A Wolf's Curse (On Hold)

Chapter 7

Kay slipped into a sweater from her car as she stared at the bright full moon. Its cold yellow rays beamed through the pine trees, creating a path for her to follow.

The weather carried more of a nip this time of year, evident from her misty breaths. Many of the branches from the naked trees twisted eerily like a scene out of the Snow White movie.

Each step gave her a harrowing reminder of what could've became of her body last year. A juicy, helpless chew toy for a very large, rabid dog—three, in fact.

She wondered what was next. Zombies?

At this rate, anything was possible. She welcomed the cacophony of night creatures as they drowned out her fleeting thoughts. As much as she wanted to escape the social media worthy fiasco back at the mansion—being labeled a missing person didn't seem more preferrable.

What if he was targeting her? A girl who'd been dumped and humiliated by two of the world's hugest assholes on the planet. After all, she was an easy hunt for twelve legs, and she traveled solo, so why not?

Kay curled her fingers around the car key in her pocket, pressing it to her palm as if it would instantly transport her to her car with a single thought. Her thumb slid over the engine's start button, fiddling with its surface out of habit.

The one feature she was grateful for when she purchased the vehicle. Especially the time a Walmart panhandler tried to harrass her in the parking lot. It was a great getaway, and surely it'd serve its purpose tonight, if needed.

Somewhere from behind her, a twig snapped, she spun instinctively. Her eyes darted in every direction as her heart raced erratically against her chest.

Nothing but the faint howl of wind.

Perhaps a squirrel scurried through, or a skunk—either one seemed likely. An owl hooted in rhythm with the relentess bustle of wildlife.

She exhaled, telling herself it was in her mind. Of course it was—right?

"Didn't think you'd come," a male voice spoke from somewhere behind her. Kay whirled around as a scream ripped from her throat.

Staring back at her, a pair of glinting yellow-gold eyes emerged from the shadows. When she realized it was the wolf man in his human form, she bent over to catch her breath.

"You scared the living shit out of me!" She cast a glare in his direction.

"My apologies. Didn't mean to spook you, Kay." He stepped into full view, the moonlight reflecting off his mask. He appeared relaxed, non-hostile, hands tucked into the pocket of his slacks.

"You shouldn't sneak up on people, you know, and how do you know my name?" Kay placed her free hand on her hips as she clutched the key in her pocket for dear life.

"I am part animal. We have the ability to sneak around and hear things. Besides, I was here first. It was you who tried to sneak up on me." The corner of his lip pulled up.

She cleared her throat, crossing her arms as she tried her hardest not to stare at his lips. Or the way he studied her from behind his disguise.

Even as he stalked toward her, circling her in a methodical manner, she did her damness not to stare at his thick frame hidden beneath his suit.