Page 10 of Wilder Obsessions

“What do you want, Jarrod?”I question, trying to keep my voice steady as I slide the bag behind me.

He glances at the wads of cash in the bag and sneers, “You won’t be needing that where you’re going.”He pushes himself off from the wall and stalks toward me, every step a deadly promise.My stomach twists in fear, and I instinctively step back, hitting the wall.I’m trapped.

“You’re gonna kill me,” I whisper.My breath hitches in my throat as he pulls out a blade, the light glinting off its edge like the fangs of a beast.“Please—”

“You think you can just leave me?After everything I’ve done for you?”He lunges forward, and I scream, throwing the duffel bag at him in a desperate attempt to buy myself a second.

“Get away from me!”I shout, adrenaline surging as I scramble to grab the heavy lamp off my dresser.

He sidesteps effortlessly.“Pathetic, really.”Jarrod laughs, but there’s no joy in it, just a predator’s glee.

“I will not go back to your hell!”I swing the lamp, catching him off guard, the force knocking him back momentarily.He stumbles, surprise flashing across his face.

“You’ll regret that,” he growls, bleeding fury as he recovers.

Just as he’s about to pounce, there’s a loud bang, the sound of the front door splintering open.Large footsteps stomp into the room and I see him, Wilder.His eyes have turned to golden slits as he looks at the scene before him.Everything happens so fast that I stumble onto the ground, curling into myself as I watch the horror play out in front of me.

Chapter Three

Wilder

After the thrillingfight, I didn’t want to stay cooped up in my apartment like usual.It has been a while since I’d ventured out of my normal solidarity and to my surprise, I crave it more.I guess the city has been growing on me these past few years.The private elevator doors open to the underground garage, forcing the chill in the air to hit me in the face.I make my way over to my beautiful custom chopper, itching to feel the thrum of the engine beneath me.The adrenaline that courses through me as I ride, rivals the feel of my puma racing through the forest.Being in a large city has its limitations, but at least on the open road I feel free.

I make my way across town, letting the bike lead me.There is no destination in mind but as I pull up to a small dive bar on the outskirts of Manhattan, I decide to park and cut the engine.

The bright pink neon sign, ALLEY KATZ, illuminates the mostly deserted street.I guess I’ll take my chances here.I’ve never heard of it, but if they aren’t shifter friendly then I’ll see myself out.

As I walk up to the front doors, a large bouncer stands to the side.His scent wafts through the air, and I instantly relax.If they have a shifter as a bouncer then there shouldn’t be a problem.

“Evening,” I say as I approach.He looks surprised but then relaxes.

“Trying a new spot out tonight?”he asks, looking me over to see if I’m a threat.I don’t blame him.My looks scream dangerous, but that’s the way I like it.I’d rather people see what I am than hide behind a mask.

“Yeah.Just needed a change of scenery.”He nods, holding his clipboard in place.

“Then, welcome to our little slice of hell.”He laughs, holding the door open for me.

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