The night air hit you like a slap, cold and heavy with the scent of gasoline and city grime. Your heart pounded so hard you could hear it in your ears, nearly drowning out the panicked screams still spilling from the restaurant. Karely had Emilio in her arms, his tiny face buried against her shoulder, muffling his terrified sobs. Gael clutched Juan’s hand so tightly his knuckles were white, his small body shaking.
But your eyes were locked on the restaurant doors.
Inside, through the shattered windows, you saw him—or what was left of him.
Cody’s transformation was complete, his hulking frame covered in coarse, jet-black fur. His arms—now powerful, sinewy limbs—ended in massive claws that dug into the restaurant floor, splintering the wood like paper. His clothes hung in tattered strips from his frame, remnants of the man he had been.
And his eyes—those glowing, inhuman eyes—swept wildly across the wreckage.
Then they landed on you.
For a heartbeat, the world froze.
The beast stilled, its heaving breaths fogging up the broken glass between you. Its ears twitched, nostrils flaring as it took in your scent. You didn’t breathe. You didn’t blink. You just waited, praying—begging—that somewhere, buried deep inside that monstrous form, Cody was still there.
Then—a snarl.
Your stomach plummeted.
Cody lunged.
The restaurant doors exploded outward as his massive body crashed through them, sending splinters flying. You screamed, stumbling backward as he landed in a crouch on the pavement, claws scraping against the concrete. His shoulders rose and fell with each ragged breath, his fangs bared, dripping with saliva.
Juan shoved you behind him, eyes darting wildly for an escape. "We need to move. Now!"
Karely was already backing away, shaking so badly she could barely hold onto Emilio. "W-We can’t outrun him! He’s too—"
A snarl, deep and guttural, cut her off.
Cody's monstrous form stalked forward, muscles rippling beneath his fur. His claws clicked against the pavement, his every step slow and deliberate—predatory.
You felt sick. This wasn’t Cody. It couldn’t be.
But then, just as he was about to pounce, something flickered in his glowing eyes.
Hesitation.
You swallowed hard. "Cody?"
The beast flinched.
For the briefest second, something like recognition flashed across his twisted face. His snarl faltered, ears twitching at the sound of your voice. His breathing hitched, his massive claws flexing against the pavement as if fighting some unseen force inside him.
"Cody, it’s me," you whispered, stepping forward before Juan could stop you. "It’s me."
His body shuddered. His head jerked like he was trying to shake off a nightmare.
And then—a flash of movement.
A car came screeching around the corner. Headlights blinded you.
Before you could react, the beast whipped around.
And vanished.
A blur of black fur and snapping jaws launched itself into the shadows, disappearing into the alleyway before the vehicle could hit him.
Then—silence.
Your breath came in ragged gasps, your entire body shaking from the adrenaline. The car—an old, beat-up sedan—skidded to a stop a few feet away, the driver jumping out.
"What the hell was that?" the man shouted, eyes darting toward the alley Cody had disappeared into. "A bear? A fucking monster?"
You barely heard him. Your eyes were still locked on the darkness where Cody had fled, heart hammering against your ribs.
Then Juan’s hand was on your arm, pulling you back to reality.
"We need to go," he said, his voice low but firm. "Now."
You didn’t argue.
---
ONE WEEK LATER
The news called it an "animal attack."
Reports varied—some witnesses claimed it was a bear, others swore it was some kind of deformed wolf. But no one truly knew what they had seen that night.
Except you.
You knew.
And Cody was gone.
There had been no sign of him since that night—no calls, no texts, nothing. His apartment was empty, his car still parked in its usual spot. It was as if he had vanished from the world entirely.
But late at night, when the city was quiet and the moon was full, you felt him.
Watching.
Waiting.
Somewhere out there, Cody was still fighting.
And you had no idea if he would ever come back.
Requested by bellingerwife I hope you enjoy! Thank you so so much for reading and requesting. Also truly thank you so much for your patience, I truly appreciate it so much! Feel free to leave a request.
