Page 39 of Red

“I was hoping it wouldn’t have to come to this.”But he decided to be a fucking idiot.

“You don’t understand!” she whines. “He’s the Governor’s son. Oh, my God! This is really, really bad.” She’s about to have a panic attack.

“Baby, focus on me.” As I firmly grip her shoulders, I catch her attention and guide her through her breathing.

Eventually, her heartbeat slows down and I release her. I want to tell her how remorseful I feel, but I really don’t. It was a quick death, he didn’t suffer like I wanted him to. It was almost charitable. And so unsatisfying for me.

“I have to go take care of the body and his vehicle now. Stay home and try to keep yourself calm. I’ll explain when I get back.”

I return not long after; my hands are covered in dirt from digging, his smell and blood still onme. The odor is utterly foul to my nose—alcohol with too much fragrance, and well, a roadkill. But a faint note of something else is also present, which I can’t quite place, yet it keeps bothering me.

I buried him deep off the hiking trail in the woods and sank his truck in the lake. It’s good enough to give us some time. We won’t be here when he’s found, anyways.

She’s wrapped up in a blanket on the couch, shivering, her eyes swollen from crying.

“I’ll go wash up,” I tell her before heading to the bathroom.

I decide to take a shower to fully rinse off. The cabin is tight and uncomfortable, but still bigger than most I’ve seen before. I can’t wait to be out of this damn place in the comfort of my own space with her.

I towel dry my fur afterwards, and I’m then ready to tell her everything—for the most part. With the tail between my legs, I move back into the living room.

“Was this really necessary?” Her voice still raspy.

“That’s the fate of everyone who puts their hands on you!” I growl.

“Uh, Alex, that’s not how humans deal withthe problems.”

“Well, I’m not one.”

She softens, nodding for me to come closer.

I approach and crouch down in front of her on the floor by her bare feet, leveling our eyes.

“You were in pain.” She pets my head with an affection that gives me reassurance nothing has changed from her side.

“Wolfsbane. It burns but doesn’t do much damage in such small quantity.”

“And the knife?”

“Silver is extremely toxic to my kind.”

“Then you’re a lucky guy that I’m allergic and can’t wear any silver jewelry.”

I open my mouth to speak but close it right back. How do I even begin this conversation?

“Could it kill you?” She sounds worried.

“Not this little tool he whipped out. Makes you wonder where else was he lacking, doesn’t it?”

“Now’s the right time for this?” I can see her holding back laughter.

“I’m sorry, but you must admit I did you a favor there!” I joke and her eyes narrow, though still slightly humored. “Too soon?”

“You think?!”

Alright, his body isn’t even cold yet.

I then admit, candidly, “If he was a better hunter and not led by his emotions and pride, perhaps.”

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