Chapter One: The Stalker

I couldn’t believe I was finally twenty-one. I stood in front of the mirror, getting prepared for the party my best friend; Kristen had forced me to attend.

Little did I know that this night would change my life forever.

Little did I know that by the end of tonight, everything I knew would be turned upside down.

I should have seen it coming though.

My dad had raised me all by himself since I was just an infant when my mother passed away during childbirth. I never got the chance to meet her, but my dad had told me stories about her.

Bizarre stories.

He would tell me how special my mom had been, and how different she was from every human. He even went as far as saying she had magic within her, that gave her the ability to transform into a wolf.

A werewolf.

All his life, he studied the supernatural, so I guessed it must have gotten to his head.

I had believed as a kid, so intrigued by the wonders of the story my dad would tell me, but as I grew older; I thought them to be bullshit, and because of this, my dad and I were a bit distant. I loved him very much though, but from afar, so he wouldn’t suffocate me with his supernatural ideals and beliefs.

The day before my birthday, I received a call from him. He had said we should meet up so we could talk. I agreed, and when I got there, he spewed the usual supernatural crap, but this time, it was different. He had a grave expression on his face when he spoke and there was a seriousness to his tone that sent chills down my spine.

“You have a destiny to fulfill, one that would manifest on your twenty-first birthday. Be ready.”

He had said to me.

Maybe if I had believed him then, I would have been a little prepared for what was to come.

******

It was past eleven and the party was already in full swing. Kristen had already called a few minutes to let me know she was on her way to pick me up.

I didn't like my birthdays. I was plunged deep into the actuality and constantly reminded of how meaningless my life was. We all lived in a stagnant simulation where nothing ever changed and life never got easier – and I grew sick of it every day.

Reluctantly, I got prepared, wearing an oxblood backless mini dress that clung to my body like a second skin, its low neckline exposing my full cleavage. I stopped to gaze at myself in the mirror, thinking about whether to wear my deep brown wavy hair down or tie it into a ponytail. Eventually, I chose to let it down.

I applied mascara on my lashes and smeared a deep shade of red lipstick on my lips that brought out my amber eyes, all the while my thoughts drifting back to what my dad said. As much as I tried not to think about it, it kept nibbling at the back of my mind.

I got a sudden text from Kristen, saying she was outside the building.

When I got downstairs, I spotted Kristen’s Honda parked across the building. My gaze immediately fell on the Range Rover I had seen earlier on my way to campus this morning. It never left since then and it made me wonder what such a luxurious vehicle like that was doing in a place like this.

When I arrived at Kristen’s car, I slipped into the passenger’s seat and fastened my seatbelt.

“Looking sexy,” she grinned as she sized me up, “You’ll drive the guys wild.”

“Likewise.” I chimed as I peered at her. She wore a black dress with daring cutouts along her midriff, revealing the underside of her breast. Kristen and I had been friends since high school. Even though her overly lively personality was quite the opposite of mine, we were perfect for each other. She wasn’t just a friend to me but a sister, and I loved her very much— though I would never tell her that.

When we got to the club, we were greeted by deafening music even before we got into the building. Stepping inside, the place was hot like there was a pressure cooker underneath and the familiar stench of sweat I could never get used to hit me, my face crinkling in disgust. Kristen, on the other hand, looked thrilled to be here, so I tried to act happy— I didn’t want to ruin the fun for her.

When we got to the bar, I called the attention of the bartender and ordered a margarita, while Kristen opted for a Dirty Martini.

"Don't overdo it," I warned her, well aware of how badly she handled alcohol.

"Just one glass," she grinned as I rolled my eyes. We both knew one glass was never enough for her.

"Ladies," a voice chimed in from behind me, and I turned to see who it was. My whole face lit up when I saw it was Nigel. He pulled me into a warm hug and wished me a happy birthday.

Nigel was one of the few sensible people I knew and a close friend too. He was boyishly handsome and had the body of your regular football player.

“Look who decided to show up” Kristen drawled as she batted her lashes at him. She folded her hands across her chest, making her breasts pop out in a way that caught even my attention. Nigel’s gaze briefly darted to her chest and I honestly couldn’t blame him.

"Kristen," he smirked, stretching out his hand to her, “Let’s dance,” it was obvious he liked her.

She placed her hand in his. “I’ll be back” Kristen waved at me before leaving with Nigel. I honestly wouldn’t mind if she didn’t come back; that way I wouldn’t have to babysit a drunk Kristen.

I was about to take a sip of my Margarita when an unsettling feeling washed over me. The sensation was so intense and burned through my neck, causing the hairs to stand on end.

Someone was watching me.

I scanned the crowd, searching until my gaze stopped on a distant figure. He was exceptionally tall, leaning against the wall in a shadowy corner. I couldn’t see his face properly but I didn't need— I knew he was the one watching.

At that moment, everything went still as we stared at each other like we were the only ones in the room. Even in the darkness, I could make out his fierce icy blue eyes as they pierced mine. He had a powerful aura about him that demanded attention and I could feel it even from the distance. I didn't know who this stalker was but my body was drawn to him like a magnet.

A gasp escaped my lips when I felt someone grip my shoulder. I turned around to see the last person I wanted to see.

“Gina! Good to see you” Luke chimed as he gave me a once-over.

“What do you want?” I glared at him.

“Not even a hi?” He raised his hand in mock surrender, a smug smirk on his face I so desperately wanted to slap. I ignored him and looked behind me, The stalker wasn't there anymore and I found myself feeling upset about a literal stranger.

There was something seriously wrong with me.

“Come on… let me buy you a drink at least” his eyes scanned my whole body, making my skin crawl.

“I already have one” I pulled my Margarita close to me, watching him carefully. You could never tell with these guys, they couldn't be trusted. The one second you're distracted, they're pouring contents into your drink.

“Two wouldn’t hurt” he persisted and I could already feel my patience wearing thin.

“Can you like fuck off?” I asked in the nicest way possible. I didn’t like Luke for justifiable reasons, though, there was a time when I was all over him.

But after he tried to take advantage of me when I planned to take things slow—an experience I would rather not disclose any information about—I understood the kind of person he was and did my best to steer out of his way. But he just never fucking left me alone.

“Kristen told me you’d be glad if I showed up…” he said, which was a lie because Kristen hated him as much as I did. “…I couldn’t miss your birthday for anything.”

“You’re ruining it at this point.” I shot him a dirty look but he didn't budge.

He placed his hand on his chest, feigning heartbreak. “You’re hurting my feelings, Gina.”

“I honestly don’t give a shit”

I caught a glimpse of the concerned look the bartender gave me and I felt bad for him… I guess he was used to seeing girls treated this way.

I rose from my seat and walked away, with Luke trailing behind me like a stray puppy. I didn't even walk away long enough when he locked his grip on my arm forcefully, yanking me back with so much force that I got dizzy.

“What the fuck is your problem!” my voice surged with anger the moment I steadied myself.

“Acting like a bitch only makes you sexier,” he grinned like this was amusing to him— which I'm sure was. I felt repulsed when his gaze moved down to my cleavage and lingered there. This was what men like him do; they take advantage of your weakness and use their manly strength to intimidate you, and I’d had enough of it. I wasn’t going to let him get that satisfaction.

“I will call security” I seethed through gritted teeth.

“I dare you” his tone was threatening, the smug smirk never leaving his face.

The moment his hands moved to my chest area, I felt a part of me snap as I released the pent-up rage building inside me.

My fight or flight hormone responded at that point, and I felt a burst of energy course through my whole body. I pushed him and watched in disbelief as he flew back and crashed hard into the wall. I stared at his limp form lying against the wall, then at my trembling hands like they were a foreign thing, my heart racing as shock took control of my whole body.

What just happened?

I heard gasps around me as people stared at me with shocked expressions on their faces. I was too stunned to move like my feet were glued to the ground, my body trembling as panic swept through me.

Jesus! What just happened?

I felt someone hold my hand. “We need to get you outta here,” Nigel said as he pulled me along with him.

“You’re going to be fine” Kristen’s voice was soothing as she held my other hand.

I couldn't think of anything else but the sickening crunch I heard when Luke’s body connected with the wall and the haunting sight of his lifeless form.