RAWR

Chapter 2

I pull on my favorite pair of jeans and lace up my chucks. My long red hair goes up into a messy bun as I make my way downstairs, dreading the dinner party that awaits.

"Couldn't you have worn something better?" my mother whispers into my ear, a familiar refrain. She just doesn't understand me, and she never has.

Ignoring her, I find an armchair in the back of the living area. My antisocial tendencies keep me from mingling with the guests.

"I think you look great," a voice startles me.

My cheeks turn even redder as I reply, "Thank you, Carlos."

"But I'm not the best judge; I think you'd look good in anything," he says, moonwalking away.

The party feels interminable, but eventually, it's over. As I head to my room, I suddenly hear shouting. I follow the noise and discover a wild, primal wolf growling at Carlos. My parents' lifeless bodies lie on the floor, torn to shreds, with gruesome bite marks all over their necks. Carlos seems unphased as he makes eye contact with the beast.

Terrified, I run to my room and hide under my bed covers.

"What was that?" I cry out. "My parents..."

My door opens, and Carlos walks to my bed.

"Are you okay, Hannah?" he asks. "Don't worry; it was nothing."

"That was not nothing," I say, trembling. "What killed my parents?"

Carlos reaches down and strokes my chin. "Don't worry about it, baby girl."

"My p-p-p-parents, are they dead?" I cry out.

"Yes, Hannah," he says, his voice filled with powerlessness.

I bury my head in his chest and cry, seeking comfort.

"It'll be okay, Hannah," he says softly. "I will take care of you, I promise."

The next day, I pack my bags to stay at Carlos' house, a decision driven by the violent attack my parents suffered. I drive to his grand estate, a sprawling mansion that stands as an imposing architectural marvel. It's my 18th birthday, but my parents aren't here to celebrate with me.

Carlos greets me at the door, handing me a gift.

"Hello, Hannah, happy birthday," he says, pressing a present into my hand.

"Thanks, Carlos," I reply, feeling grateful for his support during this difficult time.

As he shows me around his mansion, I can't help but be in awe. My room is extravagant, complete with a massive king-sized bed, a personal bathroom, and a walk-in closet that dwarfs my own room. I open the gift, finding a beautiful necklace with his name on it and a ring with his face.

I decide to take a shower and prepare for dinner, which is only ten minutes away. In my rush, I head to the kitchen for a glass of water but clumsily drop it, cutting my hand in the process.

"What happened, Hannah?" Carlos says, looking concerned. His eyes seem to change, filled with a strange, unsettling intensity.

"I'm so sorry," I say, picking up the broken glass. When I look up, he's gone.

I wrap my injured hand and head to bed, the events of the day leaving me emotionally drained. I struggle to sleep, but when I finally do, I'm abruptly awakened by grunting and growling.

"Who are you?" I scream as I see the wolf-like creature I encountered the night my parents were killed. It slowly transforms into a human.

"Your true love, Hannah," he whispers in my ear, his menacing smile sending shivers down my spine. He combs back his black hair as he says, "Get away from me." But before I can react, he climbs out of my window and disappears into the forest.