CHAPTER ONE

'No!!!!' Catherine screamed. 

Panic surged through Catherine's veins as she realized the danger her husband was in. She wanted to run, to call for help, but her legs wouldn't move. She could only watch in horror as the creature tore into her husband's flesh, blood spattering across the grass.

Fortunately, a passer-by who saw what was happening and hid in a nearby building saw this and dialed the emergency number immediately. 

In a few minutes, the scene was already surrounded by journalists who were making an effort to seek information about what happened, police officers trying to discover how the incident occurred so they could decide what line of action to take next, and, most importantly, a few medical personnel who came with an ambulance.

Mr. Robert was immediately rushed to the hospital with his heartbroken wife who still finds it hard to believe what just happened. 

Catherine and Robert's love is beyond words after being happily married for 5 years.

 They first met in high school, and their friendship grew stronger, leading them to attend the same college. 

Robert planned an unforgettable proposal party on their graduation day and this has been one of their favourite experiences. 

On their 5th anniversary, he surprised Catherine with a delicious "breakfast in bed" treat, which he learned to make from a colleague who is an expert at making "Mama's Homemade Waffles". 

He meticulously jotted down the recipe and instructions on how to make the waffles to achieve the perfect taste. 

'Happy anniversary sweetheart' He said as he planted a kiss on her forehead to wake her up. 

'Hmm… Where's that smell coming from?' She said as she sniffed and opened her eyes slowly. 

'I made this delicious breakfast to show you how sweet and loving you have been these past few years. It's been five years and it feels like it was just yesterday, thank you for being the best wife anyone can ask for' Robert said as he tried to adjust her hair that was hanging around her forehead. 

'Awnnn, you are the best, I love you' she said as she flung her arm around his neck and kissed him. 

'Let's meet later this evening at the Italian restaurant at Flint Avenue. We have a lot to celebrate' Robert said as he made his way to the bathroom to have his bath. 

'What time?' Catherine asked as she was about to bite out of the waffle. 

'6 pm prompt!' 

'Am I ever late?' She laughed in between her meal. 

'You and I know how much time you take in trying to look good?' He replied. 

'I will be there before you' she ate the last bite, stood up, and took the plates to the kitchen. 

"We will see about that," Robert replied as he turned on the shower. 

6:30 PM, Catherine got out of the taxi and made her way into the restaurant.

She wore a red long velvet dress that swept the floor as she walked up to where her husband was seated. She smiled gorgeously as her eyes met his. 

'I knew you will be late' Robert said as he stood up to hug her. 

'just 30 mins' Catherine giggled and kissed her husband. 'have you placed any order?' 

'No, I have been sitting here waiting for the Queen of my heart to arrive so I can be sure of what to place in the order' Robert said. 

'Awnn… But I was only 30 mins late!' 

They called the waitress over, and she gave them a menu of the available food. After looking through the options, he chose lasagne, a delicious Italian baked pasta dish made up of layers of fresh pasta and covered in bechamel sauce. His wife nodded her head in approval of his choice.

They spent their time in the restaurant talking about how far they had come and a lot more they still have to do and accomplish together. 

By 8 pm, they were already on their way home to continue the anniversary celebrations. 

While on their way home, Catherine's gaze was fixed on her husband as memories flooded her mind. She recalled feeling insecure in college due to his intelligence, handsome appearance, and well-built physique, which attracted the attention of many ladies. Some of them wanted to be his friend, while others wanted something more.

She sighs and says, 'How lucky I am to be the winner'. 

As they were turning into the street where their house is located, a man walked directly towards their moving car. Fortunately, Mr. Robert saw him in time to stop the car from running over him.

'Oh, my God!' Mr. Robert screamed as he tried stepping on the brake to stop the car. 

Catherine was brought back from her deep thought. 'Honey, what's wrong?' she asked as she swiftly turned her eyes to the front of the car. 

They almost ran over a man. The man wore a black shirt with a black pair of trousers, and his face couldn't be seen vividly.

'I think I should go and apologize to him and know what's up with him. Stay in the car, I'll be back' he told his wife as he stepped down from the car. 

'Are you okay?' he asked as he moved closer to the man, but the man didn't respond. 

Mr. Robert decided to touch him on the shoulder, and at that moment, he was thrown to the ground. 

The man immediately turned into a mystical four-legged creature with fur and sharp teeth like that of a tiger. He pounced on Mr. Robert, who was trying as hard as he could to get off the grip of the animal, all to no avail. 

Catherine immediately got out of the car. She couldn't believe her eyes and screamed, 'Somebody help!!!'

A pizza dispatch rider who just finished delivering pizza to a house around the area saw this and immediately rode his bicycle into a nearby building so he could easily catch sight of what was happening.