Page 17 of Red

How bizarre!

Not that I’m ugly or anything. I know I look good. My thighs are touching each other, and I don’t exactly have a flat stomach, but let me put you onto something here—most guys actually love that shit.

He's not just some guy, however. And he’s, like,reallyinto me.

“Is it different for you when you take other forms?”

“As a wolf I experience things in a simpler way, more animalistic. Similarly, as a man I’m much more complex, driven by emotions like all humans. But this is my true self, Julia,” he says, his voice deep and serious. “I don’t shift unless I absolutely have to.”

“That’s okay. It’s growing on me.”

His eyes soften, resembling molten gold, as he smiles again. He grabs my ankle, lifting my leg, and starts tenderly massaging my foot. It’s so ridiculously teeny in his gigantic hands… or paws I should say? They appear more like very large hands with five distinct, long fingers.Andsharp, pointed claws that are a reminder of how deadly he is.

“You know, you’ve never even introduced yourself.”

A low rumble rolls through his chest, and I realize that must be his laugh. I find it utterly cute, which I’m pretty sure already qualifies my case as a mental emergency.

“I’m Alexander.”

“Cool.” Such a normal name. Not sure what I’ve expected, though. “So what are you, Alex?”

“Your folks call my species werewolves. I was born a human but with a mutation gene. I first turned at the age of twenty-seven… at the beginning of the 18thCentury.”

I gasp, realizing he’s over three hundred years old. “So, the full moon thing is bullshit?”

“It makes us more rampant, but otherwise, that’s a common word-of-mouth misconception like many others.”

“Are there many of your kind?”

“Only very few packs remain. We’re almost extinct.”

“Any other supernatural beings?”

“Vampires. But their numbers are even less. People have not been kind to any of us.”

“Why doesn’t this surprise me?!”

“There’re also witches and the entire demon realm. Although, from what I’ve gathered, theyare getting quite popular in this day and age.”

“Yup, the religious stronghold seems to be finally wearing off.”

“Interesting.” He moves his attention to my other foot.

I gaze at him, and I can’t comprehend why this feels so natural. Us being together… like my whole life I’ve been yearning for this moment.

“Alex, what are you doing here with me?”

“You, Julia Carter, are my mate,” he replies, matter-of-factly.

Well, he knowsmy government nameeven.

“Right. Welp, still a better love story thanTwilight,” I mutter to myself. He looks confused as fuck but doesn’t say anything back. “It’s just a cultural reference. I’m sorry, but it’s a lot for me to take in. Silly humor is how I cope.”

“I understand.” He scoops my calves to jerk me forward all the way into his lap. “If anything upsets you, please let me know right away.”

I don’t know how I feel about any of it. My brain’s not able to function properly.

Mate…What does it even mean?

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