The grey wolf was walking through the thickets, the wind blowing his coat. Right behind, the huntsman followed, his thick fur coat tightened to his chest, his leather boots creaking the dead leaves. The woods were his home, he knew every corner, every tree. So he didn't mind staying in the forest in the middle of the night. He felt good there, far from the town commotion, the hubbub of the people, the unpleasant smell of chimneys, and the artificial lights there. Here he was surrounded by smells of wet grass and wild flowers, and of course the smell of the animals living here. Animals were his friends, he hunted them of course, but only to live on. He was in agony every time he has to kill one.
The natural light the full moon gave pleased him, moreover, it was enough, to see and go on through the woods. It was cold, he could feel the wind coming through his skin and freeze his bones, but he had to go on, he was expected at the queen's castle.
He moved forward when he heard a moan and saw his faithful companion running toward him. He leaned forward to see what had frightened the animal so much. A growl filled the air when he saw it. A big, massive wolf, brown bristling pelt, yellow eyes full of wrath, fangs showing, ready to leap on his prey. The huntsman held out his arm and moved as the beast kept growling. His heart starting beating fast, but he wasn't afraid, he knew what he was doing. His hand was now only a few inches from the beast's head, as she slowly calmed down. Her growling became slower and slower. He stepped forward her a little bit more. The forest had now regained his peacefulness, only can be heard the breathing of the beast. The huntsman wanted to put his hand on her head, but as soon as his fingers brushed against her pelt, the animal moaned and fled away running, disappearing in the cold, dark air of the woods.
The sheriff tightened his leather jacket around him. There was an icy wind so he rushed his way to Granny's dinner and walked in. As soon as he opened the door, everyone turned to him. As the sheriff of the little town, he always caught attention. Besides, most of women thought he was attractive. He had a reputation following him, when actually he didn't care about all that. He didn't make any effort to look good, he never had any affairs. Yet he wished to found love, he thought it was impossible but he dreamt of it. The other customers kept staring at him as he walked towards the counter. He crossed eyes with Ruby and a light up her face. Little Ruby. So young yet so mature. She, too, had a reputation. She was a seducer. Everyone saw her like that. But he knew she was more than that. They barely even talked, but he had the impression to know about her more than anyone else. So powerful yet so fragile. In his mind, he remembered that night, when he had stumbled across her behind the dinner, sitting on the steps, crying, alone and harmless.
" What will you take sheriff ? " the voice of the young girl brought him back to reality. Her voice was sweet as honey, yet racy as spice.
" Just a coffee "
This was their exchanges. Always. He wished he could have talk to her longer. He wished he could have listened to her. He wanted to tell her that he knew how sad she was, that he knew this make up and those provocative clothes were a disguise to mask her vulnerability. He wanted to help her but he didn't know how. He felt the need to protect her. After all he was the sheriff, it was his job to protect people.
" Hi Graham ! You're ready to go ? "
" Hello Emma. Let's go do that patrol ! "
Graham grabbed the coffee Ruby handed to him and gave her a quick thank you. The sun was going down now as he and Emma walked past the door, laughing as they usually did. As he closed the door, he crossed Ruby's eyes again, through the glass. Only this time she didn't smile at all.