Title: Little Red Riding Hood
Chapter 1: Just Stories
Author: LightningRose
Everyone knows the story about Little Red Riding Hood. How she was stalked in the woods by the Big Bad Wolf, and how he ate her grandmother. Well in the stories, the wolf was killed and Little Red Riding Hood was safe, and happy. This story is what really happened to Little Red Riding Hood, how her life was when the wolf really wasn't who he appeared to be. There was no one who came to help her, no one who killed the wolf and released her grandmother. Our story begins with a proposition; one Little Red Riding Hood was not willing to pass up.
A young woman around the age of 16 or so stood with her back pressed up against the wall of her grandmother's cabin. Her red cape wrapped around her slim frame, she tugged it closer hoping for some kind of protection against the beast before her. She had her eyes closed tightly, tears streaming down her soft porcelain skin. She feared for her life, how he would kill her she did not know; only that it would be horribly painful.
"Look at me."
Startled by the deep voice, she did as he said, her eyes widened at the sight before her. No longer was there a giant black wolf, but a tall handsome man. He was beyond gorgeous; his hair looked to be black silk as the wolf before, his eyes were a deep blue that pierced her to the very core. He was much taller than her, lean and muscular, but when he smiled it was anything but kind. It was menacing and his eyes became darker. He might not have been the wolf any longer but he was still frightening.
"You're the wolf." Her fear was evident in her voice, her whole body showed how afraid she was; from the look in her eyes to the way her body was tense and trembled. He merely nodded his answer and she felt her legs give way under her. She would have fell to the floor if it hadn't been for two very strong arms wrapping themselves around her petite waist.
"Please don't kill me, I have done no wrong. I promise to never return to the woods if u let me go!" She begged for her life, he had already killed her grandmother, she did not wish to die as well. She felt his arms tighten to the point of pain around her.
"No, I shall not kill you. However, I shall not release you either." He was so close to her now, their bodies pressed up against the other, his warm breath against her cheek sent shivers up and down her spine. She could not help the gasp that came from her lips or the confusion to what he meant.
"I do not understand. You killed my grandmother, what is stopping you from killing me as well?" She tried getting out of his grip but he only tightened his hold, she could already feel the bruises forming on her arms and waist.
"I did not kill your grandmother, and I will not kill you if you become my wife." Her whole body froze, she felt cold and empty. To save her grandmother and herself she must marry this beast.
"Your wife? You're a wolf, why would I marry a beast such as you?"
"I am Darien, King of the Forest, wolf shape shifter and if you do not choose to marry this beast then I will have no choice but to hand you over to the wolves. A death I do not recommend." His angry snarl reminded her of her fear and just who she was talking to. This was no ordinary man, her mother had told her stories of shape shifters, told her of the creatures that lived in the forest. She should have stayed on the trail her mother set for her, and then she wouldn't be in this position.
"I am only 16; I am too young to marry." Maybe if he knew she was still young her would give up. Her hopes were dashed when he sniffed her neck and she felt his tongue slide up to her ear. His lips pressed up against her as he whispered.
"Just as well, I am only 19. I will make your immortal, no matter what…you will be my Queen." Frozen to the very spot, she could only but nod her acceptance for she felt her voice had left her after the feelings he just awakened in her.
"Good, now what is my bride's name, unless you prefer to be called little red from now on?" He was mocking her of course, the smirk on his face and the laughter in his voice.
"Serenity."