To Love a Beast

The Reckoning

The bell tolled midnight, echoing through the night. Sinclaire or Sin, as her friends call her, tugged her scarf closer to her as a harsh wind rattled her bones.

When did the nights get so cold? She really needed to start heading home earlier as the nights become longer and colder, but just thinking about the adorable faces of the children from the orphanage made her cave. Maybe the cold wasn't so bad yet.

Still, she was grateful when her humble abode came into view, or as she called it, the shack. Though her one bedroom house was anything but grand, Sin found the place to be just right. Because really, how much room did a single girl need? There was enough room in there for all her books and a small space for her to practice her craft; not to mention, working vents which served her well in the summer and winter seasons. Just thinking about the warm air made her shiver in delight. What she needed was a nice mug of hot cocoa and a good romance novel to top off her day. 

Life was good right now for Sin. With a roof over her head and a semi-steady means of living, she couldn't ask for more. Yet even, then she craved for something more. No, not monetary of physical, but something that could rev up her life, a passion. As a witch with a low well of magic, Sin resigned herself early on to a life without magic. And if she were honest with herself, there was much less drama. Sure, she craved excitement, but not the kind of stories floating around in the realm of Lore. She'd much rather stick to the occasional crazy in the human realm. 

Procuring the keys to her abode, Sin was just about to slide the key into the lock when a sound in the night had her swiveling and alert.

"Who's there?" her voice rang out, fearful and trembling. She gave herself a mental facepalm. Of course, just announce your position to the predator. Smart girl.

Just because she preferred the human crazies didn't mean she wanted to come across any. 

Adrenaline pumping strong in her veins, Sin turned back to her mission of opening the damn door. Push the key in, turn the knob, push the key, turn the knob... But before she could really get the door open, a soft keening made her pause. When she just about convinced her self she imagined the sound, the keening sounded again. 

Self-preservation had her gripping the door but the voice, Gods, the voice belonged to a child! And no matter how wary she was, Sin refused to leave a child alone in the middle of a biting night. Gathering her wits, and her strength, she made her way towards the soft whines...which were coming from an alleyway. 

And damned if she could help it, but her legs trembled just the slightest bit. Wasn't there a burglary reported in this neighborhood just a few days ago? She swallowed hard.

Why couldn't she just mind her own damn business and keep her nose out of these types of situations? Yet even as she asked herself the question, the faces of the orphans popped into her head. Because it could be any of them or any like them. She couldn't disappoint them.

Rounding the corner, Sin prepared herself for the worst. She had magic, as meager as the amount was, she was sure she could muster up enough to compel the perpetrator to trip over their own feet. And with that reassurance and a wish for a weapon of sorts, she gritted her teeth and was met.... with a child. Or what she assumed was a child underneath the bundle of clothing and trash. 

Ensuring their surroundings were predator-less, Sin rushed forwards to help. The minute she neared, the whimpers ceased, only to yield growling. Not fearsome, but startling to say the least. A mop of hair peeked out from beneath the bundle. No, not hair she realized, but fur. 

Stepping closer, she could just make out...a wolf pup? What was a wolf pup doing in the middle of the suburbs? But she had no time to ponder over her queries as a voice shouted out to her through the dark.

"Have ya' seen a lil' pup of sorts in this area, lil' missy?" 

Sin clutched a hand to her racing heart. She really didn't know how much more shock her poor heart could take in one day. 

A haggard-looking middle-aged man slinked out of the shadows. She didn't know who he was, and she was never one to judge a book by it's cover but she didn't trust him. Something about the person, between his greased back hair to his glistening teeth-were those fangs? 

The word vampire crossed her mind as a chill gave her skin gooseflesh. Whether from the cold or the thought, she couldn't be sure. 

"Nothing around here, bud." Her voice steady and calm, a deep contrast to the chaos inside her. In the back of her mind, she realized the wolf pup was quiet. Smart pup.

The man narrowed his eyes at her before twisting his features back into a smile. 

"Well, if ya' happen ta see a pup, just give this a call," he said handing her a business card, "I miss him...terribly." 

I'm sure you do, pal. 

Giving her one last perusal, he melted back into the shadows. 

Sin released the breath she didn't know she was holding. When she decided to live away from Lore, she didn't expect to meet any Lore-kind, especially not in the suburbs. Then again, if she'd just mind her own business...what's done is done she reminded herself. 

Turning towards the pup again, she knew she didn't have Lady Luck on her side. Knowing vampires, he was sure to be lurking in the area, but she was already eyeballs deep in this mess and stepped forward to see it through.

Tonight was going to be a long night.

Dear readers,

As my first published story on Wattpad, I encourage all suggestions, critiques, and anything in between.  I really do. Promise. So make sure to leave a comment and of course, hit the button with the pretty star if you really liked the chapter! 

With much appreciation,

J. Anon