Chapter 12: After.

We had made it back to his home, and my temporary residency, whilst it was still pitch-black outside and promising to stay that way until later hours of dawn. I wasn't sure of how this whole 'werewolf' thing worked yet, but were they supposed to be nocturnal or behave like normal humans? The latter would certainly suit my schedule better, as it has for the whole of my life.

His home was a modern yet subtle place, within the woodlands. There were plenty of large windows spanning the walls of the second floor, which only indicated to me that he enjoyed the moonlight.. I was assuming that was a natural thing. Before I could take in the exterior, Anthony had already opened up the heavy oak door at the front, and I really shouldn't leave this temperamental man waiting, so I dashed inside hastily.

After a few moments of just staring, it seemed more like a cabin than a house, with how wooden the place was and how stereotypical the decorations were. Fur rugs, fireplaces, knitted blankets, etc. It was humble and comfortable, yet I knew I shouldn't get too personal with the place, else I'd end up missing it once the season was over. Autumn, a fairly dark and rather dreary season, that was simply filler between the warm and bright summer, and the cold and pitch-black Winter. This season was like me, unsure of where it belonged, as it really couldn't settle on whether to be sunny or rainy most days.

"Emilie, do you plan to stand there all day gaping at my furniture, or will you sit down and try to relax?" His voice pierced through my thoughts, as he returned to the living room with a couple of mugs of hot chocolate. Who knew such a stoic man had a sweet tooth? Though, perhaps he just didn't want to inconvenience himself with making two different drinks, even if I never asked for anything. He really must care, surely?

I simply shook my head in response, and settled down into one of the comfiest sofas that I'd ever sat in. The cushions were plush and sunk beneath my weight perfectly.

Anthony handed me the mug, which I gratefully took with a quiet 'thank you', and began to blow on the boiling cup of sweet beverage. It was a reality check, keeping me sane from the previous events that I'd experienced, including not just today's. He took a seat besides me, crossing his ankle atop his knee and leaning his elbow on the back of the sofa, leaning his face on it as he examined me. Or what seemed like he was doing. Maybe he was just judging me. Did I really look that terrible?

"Your stench of another man is smothering my couch." He simply stated after a moment's silence, and it almost made me scoff, though I knew that'd land me in a bit of trouble. My pointed stare, however, was soon to land on him. The audacity to speak to a victim so harshly truly did unsettle me. How far would this man's possessiveness go?

"I can't do anything about it here." I replied quietly, keeping tone from indicating how my temper was flaring.

"Take a bath once you've finished your drink." His own reply was quick, curt, as if blaming me for how I smelled. It's not like I chose to fall vulnerable to such a man, is it?

I chose to feign arguing, and instead remained quiet, my eyes returning to stare down at my drink. At least this was comforting, considering the environment had turned rather cold and unsettling.