1. The visit

The evening light poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Jake Reynolds' penthouse, casting a warm golden hue over the lavish interior. Expensive artwork adorned the walls, and plush furniture invited relaxation. Jake lay sprawled on the king-sized bed, oblivious to the world outside, his muscular frame barely covered by the sheets. The soft buzz of his phone disrupted the silence, but he silenced it with a groan, turning over to snuggle deeper into the comfort of his pillows.

Suddenly, a sharp ring from the doorbell jolted him awake. He blinked against the bright sunlight and let out a frustrated sigh. Who the hell could that be?  It was a Friday evening; surely, no one should be bothering him now.

He dragged himself out of bed, the cold hardwood floor sending a shiver up his spine. As he slipped on a pair of sweatpants, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Dark, tousled hair framed his chiseled features, and his piercing blue eyes had a glint of mischief. With a confident smirk, he pushed the door open, revealing the last person he expected—Ava Sinclair, a stunning model with long legs and an alluring smile that could stop traffic.

"Hey, sleepyhead!" she said, her voice a melodic tease. She wore a fitted sundress that accentuated her curves, the vibrant colors complementing her sun-kissed skin.

Jake leaned against the doorframe, an effortless charm radiating from him. "What brings you here? I thought you had a photo shoot today."

"I did, but I finished early. I missed you," Ava replied, stepping into his home without invitation. Her presence filled the space with warmth, and she casually wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning in closer. "I thought we could spend some time together. Just you and me."

Jake's heart raced, but not for the reasons one might expect. The prospect of intimacy brought with it a darker undertone that lingered at the edges of his consciousness. **This was dangerous territory.** "I'm really not in the mood for company," he said, trying to sound nonchalant. "I was just about to—"

"Come on, Jake," Ava interrupted, her voice a sultry whisper as she played with the hem of his sweatpants. "Let's just relax, watch Netflix, and chill. I brought popcorn." She flashed a playful smile, her brown eyes sparkling with mischief.

The tension hung thick in the air, and Jake felt his resolve wavering. She was beautiful, intoxicating, and everything he could ever want in a woman—at least on the surface. But Jake had learned to guard his heart against vulnerability. He had enough darkness lurking within him, and the last thing he needed was to drag someone else into that abyss.

"I appreciate it, really," he said, stepping back slightly, breaking the moment. "But I have some… work to catch up on." He gestured toward the stack of papers on the sleek glass table, an obvious excuse.

Ava pouted, and Jake felt a flicker of guilt. "Just one movie?" she pressed, her voice softening. "I promise I won't take much of your time."

A low growl of frustration rumbled in Jake's chest, but it had nothing to do with her. It was the wolf within, restless and hungry, eager for the connection he had spent so long suppressing. "You know how these things are," he replied, forcing a lightness into his tone. "Sometimes you just need to be alone."

Ava stepped back, disappointment flickering across her face. "You always do this, Jake. I'm just trying to spend time with you." Her gaze softened, searching his for any sign of truth.

"Look, I'll call you later, okay? We can reschedule." He attempted a reassuring smile, but he could feel the tension in the air tighten.

Her expression hardened, a mixture of anger and hurt. "Fine. Whatever." She turned sharply, striding toward the door, her heels clicking against the floor.

As she walked away, Jake felt a pang of regret. He opened the door for her, watching as she disappeared into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind her. He leaned against it, his heart racing for all the wrong reasons.

Once he was alone, the silence of the penthouse enveloped him, but the quiet was deceptive. Shadows flickered in the corners of his mind, reminders of the curse he bore—a werewolf forever bound to the moon and the darkness that came with it. It wasn't just a physical transformation; it was a deep, gnawing loneliness that clawed at him, leaving him unable to connect with anyone truly.

Jake glanced around his home, its opulence contrasting sharply with the emptiness he felt inside. The designer furniture and elegant décor couldn't mask the haunting shadows that loomed just out of sight. He walked back to the bedroom, collapsing onto the bed. The soft sheets felt inviting, but even they couldn't offer comfort.

He closed his eyes, trying to escape the chaos within him. **What would happen if he let someone in?** Could he really be the man they saw in him? Or would his curse ultimately claim her too?

The memory of Ava's disappointed expression lingered in his mind, and he felt the weight of his selfishness. Deep inside, Jake knew he was fighting a losing battle against his instincts. But for now, he'd stay the Casanova, the charming playboy who could never let anyone truly close.

As the darkness settled over the city, Jake's thoughts spiraled deeper into the abyss, the night ahead holding promises of both desire and danger. The next full moon was looming, and with it came the shadows that haunted him. He was torn between the thrill of a passionate connection and the horror of what he could become. Love was a luxury he could not afford.