Page 4 of Bound to the Beast

“It’s alright,” he says gruffly. “What brings you out here?”

I smile, feeling a strange sense of warmth in his presence. “I was just exploring. I didn’t expect to find anyone this deep in the woods.”

He studies me for a moment, his intense hazel eyes taking in my slender figure and determined gaze.

“I’m Ethan,” he says, extending a hand.

“Grace,” I reply, taking it. His touch sends a jolt through me, like an electric current. “Nice to meet you, Ethan.”

He releases my hand, and I feel a strange sense of loss. “Be careful out here,” he says, his voice softer now. “The woods can be dangerous.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I reply, my smile widening. "I thought I’ve seen all the danger there is."

His eyes narrow slightly, curiosity evident. “What do you mean?”

I decide to test the waters. “I’m an investigative journalist. I’ve been looking into some of the strange occurrences around Pilham Cove.”

His expression turns guarded, but he doesn’t back away. “Strange occurrences?”

“Yes. Unexplained animal attacks, mysterious creatures. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

Ethan’s jaw tightens, and he looks away, his gaze distant. “I’ve heard stories, but nothing concrete. Why are you so interested?”

I hesitate. “I’m just trying to dig deeper, find the truth. It’s what I do.”

He studies me for a moment, his intense hazel eyes searching mine. “And you think there’s more to these stories?”

“I do,” I reply, my voice steady. “I’ve been following up on every lead I can find, but it’s like chasing shadows. Most people think I’m crazy.”

“You’re not crazy,” he says firmly. “Sometimes the truth is hidden in the darkness.”

“Do you really believe that?” I ask, hope and doubt mingling in my voice. Perhaps he’ll share more of what he knows.

Ethan hesitates, then nods. “Yes, I do. And if there’s anything I can do to help, I will.”

A flicker of surprise crosses my face, followed by a grateful smile. “I appreciate that, Ethan. Maybe we could work together, share information?”

He considers this for a moment, then nods. “I’d like that. What do you want to know?”

“Have you ever seen anything strange in the woods? Anything that doesn’t quite fit?”

His demeanor shifts slightly, a hint of wariness creeping into his eyes. “I’ve seen a few things that might qualify as strange. But the woods are like that. Full of mysteries.”

“What about… shifters?” I ask, choosing my words carefully. “Have you ever heard of them?”

Ethan’s expression turns cagey, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Shifters? You mean like those werewolf legends?”

“Sort of,” I say, feeling the tension in the air. “But shifters can change at will, not just during a full moon. They can blend in with humans, hide in plain sight.”

He takes a step back, his gaze guarded. “I’ve heard stories, but nothing concrete. Why are you so interested in shifters?” Ethan places his axe head-first into the stump, resting his head on top of it. His hands look strong and capable, a little shiver that has nothing to do with fear runs through my spine.

I shrug, trying to appear casual. “They’re just part of the bigger picture I’m trying to piece together.”

Ethan studies me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. “Be careful, Grace. Sometimes the truth is more dangerous than the mystery.”

I feel a pang of disappointment but decide to press on. “Do you know anyone who might have more information? Someone who’s been in these woods longer?”

He shakes his head, a hint of frustration in his eyes. “Not off the top of my head. But I’ll keep an ear out.”

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