Crescent

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Falling.

I have no control as my body flies off of the cliff. I can't even scream.

I watch in the background of my mind as my figure soars, arching and then diving elegantly toward the water. Never have I ever been described as graceful, but this time, I am. There's something controlling my body and it shows off to any one watching. I'm not sure how deep the pond below is, but as I fall for what seems like forever, there are no worries in my mind. It's like I've been resigned to the back of my own thoughts and it isn't necessary to make any of my own.

I quite relish in the feeling.

Soon, though, my hands break the surface, the rest of me following. I catapult into the water before righting myself and swimming up. My shirt sticks to every surface of my torso as I exit the pond, water dripping down my long legs. The same thing controlling my body inserts confidence into my brain. It tells me we look good - desirable - and that every girl here is jealous.

It's my biggest supporter, my closest friend, and my most loyal companion. It isn't a part of me, but we are one.

Is this my wolf?

"Are we still on for tomorrow?" My voice asks as we pass Alexander and Melissa. It sounds like me, but at the same time different. It's more smooth and confident, and I immediately wish it never leaves. I stop, my eyes meeting his with a smirk.

"Y-yes, of course," his voice — deeper than normal, yet crystal clear — stutters. It carries a velvety tone underneath, just like mine, but there's a covetous want in his.

We swell with pleasure as we watch him try to stop his gaze from drinking in my entire body lustfully. "Great," I smile with more teeth than ever, feeling like the big, bad wolf that just ate red riding hood's grandmother. Satisfied. I want to lick my lips. "I'll see you tonight, Alec." If possible, my tone is more sultry than Melissa could ever hope to achieve. I reach up and tap his chin underneath his slightly gaping mouth. His teeth clink together audibly. I give his cheek a pat before sauntering away.

Not wanting to ruin the awesomeness of my exit, I mentally ask Tom to grab my pants and shoes from the tree when he leaves. I feel laughter drift through our bond, but push it aside and keep my head high as I walk without a particular direction in mind.

I find myself staring at the familiar fallen log a few minutes later.

A figure rests on the ground against the old tree, tipping a glass bottle higher and higher.

I tug my wet, oversized shirt down, suddenly self conscious. I clear my throat, "Sawyer."

His smoky grey eyes drift over to me before a slightly drunken smile spreads across his mouth. Sawyer laughs sadistically. "Of course it's you. What do you want?" I gulp as he tips the bottle to his lips again.

"I really just want some of that," I gesture to the bottle. My voice is thick, gravelly with need for the burning liquid. The presence in my mind has long since receded, and I feel lonelier than ever. I grasp the hem of my shirt in an attempt to hide my trembling fingers.

The weight of earlier drops onto my shoulders all at once. How could I have been so stupid? I shouldn't even be tempting Alexander and myself like that. I chose to not be with him or Blake, so Melissa just talking to him shouldn't have affected me the way it did. Thoughts race back and forth in my mind, and all I want is to numb the feelings.

Sawyer shrugs, holding the bottle in my direction.

I practically race over before settling on the warm ground beside him, thankful for the shade. My shaky fingers fumble to grasp the neck of the bottle, but as they drift over Sawyer's, he doesn't loosen his grip. Our eyes lock.