Wolf Moon - A HOT and steamy PNR Paranormal Romance

Wolf Moon - Chapter 4

Grace had no idea how long she'd been asleep for, although given it was still dark outside, she guessed no more than a couple of hours. It took her a short time to re-orientate herself to the new surroundings and remember the horrors of the night before. Lying there in the dark, she heard an eerie howling outside, far too close for comfort. It sounded almost...like a wolf? But everyone knew wolves didn't exist in Britain, so it must just be her imagination playing tricks on her. She was certain the noise was responsible for her sleep being unexpectedly disturbed though.

Creeping out of bed, she edged towards the huge window and pulled back a corner of the curtain to glance outside. The sleet-filled clouds had moved away from their location by this time, leaving only a huge, low-hanging full moon. Thanks to a huge sky, devoid of buildings or many trees out here on the moor, the night sky was a thing of wonder to behold. In the inky blackness, the moon glowed so brightly, it could almost have been mistaken for a false sun. The iridescent white orb, peppered with grey valleys and craters, was a phenomenally beautiful thing to behold and Grace found herself just staring at it for the longest time.

Wide awake now, despite her lack of sleep, Grace heard the howling once again and felt a shiver of fear pass up her neck and into the very base of her skull. Was she still alone in this great house? Was she even safe? Instinctively, she wanted to seek out Benedict; after all, he had acted beautifully as her protector so far. She was pretty sure he could provide a simple explanation as to why she could hear howling right outside her window. So, even though he had very clearly told her not to, Grace wrapped herself in a bathrobe and quietly unlocked the door to her room.

Stepping carefully over the threshold, she paused for a second to listen. Having ascertained that the great house was silent, she tiptoed along the landing and crept down the staircase, screwing up her face in a pained manner, each and every time one of the ancient stairs creaked from being subjected to her weight. The light from the moon shining through the vast windows very adequately helped to guide her way. When she reached the large entrance hall, further illumination was provided by the low, orange light of a roaring fire, emanating from one of the adjoining rooms. Continuing to move as quietly as she could, Grace made her way closer, in order to gain a better look.

Peering tentatively around the edge of the open door, Grace realised she was holding her breath, bracing herself for whatever might be visible in the room beyond. To her relief, all she could see was a large sitting room containing a crackling fire. In front of that fire, in one of several armchairs sat Benedict. With eyes closed, he had a glass of port balanced in his hand which had slipped to a dangerously acute angle. Instinctively walking forward to remove the beverage from her slumbering acquaintance, Grace caused the floorboards beneath her feet to creak. Benedict's eyes immediately snapped open, observing her with shock.

'I thought I told you to stay locked in your room!' he exclaimed, quickly rising to his feet while glancing about with concern.

'I heard noises outside,' exclaimed Grace in order to justify herself, trying not to allow his reproachful tone to make her feel like a naughty schoolgirl.

'I don't doubt you did,' he confirmed, marching straight past her and out of the room. Grace's eyes followed him across the entrance hall and to the front door, which he immediately locked and bolted. It felt like a strange thing to do; surely, locking the door was something the homeowner would do prior to falling asleep? Had he been waiting for someone to join him at this unearthly hour? Returning to Grace's side, she noted that he now looked more relaxed, having completed his security-related duties.

'Would you like something to drink? A port, perhaps?' he enquired, his head cocking slightly as he dragged in a deep breath.

'Yes. Thank you.'