Chapter 2

My heart—jeez, I think it's going to fall out of my chest. I adjust the straps of my backpack and try to hurry out of the alley.

I can hear his footsteps, dangerously close. I feel his presence, and I might just throw up right here and now. I know I can fight him, but do I really want to? I'm fucking tired, and honestly, he seems like the type who could have a gun or something.

Suddenly, he grabs my wrist. His voice is raspy, dripping with darkness and nightmares. Ones I've probably lived.

"Where are you going, little one?"

Little one. I hate that nickname. He always used it when he wanted to play with me during the months he kept me locked up. Cairn. Urgh. Even his name gives me goosebumps. Even though it was years ago, I can still hear his voice lingering in my head.

"Let me go. Now."

My voice doesn't shake, and I sound so sure of myself. Lucky for me, he's human—he can't hear the deafening drum of my heart, pounding as my body debates between fight or flight. I try to shake him off, but his clammy hand tightens around my wrist, yanking me closer.

"Oh no, little one, I'm going to have fun with you. I want to hear you scream my name while you're on all fours and I cum inside your little pussy. I can't promise I'll be gentle, though. You should've taken my offer earlier."

Then, he grabs my ass, grinning with his too-white teeth.

I twist my wrist free and knee him between the legs, spit on him, and run.

Suddenly, an expensive black car with tinted windows screeches to a stop, blocking my path. The driver rolls down his window, pointing a gun at me.

What he doesn't know is that I'm not afraid of death. In fact, death doesn't want me. I know because I've sought her out many times, yet here I am, still walking this earth.

I charge at the car, feinting right before jumping and sliding across the hood. He doesn't shoot—probably just a threat, not wanting to attract attention. He's smarter than I thought.

I run for my life, darting through alleys, vaulting fences. I can hear the car following, but a car can't go everywhere. And as a werewolf, I'm freakishly fast.

After what feels like an eternity, I finally stop, knowing they lost me within the first five minutes. Thank the goddess my cardio is ✨on point✨.

It wasn't the first time something like this happened. In fact, since I started working for Andrew three years ago, I've been followed at least two dozen times. Sometimes, it's the same guys—because, you know, they know where I work. I've been hurt a handful of times. Never too badly. Only once did I need stitches, and I did them myself. There's no emergency care available for me. Too expensive. And not for werewolves.

I've heard of a clandestine hospital for werewolves, but it moves around a lot, avoiding the police.

After an hour, I finally catch a bus that takes me near my apartment. The front door of the building is unlocked—again. Not that it matters. The windows are broken anyway.

I dig for my keys and unlock my mailbox. Three bills and a restaurant flyer. Chinese sounds amazing right now. I climb the four flights of stairs to my apartment, dialing the restaurant's number and ordering a combo for two. I'm that hungry.

My door always jams, so I kick the lower right corner, and it finally gives way. I step inside, flick the light on, shut the door, lock it, and slide the chain into place. I don't trust anyone in this building, so I wedge a chair under the doorknob for good measure.

I can hear the neighbors screaming at each other, things crashing in the apartment above mine. I grab my broom and bang on the ceiling. They stomp in response. I hit back.

Deciding to shower, I pray for hot water.

Luckily, I have some, and it feels like heaven. I lather up with my lavender shampoo and chamomile body wash, hoping to soothe my mind. Once dry, I throw on my too-old, oversized Nirvana t-shirt, comb my hair, and pick a book.

The doorbell rings. My food's here.

I tip the delivery guy generously. It's dangerous at this hour, and besides, I like him. Al always gives me extra fortune cookies because he knows I love them.

I devour my food in about two minutes before finally crashing onto my bed.

Sleep never comes easy.

I know what's waiting for me.

The nightmare.

I've had it every night since Cairn.

Every. Fucking. Night.

I wake up drenched in sweat, gasping for air.

Tonight is no different.