Page 20 of Under Dark Skies

“Layla, you need to go. This guy looks dangerous and we’d be fucked if we let him follow. I’ll be fine.”

Rafe turned to close the door, but Layla pulled him down by his neck. She looked him deep in the eyes, her own swelling with concern. “Please be careful.” She whispered.

Her heart could have leapt out of his chest. No one ever cared for him this way. It made leaving her ache even sharper, but the longing to be by her side made the imminent fit more worthwhile. He stroked the side of her face.

“I’ll meet you there. Try not to worry.”

It took everything in his power not to kiss her. He knew if he did, he would never let go.

He pulled away painfully, then slammed the door shut. He slammed his fist down on it hard, making it speed away rapidly. He watched it fade into the distance, then looked directly at the wolf across the road.

He was no longer looking at his phone. His glance was downward and dark. His tongue came out of his mouth and rubbed his gleaming teeth.

Rafe sighed for his weary bones. They had mostly healed, but were sure going to take a beating once again. He tried to think about Layla, and that this fight was for sure. He would destroy this one, perhaps extract some information, then find his way back to her.

This wolf wasn’t tall, but he made up for it in thickness. He wore a bold red t-shirt beneath his jacket that was incredibly tight, outlining his muscles like a Greek statue.

“I’m getting too old for this shit.” Rafe said out loud to himself.

He pointed at the wolf. The wolf lifted his head, still smiling. Slowly and thoughtfully, Rafe twisted his hand to the side, revealing a long middle-finger. The wolf wasn’t offended in the slightest. He was looking forward to this fight. This one was one looking for bloodlust, and was sure going to give him a run for his money.

Rafe began to step across the road. He easily dodged cars and made his way directly toward the wolf. The wolf remained still, but the surrounding humans began screaming about how Rafe was just passing through the road. He ignored them. Grey fur began bristling through his skin, and he twisted his jaw to show off rows upon rows of bright sharp teeth.

He cracked his knuckles when he reached the deli.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Layla

Nineteen

Layla

Layla watched as his outline blurred out into the distance. She knew that he was strong, she had seen it for herself. But she had developed feelings for him, so now every time he fought, he was not only risking his life, but her growing affection for him.

She felt tears swelling in her chest, but she forced it down. It wasn’t time for that yet. It was time for action. She leaned forward in her seat as the driver spoke to her.

“So Crescent City is pretty general, where did you want to drop off?”

Layla glared out the window. It looked like it was about to pour. The sky continued to swell and needed to burst.

It would be best to go somewhere public. Hiding in plain sight was what Rafe thought was best, and he knew this world better. She was also smart enough to keep to herself.

“Head to a movie theatre or something. Somewhere public. That would be best.”

The driver nodded. He munched down the last of his sandwich, then blasted through the green light. Layla leaned back, hoping to calm down from the stress during the drive.

But a few seconds later she was jolted forward. The man had made a complete u-turn in the next intersection.

“Sorry what are you doing? This is the way we came.”

The driver said nothing. Instead he passed her a walkie talkie. She took it, her hands shaking. An unfamiliar voice spoke through the distortion. “This is Agent Ian Stork, who am I speaking to?”

Who the fuck is Ian Stork? Layla squeezed the side of the walkie-talkie and spoke softly.

“I’m Layla Lovett—“

“Ah yes, just who we were looking for!”

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