1: Rude

Chapter 1

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Leila thanked the taxi driver as she stepped out of the car with her one huge black luggage and a medium-sized black and gray traveling bag waiting at her side. The driver closed the door of the car, just humbly smiled at her, then drove away after she had paid a few bucks.

She stretched her limbs to at least ease her outstretched arms from the long drive. She was oblivious to the things around her as she stared at the small bungalow house she inherited from her loving grandparents from his father’s side, Emilio and Josefa Mercado.

Her mind was clouded with flashing memories she had with her loving late grandmother, who would run towards where she was the moment she had stepped out of their car, while her late grandfather would just smile – while watching them.

Good old days.

That was what she was thinking while looking at the old house.

It was a single-story house with a slope roof that was made of concrete, glass, and bricks – and the colors were mixed of gray and white. It was a modernized version of bungalow houses. It had gray vinyl windows from both sides of the house. It also had a small veranda surrounded by white railings and a front porch.

The front yard was covered with grass and the big shady maple tree was still standing proudly. The whole house was surrounded by a wood fence colored with white and gray paint.

She was glad that the housekeeper maintained it as if it had never been years since she last saw it.

Leila smiled sadly as her tears swiftly flowed to her cheeks because she just missed her grandparents so much – especially that the house also carried the memories of her dad, who died more than a decade ago.

Her grandparents were so loving and caring that their family always loved to take their vacations at this house. When her father died, she never stepped foot on it again. After two years, her grandparents died.

She sighed and shook her head lightly – wiping away her tears.

“Too much of being emotional, Leila. Think of the good and happy things, girl. Don’t let your horses down.” She lowly whispered to herself as she was wiping her tears away.

Her forehead creased when she saw a huge mansion just beside hers. She remembered her grandparents’ house was deserted and the nearest house next to hers was one kilometer away – not to mention the huge trees in between. Her grandparents loved nature so they choose one which was so close to the forest.

The Sacred Place Village, which was where she was right now, was surrounded by a virgin forest anyway. The community living there was just a family of fifteen – more or less. Some of their relatives flew to the city to find a better job like everyone else.

She shrugged at that thought.

Leila was just so glad. Now, she finally had a nearest neighbor.

She stared at the huge mansion – it was a three-story, she guessed, because of the gigantic concrete fence with thorny vines at the edges. She cringed slightly as she thought of the possibility that whoever might try to climb on it would surely be torn and full of wounds after.

The mansion was to her taste anyway, it was like a gruesome-like mansion, but she loved how intricate and classic the design was. It also had a huge balcony that surely created a relaxing ambience.

She was hoping to get a chance to be friends with her neighbor – whoever it was.

Her forehead creased when she saw a silhouette on the balcony, then it vanished for a matter of seconds. Her spine covered with chills as she remembered the horror movie, she had watched with her seven-year-old stepbrother, Darcel, last night.

“Oh, my goodness’ gracious!” Leila exclaimed horribly when a cold hand, held her arm.

She was horrified that she flinched – causing her luggage to fall together with her travelling bag which was placed just above it.

Her widened eyes dropped towards the lady who was confusedly looking at her.

“Cristine! Oh, my gosh, you took me by surprise.” She shockingly stated.

Her heart was still thumping hard as she was trying to calm her nerves.

Cristine was the fifteen-year-old daughter of their housekeeper, Carina. Her mother was paying them to keep her grandparents’ house clean – especially when she finally decided to move in.

“Sorry. I was calling you twice already, but you haven’t noticed me.” Cristine shyly answered while helping her with her luggage.

That conversation kept her mind at ease – forgetting the goosebumps she felt a while ago while looking at the huge, weird mansion just beside hers.

“Finally, you’re here!” Carina giddily exclaimed and welcomed her with a warm hug.

She was close to her family, most especially with her grandparents. Maybe, one of the reasons why she voluntarily asked them to look after the house. Her mother just gave her a few bucks out of courtesy.

Leila looked around. The beige couch was decorated with dark brown pillows and a small sofa table with a succulent plant in a small pot was placed in front.

The flush mount ceiling lights give a unique touch to the living room. On the right side of the house was the kitchen and dining, while on the left side were the rooms.

She couldn’t refrain herself from feeling the nostalgia of the memories rushing through her mind.

Then, the huge mansion caught her attention once again. She was about to speak when Cristine interrupted her thoughts.

“How was Miss Sheila? It was strange that she allowed you to live alone.” Cristine asked while serving her tea.

She sat on the single couch and thanked her.

“Well, she’s fine with it, besides, she couldn’t say ‘no’ to her lovely daughter, aight?” Leila playfully said and winked at her.

Cristine and Carina laughed hard at her mischievous remarks.

“Anyway, I didn’t know that I already had a neighbor here. How long has it been there?” She curiously asked as her eyes moved to the glass window facing the huge mansion while sipping her tea.

She saw how fidgety Cristine was and avoided her gaze. She worriedly looked at her mother who just let out a deep sigh.

“Well, I don’t really know. They’re just new here. I must say to just stay away from them, Lei. I heard rumors that the man living there was kind of rude, unsociable, and mysterious. We haven’t seen him go out of his house, though. Only the butler, but he is too snob and cold, too.” Carina seriously told her.

Her eyes even widened while talking about it.

Leila just chuckled.

“You’re being too judgmental, Carina. Don’t believe rumors like that and just give them the benefit of doubt.” She simply uttered.

Carina just shrugged while Cristine remained silent and just listened to them.

“Well, at least I have already warned you.” She finally said and gave her a flat look.

Leila just gave them a soft smile before staring at the mysterious mansion. She just hoped to be friends with her neighbor.

Meanwhile, as the clock just struck past twelve, everything was embraced with a deafening silence.

The almost full moon, which was proudly illuminating in the dark sky, was the only source of light radiating through the large glass windows.

A man was lying on the cold floor as his chest moved up and down while panting. His heart was frantically beating, and his eyes squeezed shut for the burning sensations that crept into his whole system.

It was just the start of his miserable and tormenting shift. He eagerly wanted to stop it as much as he could, but his inner being was gradually becoming uncontrolled.

He was slowly losing his ounce of humanity and he was too weary to fight it. He was all riled up, and he screamed – his trembling fist clenched tightly, and his knuckles started to pale.

His shaking body bent – his both knees touched his chest and his temple throbbed.

A pair of sympathizing eyes just watching him in the shadows, wearing a distressed face. He couldn’t do anything for him, nor could he stop what was happening. All he could do was wait for whatever would happen next and make a move from there.

He was patiently waiting for whatever form would take over him – his sense of humanity or his cruel ruthless wolf.

The man on the floor cried out of pain as his glossy eyes glistened and rolled to the back of his head. His ankle twisted followed by the rest of his body – as a loud and shivering howl escaped from his lips, echoed in the entire manor.

The man standing readied himself as he witnessed that it was the cruel ruthless wolf which was winning and taking over. He silently prayed to the moon that he would still be alive after this.

Another loud growl broke the silence of the night – mixing with the lurid panting and whimpering in satisfaction.

A huge dark brown furred wolf appeared in front of the man attacking the metal cage railing. It was growling and moaning – expressing his starving self.

The man standing instantly threw a massive piece of raw meat and the wolf vigorously eaten.

He was bewildered that after years the wolf became wild and overpowering. He just hoped it would turn out okay as he stared at the moon – praying for his master.