Cry Wolf

Chapter One - The Monster

The Monster

I can't run fast enough.

My lungs burn, struggling for air.

I can hear him behind me, dried leaves crunching under his feet.

Fast.

He's so fast.

Turning my head, I risk a glance over my shoulder.

I can't see him.

Did I lose him?

Was I safe?

Something big moves past me. My head whips forward and I let out a scream. He's standing right in front of me, a dark menacing shadow.

I skid to a halt, the forward momentum causing my bare feet to slide along the fallen leaves. I'm shaking with fear and from the bitter cold. My limbs feel numb and heavy and I know I can't run anymore.

My eyes begging, I plead, "Please, don't."

A growl sounds in the darkness. He stalks towards me, his blue eyes glowing in the black moonless night.

He's not human.

Monster.

I stumble back, shaking my head. "No."

He ignores me, his eyes narrow with intent. Dark and ominous he doesn't stop his forward prowl. I'm fighting back sobs, frozen in place.

I'm scared.

I've never been so scared in my life.

He's going to kill me. I know it.

Anxiety claws up my throat. I can't breathe.

"Please," I whisper, reaching my hand out in front of me.

His bare chest connects with my palm. He stops, hissing in a breath. I can feel solid muscle tensing under hot skin.

Those fiery blue eyes stare at my hand for a moment before returning to my face. His eyes burn right into my soul. "I like the way you beg, girl."

His voice.

The deep sound is so low and gravelly it's more animal than human.

He steps closer, pressing his chest against my hand. I swallow, craning my neck to meet his gaze. He has the eyes of an animal.

Bending his head, he orders thickly, "Beg me some more."

I'll beg like a damn dog if it means my life. "Please."

He stiffens against me, his face dropping to my hair. Inhaling deeply, he snarls, "Again."

I squeeze my eyes shut, shaking uncontrollably. "Please," I choke, my throat constricting with terror.

He shudders, a rough sound low in his chest. Strong arms wrap around my waist, lifting me up. My feet leave the ground as he hauls me against him. The heat of his body penetrates my cold skin and I immediately go limp.

"That's it. Submit to me," he groans. Burying his face against my neck his hot breath fans across my skin.

Oh, god.

I stare up through the canopy of trees above me, millions of bright twinkling stars filling the night sky.

So beautiful.

I don't want to die.

"Please," I beg softly.

His arms tighten around me. He's so warm. How can he be so warm?

"I never want to stop hearing you beg," he rasps. His voice is so rough I can barely understand. He's breathing hard now, his chest heaving with each ragged breath. His tongue laps the soft spot of my neck and I shudder involuntarily, electric sparks shooting along my skin.

I don't understand my reaction, too scared to think. Raising my hands, I grip his shoulders, waiting breathlessly for him to finish me. He growls at my touch, his muscles flexing under my fingers. Sharp fangs scrap along my bare shoulder.

This is it.

I feel his fangs begin to pierce the tender skin of my neck.

It hurts.

"Stop," I whisper brokenly.

He groans, the sound deep and feral. His claws dig into my skin, his jaw clenching hard, sinking his fangs deeper.

Pain explodes through my body.

I scream, the sound echoing into the beautiful night.