Page 43 of Red's Beast

Don't you wonder where you have been for an entire week? Maybe I have the answers to that.

I stare out the window again, my mind drifting off to thoughts of the beast out in the woods.Well, I hate to tell you, but I remember bits and pieces. You were with me, weren’t you?

He's quiet for a moment and just when I think he has disappeared, he finally responds.At least you remember. You seemed to enjoy yourself and the freedom you had as well.

Another deep laugh rumbles through our connection, sending a shiver down my spine.

It was your scent, wasn't it? Your scent was in my bed and triggered my shift.

His low growl is addicting as another rumble escapes.I told you, little wolf, you're mine. My scent calls to you. It was necessary.

I bite at my lip right as my eyes lock with my Grandmother's. She gives me another concerned look. "Lillian, what is going on with you?"

"I'm just trying to remember where I've been the last few days, that's all. I promise everything is fine."

Lillian

Grandmother grabs food out of her own refrigerator from what they have brought her. The food I brought is horrible and should have been tossed days ago. I should have paid more attention to the smell.

After we have finished eating, I stand up from the table. “I’m going to my house. There are things I need to do and check on. Do you think I’ll be okay with this on my neck?”

"Are you sure that is a wise choice, child?" Grandmother stands, her cane in her hand. She looks rather worried, and I understand why. To go back now with my neck not fully healed is a terrible idea and I know it’s not finished healing because of the look on her face.

Who knows what will happen once I step foot into the village? But the truth of the matter is, I need answers and many of them. The beast’s words are haunting me and there is only one thing I can do.”

"Grandmother, has Alpha Nigel been the one bringing your meals every day?”

"Yes, why?" She picks up the plate and heads to the sink to wash it.

"Well, the morning after I spent the night in the cell, Corbin told me he had been attacked. He mentioned his guts had been almost ripped out.”

She stops scrubbing the plate and turns her head slightly to look at me over her shoulder. "Well, I heard he was attacked, but apparently it wasn't dire since he seemed fine in a couple days."

Of course, I should expect Corbin to be dramatic. When is he not? He will exaggerate things just to make me feel bad or use it to his advantage.

“So his guts weren’t hanging out and his stomach wasn’t bandaged up like a severe wound to the stomach?”

Grandmother gasps. “No. He seemed fine when I saw him during the new moon. That is when he told me you were busy and would be in the village for a bit to take care of things.”

I shrug and then head for the door, dismissing all the thoughts threatening to consume me whole. “I’ll be back soon and if I’m not, you better come after me.”

She offers me a faint smile as I reach the door.. "Now that I'm aware, I will come running if you're not here later. Please be careful. You are all I have."

"I love you, Grandmother."

"I love you, too."

Sucking in a deep breath, I turn and open the door wide. I shut it after stepping out and ensure it clicks.

It looks like a normal day with the sun shining brightly in the sky. But then I feel him.

He’s in the woods waiting for me, just like always. I don’t know why we are connected, but I’d say neither of us chose this. Part of me is thankful for the connection, even if I do have to keep it hidden for now.

It makes the woods a little less scary.

As I walk down the path, I hear the familiar snapping of twigs, but it doesn't cause me to run. I make it to the village and look toward my house without even breaking a sweat.

After another minute, I'm at my door and pushing it open. I gasp as I take in the wreckage. It looks like someone in wolf form destroyed every inch.

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