Tainted Beyond Repair

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

My second shriek seemed to have startled the creature awake, as it drew to its full height. In the blur of my anxious tears, I watched it rise and slowly, almost threateningly rose from the red ice it sat on. Steely grey fur and a jet-black snout, the beast inched back cautiously as if ready to pounce. A bloodied gash longer than my arm ran along its tender white underbelly. And for a second, trapped in the gaze of its misty, silver eyes which gleamed with curious wariness, I froze. A peculiar chill ran up my spine as I stared into those murky depths and instantly, I realised why. Masculine dominance radiated off him, a shameless sort of smugness. His bared canines did not help to conceal his prominent danger.

Stormie, undaunted by the massive creature, stepped forward. Once again, I found myself unable to breathe. Cautious not to unsettle it, I edged forward on my knees and tugged urgently on her hood. Its uncanny eyes followed my every move. Anguish flooded my nerves when she began to struggle against my hold and my vice-like grip impossibly tightened on her coat.

"Come on, baby," I coaxed, in a tiny whisper unable to hide my emotion, "Come to mama." These words had always worked on her and had been the ones to tempt her first steps.

Sensing my distress, Stormie began to turn towards me and I used that as an opportunity to tug her closer to me... but not quick enough.

For the third time in the past ten minutes, my petrified shriek echoed in the tawny woodland. But it was cut off in surprise.

He had approached Stormie, who had tumbled over due to my harsh jerk, but to my utter shock, buried his snout beneath her belly and pushed her up. Giggling, Stormie tugged at the fur beneath its menacing jaws and I held my breath. Again, it pushed its head under her legs and shoved her up. She laughed once more.

It was like nothing I've ever witnessed before. Such an intimidating, carnivorous beast, strong enough to kill a human, playing with my daughter. Nervous laughter bubbled out of my mouth and its predatory gaze leapt to my face. Timidly, I crept towards it and went to pull Stormie to me but it pushed my arm away. A shudder ran through me when I realised its brutal fangs grazed my arm, and I snatched my hand away.

"Stormie, baby, come to mama." I tried again. "Please?"

She glanced at me and began clapping her hands together. "Dadadadada," she burbled happily.

I thought of another approach. Quietly, I moved backwards and like I expected, she looked to me with an adorable little frown. With a sudden burst of confidence, I rose to my feet and took a few steps back; Stormie followed. The wolf sank down on its haunches and watched us. After there was a safe distance between us, I lifted Stormie into my arms, ignoring her cries for the wolf, and continued to walk towards the house. As if realising my intention, it bared its canine teeth and began to bristle. But I was already reaching for the handle and in seconds, we were inside. The wolf lunged forward but I'd already pulled the shutters down.

We were safe.

***

"The person you are trying to call is currently unavailable..." I cut the line.

My third futile attempt at contacting Aunt Maybelle was useless just like the first. She was probably in the conference, I told myself, and that was why her phone was off. Anxiety churned in my stomach. I couldn't think.

Sighing, I debated whether she knew about the wolves in the forest. She must've done; she's been living here for years. Stormie was asleep after an hour of struggling and the wolf had disappeared long ago not before whining at the kitchen door. I didn't relent. Stormie was seconds away from... from a brutal accident and it was because of that.

We were going home tomorrow. Aunt Maybelle would understand; I'd tell her it was an emergency and I'd be back soon. I couldn't risk my baby, not after what happened before.

I had better start packing.

***

Six pm and my eyes were drooping shut.

Our suitcases were waiting ready and packed in the corner of the room. After a much-needed shower, I called Mum and told her we were coming back home. I said Stormie had gotten ill with a fever and wasn't used to the cold weather.

Exhausted, I laid my head down on the pillow. Tonight, the howls were blood-curdling and vicious, and I was glad I'd double-bolted all the doors and windows. Tonight, I'd closed the blinds.

Ding-dong! The doorbell screeched, startling Stormie awake. Her loveable face scrunched up, lips forming a gorgeous pot and began to cry. Lifting her into my arms, I pressed her into my chest and watched her quieten down. After she calmed, I carried her downstairs and place her in the bouncer in the living room. Then, I walked out into the hall and opened the door.

He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. I guess he must get used to that, the sudden pause in a person's natural expression when they looked his way followed by overcompensating with a nonchalant gaze and a weak smile. Of course the blush that accompanied it was a dead give-away. It didn't help that he was so modest with it, it made the girls fall for him all the more. Despite all the opportunity that came his way he was a one-woman-man who prized genuineness and thoughtful conversation above lipstick and high-heels. He was handsome alright, but inside he was beautiful.

"Matt? Matt!" A grin found its way onto my lips as I threw myself into his awaiting arms.

"Avy! I missed you so much," he gushed as I led him into the kitchen, "Heard you were in town and came as fast as I could."

Matt Damon was my best friend from high school and was one of the very few people I'd missed horribly after I'd left for New York.

I raised my eyebrows, unable to wipe the smirk off my face. He saw it.

"What?"

"Really? I came in yesterday. You had twenty-four hours. Don't flatter me," I deadpanned, rolling my eyes.

He chuckled. "Fine, I had to finish work, and get you something but then I did get here as fast as I could."

"Thought so. What did you get me?"

He brandished a bottle. "Pink fizz – your favourite," he said, proudly remembering my favourite beverage.

Excitement bubble up inside of me, and then deflated after I realised there was an infant in the house. I pouted. "I can't Matt. Strictly no alcohol. There's someone I'd like you to meet. Stay here."

Bafflement flashed across his features as he jumped up to sit on the counter. "I'll be waiting," he called.

I made my way into the living room, beaming at Stormie and picked her up. She gurgled joyfully. He was standing at the kitchen door and must've pulled the shutters up when I walked in with Stormie on my hip. He turned around after hearing her laugh. Matt's face was of pure fascination as took a few hesitant steps towards me. Frantically, he looked between my face and Stormie's, before he settled a conclusion.

"How?" he breathed, "It's only been a year."

I shrugged, settling Stormie in his outstretched arms.

"Is this why you left?"

I nodded.

"Oh."

Tears sprung to my eyes, watching Matt coo at my baby. I desperately wanted to tell him the truth but I didn't have the courage. Few people knew the truth and that was for the best.

***

Hoped you liked this chapter.

Prepare for some juicy action in the next. Till then, so long!!!

xxxchic_smilezxxx

Always keep smiling!