managed to walk out the door. She was bounding up and down around him, filled with excitement. “Okay, we’re going, we’re going,” he confirmed with a chuckle.

He undressed swiftly and added his clothes to the backpack, then shifted into his wolf form. Picking up the pack, he looked at Camden with a challenging glint in his eye and raced off on the same path they had followed the night before. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow upon the day as they arrived at the waterfall. The spray of water created a mesmerizing rainbow, adding to the allure of the scene. Camden's excitement reached its peak, and she couldn't wait to dive into the cool, refreshing water. Clayton shifted first and handed the pack to Camden, who swiftly found a secluded spot behind a bush to shift. She emerged wearing her new bikini, ready for some frolicking in the water.

Clayton was already splashing about in the water, his long hair cascading freely. Camden approached the water with uninhibited enthusiasm, eager to embrace the weightlessness and coolness it offered. "Look at you," Clayton beamed, admiring her. "Pink frills and sword fights. You're truly an interesting woman, Cam." A blush spread across Camden's cheeks. She liked it when he called her Cam just now.

She plunged into the cool water, diving in to submerge herself. She came up spluttering and coughing shortly after, rubbing the water from her eyes as she tread water. "Clayton! Are you naked?!" She gasped in shocked disbelief. "Yup," he stated with a smirk. "You could have told me!" She replied indignantly. "I figured you would have assumed as much. Or at least seen me get in. Why would I wear shorts? I don't think I even have shorts? I've been out here by myself for ages, who would I need to cover up for?" He added innocently. Camden rolled her eyes and splashed him playfully. Clayton lunged toward her then dived down under the clear water. He grabbed at her ankle, pulling her down a little. Enough to give her a fright due to its unexpectedness, but not to cause her any serious duress. He emerged behind her, chuckling to himself. "You're a beast!" She teased with a smile. "You aren't wrong," Clayton smiled back.

They played and splashed in the water a bit longer, then Camden asked, "Have you ever jumped in from up there?" Pointing at the top of the waterfall. "I have. You want to try?" Clayton asked her with a hint of challenge in his voice. He anticipated that she would decline, but then she exclaimed "Yes!" Her excitement palpable. "Okay, let's go" Clayton suggested, wading out of the water, surprised by Camden's eagerness. "You walk ahead," Camden proposed, "I'll follow you and enjoy the view from back here," she laughed, implying that she would be checking out his butt. Clayton looked at her over his shoulder, smiling broadly. His skin was warm and golden and glistened with beads of water as she watched him walk ahead of her, her heart racing with a mixture of desire and nerves.

After a winding trail up the side of the waterfall, they finally made it to the top where there was a big rock slab. Standing on the slab and looking down, Camden's excitement wavered, replaced by a sudden wave of vertigo. "Fuuuuuuck," she muttered under her breath, feeling a mixture of fear and exhilaration. The height seemed much more daunting from this vantage point than it did from below. Doubt crept into her mind as she imagined the potential risks and what could go wrong. What if she landed on a rock or misjudged the jump?

Clayton, already brimming with anticipation, sensed her hesitation. He turned to face her, "Pink frills, sword fights, and a dirty mouth? I think I'm in love." And with that he took a run up and jumped off the edge before Camden even got the chance to say a word in response. She looked over the edge of the cliff, panic taking over, waiting for Clayton to come up. After what felt like forever, he emerged from the water below and signalled for her to follow.

Her heart was pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she peered over the edge uncertainly. The rush of adrenaline coursed through her veins, urging her to seize the moment. "Fuck it," she said to herself, her determination flickering to life.

Without further delay, Camden took a few steps back and ran towards the edge of the cliff. With a graceful leap, she dived in.

The rushing wind enveloped her, and the world became a blur. In that fleeting moment, all her worries dissipated, leaving only a profound sense of freedom. The plummeting descent felt both terrifying and electrifying, a thrilling sensation that awakened every fibre of her being.

As Camden plummeted into the crystalline pool below, the cool water embraced her body, washing away her fears and doubts. She resurfaced, gasping for breath, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. The surge of triumph and joy overwhelmed her as she looked up to find Clayton cheering her on, his eyes sparkling with pride.

With a radiant smile on her face, Camden swam towards him, her heart thudding with newfound confidence. They embraced in the refreshing water, their laughter echoing in harmony with the cascading waterfall.

Camden did a few more jumps, loving the thrill and freedom it brought her. Meanwhile, Clayton sat beside the lake, munching on the cookies and chips she had brought as he watched her plummet time and time again from the top of the waterfall. "Must I save you some?" He yelled up as Camden prepared for another jump, but the roaring water drowned out his words. Undeterred, she dived into the water, resurfacing and asking, "What did you say?" Clayton chuckled, "I asked if you wanted me to save you some," he repeated, waving the bag of chips in the air "Yes! Don't eat it all, you beast!" she exclaimed, rushing out of the water to grab her share before it disappeared.

Camden reached into the almost-empty chip bag and looked at him in disbelief. "How did you almost finish these already?!" she asked, her mouth hanging open. "I'm a growing boy," he replied, munching away. Camden laughed and grabbed what she could before he devoured everything.

Sitting side by side on a rock, gazing at the serene lake, Clayton broke the silence. "Tell me about your dad," he said, more of a request than a command. Camden scoffed. "You probably guessed it already, but we didn't get along." Rolling her eyes, she continued, "It was all about the pack and raising our status. He never really cared about me, except as a bargaining chip for alliances. He wanted to marry me off for his own gain when I came of age. But then, when the time came, Jackson, my chosen fiancé," she said, rolling her eyes again, "was still too young. I was hoping to find my true mate while waiting for Jackson to come of age, but you made me wait," she murmured, looking up at Clayton through thick, dark lashes with a coy smile. He looked at her sheepishly. "Anyway," Camden went on, "good old dad had affairs left and right, slowly breaking my mom until she became a shell of her former self. She lost her voice and never dared to stand up to him. I swore I wouldn't end up like her," Camden stated, her eyes reflecting sadness for her mother. "That's rough," Clayton sympathized.

Curiosity getting the best of him, Clayton aske, "Do you have any siblings?" Camden nodded, a tinge of melancholy in her voice. "Three older brothers. Liam is the oldest, then came the twins, Bradley and Benjamin. Benji was always my favourite. He has a soft spot for me too. I'm going to miss him in particular. I never even got to say goodbye to him," she reflected sadly, her voice filled with longing. "You'll see him again, Cam," Clayton reassured her, giving her shoulder a comforting rub. "I hope you’re right," she replied with a sigh of defeat.

They sat in silence for a while, absorbing the weight of their shared vulnerabilities. Eventually, Camden spoke up, expressing her love for the place they were in. "I really like it here. It just feels right, you know? Like it speaks to my soul," she said, grinning and basking in the warmth of the day. Clayton nodded, appreciating the familiar surroundings and enjoying the view of Camden leaning back on a rock, her skin glowing and golden from the day in the sun.

"Ready to head back?" Clayton asked after snapping out of it, eyeing the sinking sun. Camden looked up and also realized the day was drawing to a close. "Yeah, I guess we should start making our way home," she groaned, wishing they never had to leave.

They packed up their things and shifted, this time taking a more leisurely walk back to the cabin, meandering through thickets and woods. They took their time, allowing Camden to explore and get acquainted with her surroundings. As the wolves strolled next to one another, they seemed quite content with each other's company.