The Shadows She Saw

Chapter 1

Hi Readers...

So I've put up Chapter 1, tell me how it is, please
And let me know if it's worth continuing
Please read, comment and vote, it actually means a lot..

Love I.S

₪°₪°₪°₪°₪

"I'll always be with you. Always."

These were the last words. Her mom's last words to her.

Grace closed her eyes,the southern setting sun drappling over her smooth skin. The soft breeze whistled through her golden curls, willing her to relax.

She curled her bare toes into the warm, grainy sand, relishing the feeling of comfort that swept over her.

The lakeside had become Grace's heaven in the quiet countryside she had made her new home in. It was the perfect setting she needed after the buzz of Manhattan, New York.

Unexpectedly, she had stumbled upon this piece of paradise while taking a leisurely stroll along the abandoned paths. At first, her visits were irregular but over time she found herself coming here more and more often.

She inhaled deeply, her eyes still shut.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Grace's eyes fluttered open at the sudden intrusion. She turned around to find a man, probably in his early 20s, watching the view just as she was. He was tall, well built and rather good-looking.

"Oh, did I startle you? Sorry bout that," he said in a smooth voice with an apologetic smile.

"No, no it's okay. I was just...." Grace paused, gazing the lake.

"Just what?" The stranger asked amused. He rarely came across people, here, who stopped to watch the scenery. Quite intently so.

"...just lost." Grace finished.

Lost? The stranger thought. He wasn't expecting that.

"People tend to lose themselves while living but places like these remind us to just stop and take a breath."

"Deep words," Grace commented sweetly.

"Hunter Lycan." He introduced himself, his voice holding a slight accent of the South.

"Grace. Grace Willows."

It grew a shade darker and their shadows elongated a few inches more.

"So, Grace I'm guessing you're new to this neighborhood," Hunter began with an inquiring but friendly approach.

"You could say that." Grace began walking  homeward. "I moved here last week."

Hunter matched her slow pace. "Hmmm... so what is a pretty blonde doing in the most uneventful town in the South?"

"You know I shouldn't speak with strangers in a desolate old place." Grace teased playfully along with avoiding Hunter's questions.

Hunter retorted, grinning, "Then it's a good thing you know me now, isn't it?"

Two can play at this Mr Lycan Grace mused.

"Oh do I, Mr Lycan? Hunter Lycan could be a psychopath who kills innocent girls for all I know."

"Pretty, mysterious blondes may be an exception, Ms Willows." Hunter threw back with a smirk.

Grace masked mock-horror on her face, "Are you saying you are the psychopath I believe you to be, Mr Lycan?"

Hunter chuckled freely and Grace joined too. It was the first genuine laugh she had since that night.

"I should be getting home now," said Grace.

"Let me walk you home. Its late."

"Oh please don't. I wouldn't want to keep you from your plans," Grace said, a bit too quickly.

Hunter wondered about her sudden drawback. He didn't want to further press her.

"Are you sure you'll be fine, Grace?"

Grace saw his tone harbored real concern. She smiled at his thoughtfulness.

"Of course, Mr Lycan. I'm a big girl now."

Hunter's heart trembled a tad at that. Grace Willows looked every bit the rare innocent pretty blonde of the day. But he bit his words back.

"Then, see you around, Ms Willows."

"You too, Mr Lycan." Grace bid him warmly.

₪°₪°₪°₪°₪

His crimson gaze was fixated on Grace and Hunter. Particularly Grace. A growl erupted from within him as he watched her laugh freely with Hunter.

From the shadows, he watched on until she decided to leave. The minute he read her decision he felt an unfamiliar sort of emotion. Relief.

Why? He didn't know.

How? He couldn't care less.

Something about her drew him in. He wanted her, for himself. All to himself. He wanted to hear her sweet tinkling laughter.

He was confused. Emotions were alien to him. 

She walked home, he heard her soft footsteps echoing in his ears. 

He wanted to follow her but the Call came.
I must leave he thought grimly. 

A gnawing sensation overpowered his cold heart when he saw her for the last time before he flew into the shadows.