The Creature

“The alpha of Golden Peak has confirmed the sightings,” Sean briefed Asher. “He said they resemble giant vultures, but instead of beaks, they have fangs.” Asher took in the information with a grave expression. These unidentified creatures had sparked mass panic among werewolves. Over 300 werewolves and animals were found dead in unnatural circumstances just last month. They were found mutilated, with organs ripped out and their skeletons grotesquely crushed. They were not just killed, they were tortured that defied the bounds of cruelty. 

“Any new reports?” Asher asked.  

“Two werewolves were killed in Red Fangs yesterday night. The large footprints were found near the spot. There is a high probability they belong to the creature,” Sean updated him. 

“Beef up the security and find out more about them,” Asher instructed. That was all they could do for now. They needed to dig deeper to uncover what these creatures truly were and where they had come from. No one knew their origin, and they vanished without a trace after every brutal killing.

Sean heard the soft creak of the door opening. Asher glanced over his shoulder, and every trace of tension melted from his face. Sean didn’t need to look back to know who had just walked in.

“Still busy?” Sienna asked. 

“No, we’ve finished,” Ashefr replied softly. 

“Dinner’s ready. Don’t make me call twice. Sean, that means you too,” Sienna said, playfully. 

Sean turned around and offered her a grateful smile. “I’ll be there.” 

……..

Sean returned to an empty house. While his best friend’s home echoed with children’s laughter and the warmth of a woman’s love, his own remained dead silent. Neat, but hollow. His wolf had started to feel that emptiness now. He craved a companion, a mate who would fill his home with warmth, tenderness, and life. In his heart, his wolf longed for a mate calm as still waters, gentle as petals, and nurturing like the nature itself. He craved someone whose delicate touch could melt the rough edges of his nature.

But Sean wanted no mate. Mate equalled weakness for him. Constant responsibility and the kind of attachment that weakens you. Risking your life for a woman? The idea sounded absurd to him. Besides, he had sworn his life to the protection of his alpha and his family. 

After finishing his beer, he headed upstairs to sleep.

…..

Chapter

After braiding her hair, she tucked fresh flowers into the plaits. Dressed in a peach gown that clung to her curves with effortless grace, she radiated soft elegance. 

Snoopy bounded into the room only to stop short. His eyes were sparkling with wonder. 

“A date?” Snoopy asked, scurrying closer. 

“I am heading into the woods. Stay out of my study,” Violet instructed as she slipped on earrings. Snoopy frowned. 

“I don’t understand why do you visit woods every month all dressed up like this? You hiding a werewolf out there?” Snoopy enquired, channeling his inner detective. . 

“I would choose death over a werewolf mate,” Violet deadpanned before turning around.  

“Don’t trash the house and stay out of my study,” Violet added, flinging a packet of carrot chips at him. Snoopy caught it mid-air, gave it a sniff, and grinned wide.

“Have a great day,” Snoopy beamed from behind. Violet closed the door without looking back. Unease wavered her calm countenance as she gazed up at the darkening sky. It was going to get dark soon. With a sigh, she continued walking towards the woods.

…

She ground the herbs into a fine powder and sprinkled them into the potion she had brewed days earlier. Now all she needed was water. The woman scanned her surroundings before grabbing the pot and rising to her feet. Walking a short distance, she turned around and snapped her fingers. In no time, flames circled around the clearing to protect the potion. 

Violet headed towards the stream that ran near the mountain. 

She dipped the pot into the stream and watched it fill to the brim. With practiced ease, she balanced it on her hip and started tracing her steps back to the clearing, her steps steady and careful. 

“Stop,” a masculine voice echoed behind, bringing her to a halt. 

……

His wolf was longing for some adventure. After running for a while, he returned to his camp, now craving beer. Turning into skin, the first thing he did was to reach for his portable fridge. He drank the fridge empty and decided to take a bath in the stream.

He was still a short distance away when he spotted a feminine figure lingering near the stream. She was filling a pot. The sight brought him to a halt. He couldn’t see her face, only the back of her head as she waited for the pot to fill up. Small flowers were tucked into her long, braided hair. Her delicate frame shimmered in the dark like an angel descended from heaven. So delicate, so mesmerising.  

“Fuck,” he whispered, enchanted. He wondered if he had wandered into the presence of the Moon Goddess herself. The urge to see her face devoured every reason he knew. He was certain that she was devastatingly pretty. He sniffed the air to catch her scent, but his intoxication had weakened his senses. He waited impatiently as she kept the pot on her lush hips and began walking in the opposite direction. Disappointment turned into desperation as she ran after her.   

“Turn,” he commanded from the other side of the stream.