Page 2 of Red

That’s why I stay unseen, seizing the beast inside, so I wouldn’t harm her with my passion until I’m able to manage it properly.

Perhaps I’m contradicting my own self.

Because deep down I know what I’m doing is unethical, despite what my reasoning behind it is. Yet, my moral compass has been corrupted by the creature I’ve become. Maybe it’s never been right to begin with as I was born and raised with the knowledge of who I am. And the more I watch her the more I feel the tendrils of mania taking a hold of me.

Julia arrived here when her grandmother got ill. After the funeral, I was afraid she might prefer to return to wherever she came from—BeforeI even had any time to cool myself down. But she inherited the property and… well, Dean took interest in her, of course. He’s quite a catch for a young, single woman, I assume. He’s the governor’s son, after all. His family pretty much owns the entire state of West Virginia. What the public doesn’t know, is that they are hunters. Vicious ones at that. Majority of the government are.

Never before in history has my species been in such danger as today. Humans are escalating their advancement in weaponry and technology fast. Emboldened by their enlightenment, they no longer fear us the way they used to. They are now persistent in their attempts to capture us instead. Because since the beginning of time, all mankind wants is power. And there’s no greater power than to command supernatural beings.

I should execute Dean right away before he becomes a problem. However, that would only cause a ripple effect, and my family could be in jeopardy. Julia, too. It’sherwho they currently want the most, after all.

She doesn’t even realize how special she is.

That’s precisely the reason why I originally came here. To inform her about the hidden truth and try to convince her to join us. I never could have imagined she’d turn out to be my mate… But now I’m stuck in the dark, always watching, afraid to step too close. Which means me being forced to observe her slowly form a connection with a bastard who is after her.

I follow him through the woods before he reaches the town, and I then shift into my wolf form. Thanks to my fur being entirely black, I can easily pass as a dog in the night—or that’s what I want to believe. I should be more careful. It’s no safer at not bringing attention since the hunters killed off all the wild wolves in the area ages ago as a precaution, and he’s expecting one of us to come for Julia. But my instinct to protect her goes above any logic.

Although, I can’t stay like this for long. It’s uncomfortable and quite difficult to keep my massive frame in this much smaller one.

Human form, the skin I was born in, is the hardest for me to maintain. Linked directly to my feelings and emotions, any sudden mood switch can cause the shift back. It’s been over three centuries already, however, even after all this time, I still haven’t gotten a full hang of it. I hardly ever phase, remaining the exact same as the day I first changed, unageing.

I find Dean entering the local pub. I wait a bit outside, observing him having a good time with some friends and a lot of alcohol. When I’m ready to head back to her place before she goes to sleep, he finally exits the venue. With another woman to entertain for the night, clinging to his arm.

Typical.

I understand he and Julia haven’t yet been physical—and they never will be—neither they’ve expressed any feelings toward one another, but it doesn’t sit right with me. I can’t imagine her being only an assignment for him. Though, I’ve noticed human men rarely stay faithful.

That’s not the case among my kind. We are devoted to one mate and one alone for entirety of our existence. Yes, we tend to have partners as humans before the first shift. And we can also mate before we are bonded. But it’s tricky and never gives the full satisfaction without the soul tie connection—mind, body, spirit.We are always longing forthe one, searching the world in hopes they respond to our proximity.

I found mine already.

And Iwillclaim her as my own.

2.

Prey

Dean is… Well, he’s nice. And good-looking. And rich.

Entirely not my type, though.

I must be stupid. Any girl would be head over heels for him. But that, of course, couldn’t be me! I even feel bad for the guy. He’s been so helpful with handling the funeral stuff and now renovation of the house. At first, I told myself it was only because of how well-respected my late grandma’s been. And then he invited me out.

He's just so fucking boring. Serious. Kind of full of himself, too.

I need the fireworks. And many red flags.

I’m judging my own self now.

Hey!I’m only twenty-four.

Perhaps here I could already be consideredan old maid. But I will take that over loveless relationship anytime.

I’ve never really seen myself as marriage material. Though, things are going alright with Dean, I think. He seems to be moving in that direction as we take it slow. To be honest, on paper, he’s an ideal partner to settle down with. Yet, something is missing…

I change into comfy sweats and spread out on my brand-new couch with a pint of ice cream turning my favorite show on. On a Friday night!

And the loneliness hits me.

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