Cruel by nature

Chapter 8

I feel numb, yet strangely alive. The world around me seems distant, yet I'm so, so aware of the heart beating in my chest. It's almost painful, the way my body reacted to the news. A part of me is in denial, trying to convince me that Bree lied straight to my face, but another part of me is terrified - because that part believed every word she said. How could I not have known about this?

It feels like the beginning of the war all over again, when we first found out about the werewolves' existence. At first, we were in denial, thinking that the world had finally gone mad. The news felt...impossible. It wasn't real. It couldn't be real. But it was, and when we finally understood the severity of the situation, it was too late. Our worlds were thrown upside down, and it felt like a hard, cold slap to the face. Just like the news Bree told me. I didn't think it was possible, but then, I didn't think werewolves existed until eight years ago either. I'm shocked beyond words, but to say I'm surprised would only be half a lie.

I draw in a shaky breath of air and close my eyes, trying to push the horrible truths out of my mind. I don't want to think about that right now. No matter how important it may be, it can wait. I have more pressing issues to attend to.

Staying true to her orders, Bree escorted me to an office as soon as she was done tending to my wound. She didn't follow me inside, however, but left as soon as I'd walked over the threshold. The room was empty, but she'd told me he would join me any minute. It's been more than a minute now, and I'm still alone. I'm not complaining, though. My heart is racing, and it feels like a million ants are crawling all over my skin. I'm afraid.

Afraid to meet that man again, and afraid of what he will do. The memory of how he strangled me is still fresh in my mind, only adding to my fear.

I gulp and look around the office. The thought of looking for some kind of weapon crosses my mind very briefly, but I disregard it. I have no idea what the man is planning to do to me, but he has made it very clear that he doesn't mind hurting me simply due to my very existence. I don't even want to think about what he'd do if I actually tried to hurt him back.

Before I'm ready, I hear footsteps outside of the door, followed by a key turning in the lock. I stare at the door as it swings open, my body instinctively taking a few steps back, only stopping when I hit the wall.

He walks inside, his eyes immediately finding mine. For a moment, they're a dark shade of brown and for the slightest of seconds, I let myself believe that they'll stay that way. Then they turn amber, and I look away. Disappointed.

I involuntarily wince as he pushes the door closed with his foot, my nerves getting the better of me.

He studies me, his eyes burning holes through my skin as they take in my every feature. Again, I feel naked, his gaze unnervingly invasive.

"What's your name?" he asks in a low voice, the sound sending a chill down my spine.

Remembering his impatience, I force myself to speak, my tongue nearly tying itself into a knot.

"L-Leah." There's no point telling him my last name. We don't use them anymore, anyways. Whenever you'd meet someone, you'd introduce yourself with your first name and first name only. Chances are you'd never meet them again, so why bother with formalities?

The room falls silent, the man seemingly in deep thoughts.

"What were you doing so close to the border?"

I almost scoff at his question. What does he think I was doing? There's only one reason for us to head towards civilization rather than away from it. Desperation.