Instincts

Chapter One

*I removed the existing chapters and edited it a bit, apologies for any inconvenience*

*I do not own the cover image, if the editor is found, please inform me so I can credit them or remove the artwork if they wish. Thank you* 

The door creaks open, and the stench of wet dog instantly floods my senses. The smell grows as head towards the dining room, my wife's gentle voice becoming louder with each step, as does the man's response. My narrowed eyes meet his as soon as I turn the corner into the room, swirling, icy seas of trouble and darkness. Hostility spreads to every inch of my body. Who the fuck is this prick and why is he in my house. The side of his mouth turns upward into a sly smirk, barely noticeable as he places his rough hand on Ashley's arm. She follows his gaze, noticing me and greeting me with a warm smile.

"Get out of my house." I snarl and concentrate on the man, my nostrils flaring in anger as I fight to swallow the growl forming in my throat.

"Riley!" Ashley bolts up, confusion written clear on her face at my angry tone. "What's gotten into you?"

"Well, that was quite a greeting. Ashley's been so kind to me, she deserves someone much better than a dirty mutt like you." His smirk grows, enjoying how his words wrap around my neck almost choking me with my own anger.

"I said leave." Ashley slaps my arm, and I ignore her lecture on being a welcoming host. Her words blur into background noise as I focus all my attention on the intruder in my house, waiting for him to make a move. His thin lips form the words 'make me' and his eyes narrow, glinting as he notices my hesitation.

"Scared you'll lose?" He chuckles, stepping towards me. "You should be, you're just a dirty, flea-ridden stray."

"If you want a fight I'll give you one. Outside." My words drown out Ashleys scolding, this time aimed at the man. His grin widens, anticipation glowing in his dark eyes. He turns away, his heavy boots thudding on the wood before meeting soft snow outside with a satisfying crunch. I follow, stepping out into the cold. My warm breath forms small clouds in the winter air. I barely manage to meet his eyes again before he launches himself at me, a blur of black and red, no longer in his human form. I swing my arm towards his face, my hand connecting to the side of his jaw with a crack. He growls, his lips peeling back to expose his razor sharp teeth connected by long strings of spit. This time I don't wait for him to attack, throwing myself at him.

I feel my bones break apart and snap back into place. Thousands of coarse hairs pierce through my skin like needles, and my body changes its shape. It only takes a split second, but the pain seems to drag it into minutes. By the time my body connects with his, the impact winding us both, there's no sign of our humanity left. We both growl and snarl, jaws snapping, biting down on every bit of fur and skin we can reach. His teeth sink through my ear, and I bite down on his arm, feeling warm metallic blood drip down my chin and throat. He yelps and we pull apart, our lungs desperate for air. His eyes widen, and the scent of fear floods my nose, both his and Ashley's. I glance at her, my heart dropping at her perplexed expression. She switches between us, before concentrating her gaze on me. Some of her fear turning into astonishment as she studies my golden fur, shimmering in the sun. Calm floods over me at my mates' presence, allowing me to focus on the fight. Her eyes meet mine and her fear returns at their blood red colour. I pull my eyes away from hers just in time to see him charging at me again. Despite his smaller size, the impact of his full weight knocks me to the ground. We snap at each other again, and I kick my hind legs into his stomach to keep him from sinking his teeth into my neck. He whines, winded for a moment. I sink my teeth into his neck without hesitation, letting the blood smear around my mouth. He cries out, kicking and scratching at me, begging for me to let go. I bite down harder, feeling his breaths get more and more strained with each passing second. It takes everything in me not to bite down further, instead releasing my grip and kicking him off me. He lands in the snow with a whimper, instantly staining it red. I wince as my bones break ones again and the hairs sink back under my skin. I say nothing as I step past Ashley, but I can't help noticing the overwhelming scent of fear.