Page 14 of A Kiss From a Wolfman

I shake my head and straighten my spine.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “I’ll never forget you, Stella.”

Tears dance at the corners of her eyes before she quickly blinks them away. My heart threatens to shatter in my chest. Iwant to take her into my arms and soothe her. Curling my claws into my palms, the prick of pain stops me.

“Be safe out there,” she whispers.

Refusing to succumb to my weakness, I turn from her and head towards the door.

“Goodbye, Ciaryn.” Her soft voice tickles my ear. I nearly groan at how perfect my name sounds coming from her lips.

My claws lock around the doorknob, and I yank it open. Early morning birds sing from above, butThe Woodsare still quiet. My body screams at me to stay, but I don’t listen.

“Goodbye, Stella,” I say before launching onto all fours and sprinting towards the rising sun.

5

STELLA

The tavern is solemn tonight.

It matches my mood. The few patrons lingering at the bar barely speak to each other. It’s been quiet all evening. Word had spread about the missing wolfman, and many had decided to stay in rather than risk their chances with him on the loose.

If only I could tell them he is far from this town.

It is ridiculous to be sad over Ciaryn. I barely knew him for more than a few hours, yet part of me hoped he would change his mind and return. However, when I woke up hours later, and he hadn’t come back, I knew I’d never see the wolfman again. As the sun set, I had made peace with it.

Despite my selfish wants, it is best he left when he did.

When I arrived this evening, Old Bill had told me the news and how desperate the hunters—especially Timson—were to find him. My stomach sinks at the thought of what he had planned for Ciaryn. The mounted heads of animals on the tavern's wall make my skin crawl. The idea that Ciaryn’s was meant to join them nearly makes me lose the contents of my stomach.

As the final two patrons pay for their ale and slip out into the night, Old Bill emerges from the backroom.

“Why don’t you go ahead and head home, Stella? I don’t think anyone else is coming tonight. You shouldn't be out late with that creature on the loose.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, wiping up spilled ale on the counter. “I don’t mind staying.”

Old Bill nods.

“I’m sure. I’ll lock up after you leave.”

Usually, I’d love the chance to leave early, but I know an empty cottage awaits me. Again, my thoughts travel to the wolfman. Perhaps I have just been on my own for too long, and his brief companionship had given me the connection I’ve longed for. He was grumpy and growly, but I had liked that about him. Ciaryn made me feel safe and intrigued me in ways no human man ever has.

As I collect my cloak from the hook and slip into the cold night air, I wonder where he is. As I journey back to my cottage, I can’t help but hope he’s there waiting for me. The fantasy plays out. One in which he’s waiting for me at my small kitchen table saying he’s changed his mind, and well—I don’t know exactly what will come after that. The thought of never seeing him again tears at my heart. How can you miss someone you barely know?

My despair only worsens as my small cottage comes into view. I should’ve lit a candle before leaving so it’s not dark inside. The last bits of sunset have already bled from the sky, andThe Woodslook particularly ominous this evening.

Finding the key in my pocket, I put it in the door and turn the lock.

There is a soft rustling at my back, followed by a deep growl. My blood runs cold, and I slowly turn. My knees nearly buckle as I take in the formidable figures standing there.

Timson is at the front with a large hunting rifle strapped at his back. At his back are five other armed hunters and two vicious dogs, restrained by leather leashes. Foaming saliva pours from the corners of their snarling mouths.

My hand flies to my chest.

“Oh, Timson, you scared me,” I say, leaning back against the door.

He drinks from his flask before discarding it. Red rims his beady eyes, and sweat collects along his brow.

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