Hard Embrace

CONNECT

After the failed cab attempt, I had to think fast after getting a call from Ronnie. I knew the woman was carrying a gun, but I had to play like I didn't know.

I was told what exit she took and spotted her right away. She was stunning, making me instantly want her. Once I got out of the car, her scent and energy was intoxicating, taking over my senses.

I found my Nova.

Her name is Tamryn, and she trusted me enough to let me give her a ride. Now we're driving down the road while I'm wishing I can take her home with me.

"Are you from this area?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"No. I was supposed to be on a weekend getaway."

"Care to talk about it?"

"Nah, he's not important. But I think I almost got kidnapped."

"Really? By who?"

Her voice was so soft and sweet. I waited for her to talk some more.

"My cab driver...he went past my exit and wouldn't tell me where we were going. I panicked."

She started tapping her foot, and I felt guilty putting her through the cab ordeal. But I was going to make it up to her.

"Do you want to report it?"

"No, No...I'm fine. Water under the bridge. I just want to go home."

"Well, I know you don't know me that well...but I don't mind taking you home."

"It's an hour away."

"I got a full tank of gas and snacks. What do you say?"

Her smile melted my heart.

"Okay...thanks."

"My pleasure."

***

Davis was such a gentleman and made me feel safe. We talked and laughed the whole way to my place...I love it.

"You really wrestle alligators?" I asked.

"Yes, ma'am. I get some on my property every now and then...I'm used to them."

"Sounds scary. Do you travel a lot?"

"I used to, but I'm trying to slow down."

I sighed. "I still haven't traveled anywhere...I don't even have a passport. It's such a shame."

"It's nothing to be ashamed about. Travel when you're ready."

I gave him a grin and nod.

Once we pulled up, I had a feeling of sadness come over me. I didn't want him to leave.

"Thank you so much, Davis."

"You're welcome, and if you ever need another ride...call me."

He wrote down his cell number on the back of his business card, and I smiled.

"What if I just want to talk...can I still call you?"

"You can call me for whatever you want or need."

Davis was attractive, and his words made me excited. I took the card, then softly kissed him on the cheek. I pulled away and blushed at his stare.

"Talk to you soon."

"I look forward to it."

Once I opened my door, he pulled off. I locked myself in and smiled in excitement. I stared at Davis' business card. This day was really crazy but I'm happy something good came out of it.

I took a shower, washing the day off of me, and slowly, the image of me shooting at the cab driver made my heart pound in my chest.

The thoughts were getting to me. I got out and dried off, trying to calm my nerves.

I didn't kill him, although he tried to kidnap me.

My pajamas were on while I snuggled up in bed. Within minutes, I was fast asleep.

"Hi Tamryn."

A figure stood in my bedroom door, and the voice sounded familiar.

"Sterling?" I squint my eyes.

He walked into my bedroom with a battered face and torn blood-stained clothes. I instantly got up to comfort him.

"What happened to you? Who did this?"

"I'm fine, Tam. I just wanted to see."

He touched my face and instantly began to cough up blood. I freaked out as he collapsed to the floor.

"No! Sterling!" Tears filled my eyes.

"It's okay, baby."

"No, it's not. You're dying!"

"As long as I get to see your face one last time."

He coughed some more, and his eyes slowly closed shut. I could feel the life leave his body.

"Sterling, wake up! Wake up!"

His body was completely limp as I held his head on my lap.

Suddenly, I heard loud growls surrounding us. I looked to see three huge wolves glaring at me. One jumped towards me, and I backed away in fear.

The other two dragged Sterling's lifeless body out of my bedroom. When I tried to move, sharp, long teeth snapped at me, and I blocked my face with my arms.

The huge wolf bit into my flesh, and I screamed, jumping myself awake.

I sat up in my bed, looking around. I was thinking how real that dream felt as I tried to calm my breathing. My arm began to burn, and when I looked down, there were big faint bite marks.