CHAPTER FIFTEEN – A SIDESTEP

"Mark," she said softly, "I'm glad you're here with me. Even if 'here' is a dingy motel room in the middle of nowhere." Mark's expression softened. He leaned in, kissing her gently. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be." The kiss deepened, their earlier tensions melting away as they lost themselves in each other. The creaky bed, the dated decor, the whole disastrous day - it all faded into the background as they reconnected, rediscovering the spark that had brought them together in the first place. Later, as they lay tangled in the sheets, Laura felt more relaxed than she had in weeks. The stress of the hospital, the werewolf incident, even their car troubles - it all seemed less overwhelming with Mark by her side. "We should probably get some sleep," Mark murmured, his voice thick with drowsiness. "Who knows what adventures await us tomorrow?" Laura chuckled, snuggling closer to him. "Knowing our luck, probably more car trouble and cryptic small-town legends." "Hey, you never kno