AN: Thank you all so much for the reviews. Your feedback is extremely important to me and is critical for the continuation of this fic and I was not disappointed. It sounds like you guys are just as excited as I am for this story and I hope that it will continue to keep your interest!
OoO
"You are never alone. We are all Wolves, howling to the same moon."
-Atticus
OoO
The Wolf watched from the shadows. Quiet and unseen, he watched the humans go about their day, unaware of the danger that lurked at every corner.
They were like sheep. Blissfully ignorant as he watched on, preparing for the hunt once more. The taste of the girl was still on his tongue and yet he hungered for more. Hungered to sink his teeth into more flesh. For the blood that would mat his fur and turn his teeth red. Even after devouring his last meal, he still hungered.
He was cursed to never have his fill, and so he lay in wait for his next kill.
OoO
I suppose now would be a good time to tell you that although I had only been in Forks for a grand total of forty-three minutes, I already hated it here.
Wrapped up in a blanket that had been left on the backseat, I stared out at the little raindrops that had just started to fall as I waited patiently for the police to arrive so that I could file an accident report and hopefully get my car towed to the nearest shop, although I could tell that they were taking their sweet time seeing as time ran differently in small towns like this one. Had I still been in Los Angeles when this happened, I would already be in my bed and my Jeep safely in the shop, but I was not that lucky.
It was two minutes past 1 am when a cop car finally pulled up behind me, his lights flashing as I let out a sigh of relief. A man stepped out as I pulled out my wallet which contained my badge and my credentials before I rolled down the window to face a middle-aged white man with a mustache. He looked tired as if he had been up for hours as he looked at the damage to my car and then to me, his flashlight shining in my eyes as I squinted up at him.
"I'm Officer Swan here to respond to a traffic accident that was reported at 12:16 am this morning. I'm guessing that's you?" he asked as I nodded in confirmation.
"May I please see some identification?" he asked as I pulled out my wallet and flashed him my ID along with my badge that said Bail Enforcement Agent before handing it over to him.
"You're a Bounty Hunter?" he asked in surprise as I nodded.
"I prefer the term Bail Enforcement Agent, but Bounty Hunter works too," I said as he handed me back my credentials before shoving them back into my back pocket. "I just drove up here from a job in Eugene, Oregon."
"Are you working a job?" he asked, suspiciously. I could tell what he was thinking, but I didn't comment on it as I shook my head.
"I'm visiting some friends," I said, leaving no room for further questions.
He nodded, accepting my lie at face value as he nodded towards the dark tinted windows of my Jeep, "are you traveling alone? Is there anyone else in the vehicle?"
"Just me," I said as he nodded before making his way to the front of the car to inspect the damage. I opened the door and stepped out and into the large puddle of rainwater that had accumulated outside of my car, my leather boots splashing water everywhere as I furiously yanked my hood over my head and made my way over to where Officer Swan was crouched down as he looked at the damage to my poor Jeep, his flashlight illuminating the crunched front of my car in the darkness as he let out a low whistle.
"Yeah, you're going to need to get your car towed. You can't drive it like this," he said as he rose from the ground. "What happened?"
"A deer ran out on the road and I braked and swerved," I said, a part of me wishing to protect the beautiful Wolves. I knew they were probably already organizing a hunting party and I didn't want to imagine a bunch of people with guns hunting down and killing any Wolves in the area just because of one Werewolf.
"Yeah we get a lot of accidents involving deer around these parts," he said before adding; "you really shouldn't swerve for a deer. It's better to stay in your lane and brake."
I bobbed my head in understanding, but I internally rolled my eyes. "Spur of the moment. The Deer is fine, though. He ran off with two of his friends."
He nodded nonchalantly, "that's good to hear. You weren't injured in the accident, were you?"
"No," I said as I scratched the back of my head, "the airbag went off, but I wasn't injured. The only damage that was done was to my car."
Thank God my bloody nose had already healed. There was no way I was going to the hospital for an unnecessary CT scan.
"I'll go ahead and give Earl, the owner of Forks towing a call. In the meantime, do you have a place to stay tonight or not?"
I nodded, "I booked a room at the Pinewood Inn in town a few hours earlier. Could you possibly give me a ride there?"
He nodded in confirmation, "go ahead and get your stuff together and we'll put it in my car. Earl will come to pick up your car and take it into the shop and where you can get an estimate tomorrow morning. You will need to fill out an official accident report at the Police Department before you leave town."
"Do you also know where I could possibly get a rental in the meantime?" I asked, not liking the prospect of having my car. I needed a car for my stay here if I was going to do any sort of investigating or tracking and you know if I planned on actually going anywhere in this town while I was here.
"There's a rental place in town. Earl can take you tomorrow after he gives you an estimate and then you can head down to the station too. How long are you in town for?"
I shrugged as I crossed my arms over my chest, "I'm not sure, actually."
I would be staying in town for however long it took to hunt down the monster who had killed Molly, even if it took weeks, but Officer Swan didn't need to know that. But for the foreseeable future, I knew I would be here; investigating and tracking.
Turning away from him, I made my way towards the back and popped open the trunk, relieved that I had all of my weapons and arsenal locked away in their containers so that Officer Swan couldn't see the impressive collection of handguns, rifles, crossbows, Wolfs-bane, and silver arrowheads and bullets that I had stored away in my trunk for such an occasion like this. I pulled the large black cases out with little to no trouble as Officer Swan gaped at the huge containers.
"You're, uh—" he coughed, "you're prepared."
"I'm a Bounty Hunter," I said as I hoisted the containers up, "It comes with the job."
He opened up the back seat as I shoved the containers inside, all three of them before I grabbed my personal duffel bag out of the back seat and tossed it back there before I jumped into the passenger seat, glad to finally be out of the wet rain as I reveled in the hot air from the vent. I mean seriously, it was colder than a witch's tit out there. How did these people live in the cold rain all the time?
Officer Swan hopped in the driver's seat before we pulled away from the Jeep, an awkward silence settling in between the two of us as I stared out at the passing trees with tired disinterest as I could feel his eyes on me, analyzing me.
"So," he said after a few minutes on the road, "you said you drove up here from Eugene, Oregon. Is that where you live?"
"No," I said, leaving no room for further questions as I looked around at the interior of the car, my eyes falling on a picture of the Officer and a younger woman in a white wedding dress who I could only guess was his daughter. I looked away, unable to stare at the image any longer as I stared out at the passing trees. I could almost imagine my Wolf hunting in these woods with his pack, running through the trees and—
Wait, why was I thinking about the Wolf? And since when did he become my Wolf?
Officer Swan gave me a side glance while he continued to drive, and I could see the wheels turning in his head as I prepared myself for more questions that he might ask me. "So, you're a Bounty Hunter. That's rough work. How long have you been licensed?"
"A couple of years now," I said, fully intending to leave it at that as I kept my eyes trained on the road before us. A few tense moments passed, and I could tell that he was waiting for me to elaborate as I sighed. I usually wasn't the one to engage in small talk unless I was trying to learn something or just bored. I usually left the talking to Ezra, who was far better at picking up on social cues than I was. However, now I was trapped inside of a police car with no one else besides Officer Swan, so I decided to humor him. "I actually graduated from the Police Academy when I was twenty-one, but I didn't start working as a bail bonds Agent until I was twenty-five. That was two years ago."
"You're twenty-seven?" he asked in obvious surprise. For some odd reason, people were usually surprised when they found out how old I was. I mean, I didn't think I looked that young, at least compared to Ezra who was as baby-faced as they came.
"Um, yeah," I said as he shook his head.
"Sorry," he mumbled under his breath, "you just look younger than that."
"Good genetics," I replied as I looked back out at the tree line with a small, sly smile on my lips. Indeed, Lycanthrope genes were far superior to human genes, making us more alluring and enticing to regular humans as well as granting us longevity.
"And what is it that you did before becoming a cop?" he asked as I shrugged.
"I worked as a waitress for a few years and then briefly as a bartender before I decided I wanted to start a career. I graduated from the Academy and I worked for the LAPD before I decided to take up Bounty Hunting," I replied as he nodded in understanding.
"I've never been anything but a cop," he said, more to himself than anything. "I went into the Academy when I was eighteen and that was that."
I nodded, a small smile on my face, "my dad did the same thing."
"Is he why you went to the Academy?" he asked as I looked away and swallowed.
It was true that I went to the Police Academy because of him, wanting to follow in his footsteps in any way that I could. But unfortunately for me, my father's shoes were too large for anyone to fill, myself included.
"Yeah. Something like that."
As if sensing my discomfort, Officer Swan looked away from me and turned his attention back the road, his mouth shut as he asked no more questions. I was thankful when only a few seconds later we entered the actual town of Forks, although the term town was being generous. I was afraid that if I blinked, I would miss it as he pulled into the parking lot of a motel, the words Pinewood Inn glowing on a neon sign that looked ready to tilt over and fall at the slightest breeze.
"This is it?" I asked, aghast. The pictures on the internet had not done this place justice. You know that feeling when you go to an online dating site and you find someone who looks decent but then you meet up with them in real life and they've got no teeth and a unibrow? Yeah, that was how I was feeling staring at this place.
"Yep," said Officer Swan. "Do you need help with your bags or—?"
"I'm good," I grumbled as I opened the door and stepped out into the rain. He stepped out and opened the back door for me as I hauled my bags along with my cases out of the back, muttering a string of curses as the rain completely soaked me. He helped me haul my bags into the front office, which appeared to be completely abandoned save for a Siamese cat that was lounging on the front desk. As soon as I entered, the cat perked up, his large eyes coming to rest on me as it hissed, its fur sticking up as it put its tail between its legs.
Officer Swan looked between the cat and me as he raised an amused eyebrow, "I don't think she likes you very much."
"Cat's usually don't," I replied as I ignored the hissing feline and hit the bell on the desk. I sighed as I looked around at the small room, noting the tons of cheap artwork that hung on the walls. I ran a hand through my wet, shoulder-length brown hair and hit the bell again when no one came, my patience already wearing thin at that point.
"Yeah, yeah I heard you the first time," came an annoyed voice as an older lady limped into the room, her beady-like eyes falling on both me and Officer Swan as she looked between the two of us. "Room for two then?"
My ears turned pink as Officer Swan near choked on his own spit behind me as he coughed. I shook my head, "uh, no. I— I called earlier. I'm Shay Collins? I need a room for one, please."
"Hmm," she said as she turned away and clicked away at her computer disinterestedly. "Oh yeah, here you are. One reservation for Shay Collins. That'll be $120."
My eyes nearly bugged out of my skull at the price. A nice hotel certainly would've been worth that amount, but for this place? No way.
"Is that per night?" I asked, shocked.
She nodded as I shook my head in disbelief.
"You said it would be $60 a night when I spoke with you on the phone!" I said, my tone accusing as she narrowed her eyes beady eyes at me.
"I said prices are subject to change," she replied before adding; "but if you don't want a room—"
"Look here Lady—" I said as I leaned in real close to the counter, preparing to rip her a new one as Officer Swan shifted his weight behind me before clearing his throat. I glanced back at him, realizing that he was still standing there. If he hadn't been there, I would've totally torn into the lady. Not physically, of course. I would never physically harm a human being, but I was not beyond giving them a piece of my mind. But with Officer Swan standing awkwardly behind me with all my luggage, clearly tired and clearly wanting to go home and go to bed, I decided that it wasn't worth it.
"You know what, fine," I grumbled as I pulled out my wallet and threw a wad of cash at her, much to her delight as she took it and stuffed it down her bra, much to my horror.
"Excellent," she said as she handed me a pair of keys. "You're in room 102. Please do enjoy your stay at the Pinewood Inn."
I took the keys from here before grabbing my luggage and making my back into the pouring rain. I found room 102 easily enough as I unlocked it and flicked on the light only to be met with a plethora of aromas that were none too pleasant as I tried not to gag, my hand coming over my nose as I tried to breathe out of my mouth instead.
Seriously, sometimes it sucked having a super schnoz.
I turned back to see Charlie deposit my bags onto the floor before he looked around the room, clearly not impressed with it either as he placed his hands on his hips and looked at me.
"It's— it's not too bad," he tried to reassure me as I snorted, my eyes falling on a water stain just above the moldy curtains.
"No, it's not. I'll live," I said as he nodded. "Thank you, for helping me tonight. I really appreciate it."
He tipped his head at me, "you're welcome, ma'am. Earl should have your Jeep in the shop already. He'll be by tomorrow at eight to pick you up and take you there. And once that's done, drop by the station we'll get the paperwork squared away."
"Sure thing," I said as I watched him turn to leave. "Thanks again, Officer Swan."
"You can call me Charlie and—" he turned to look at me once more, "if I didn't say it earlier, welcome to Forks."
And with that he closed the door behind him, leaving me by myself as I turned to stare at my moldy, smelly surroundings with a critical eye. This was it. I was here and there was no turning back now. I just prayed to the Goddess Selene I hadn't made a mistake in coming here alone.
OoO
I was woken out of the dead of sleep by my phone buzzing on the nightstand. I cracked a tired eye open and groaned when I saw that it was 6 am, far too early for anyone to be trying to get a hold of me as I grabbed my phone and pressed the ignore button.
I burrowed even further under the covers and closed my eyes only for my phone to start buzzing again. I groaned as I sat up, blindly reaching over my phone as I pressed the accept button.
"What?" I asked, annoyed to have been rudely awakened from my sleep.
Someone breathed on the other end as my eyes widened. Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised. I knew Mason would try to get a hold of me once he cooled off.
"Mason?" I asked as I sat up straight.
"Shay," he breathed out. I could hear the anger lacing his tone and I cringed. Oh boy, here we go again. "Where are you?"
"Uh, Forks Washington?" I replied.
There was a moment of silence before all hell broke loose.
"I gave you an order," he growled, "you were supposed to wait for us! What the fuck were you thinking?"
His voice was loud and beyond angry, which was actually pretty common for Mason. My half-Uncle had a serious temper on him which had only escalated as soon as he became Alpha. After having lived with him for years, I knew how to handle his angry outbursts better than either Ezra and Brenda.
"I was closer than you guys—"
"You think I care?" he asked before adding; "do you know how much danger you've put yourself in?"
"I'm not actively hunting it," I said, defensively. "I'm only scoping the place out until you guys get here. And last time I checked, Mason, I can handle myself. I am after all a Law Enforcement Agent, unlike you. What is it that you do again? Oh, that's right. You're a mechanic."
"Watch it, Shay." I could practically hear him seething from the other end.
"Well, it's true—"
"This isn't some person who missed their court date and skipped out of town," he fired back. "This is a Werewolf, Shay. And not just any Werewolf, a rabid man-eating Alpha. He's stronger and more powerful than you'll ever be and you know that and if he finds you— if he finds out you're there alone, he'll rip you to pieces."
"I know!" I replied as I ran an agitated hand through my hair. "Okay? I know what will happen if he finds me, but I have to do something! He's killing innocent humans and eating them, Mason. Not only are we bound by oath to the Goddess to hunt him down and kill him, but we also have to take care of this before the Volturi find out."
We had lived in hiding ever since the Vampire's had nearly wiped our kind out hundreds of years ago and during that time while we had regrown our numbers, we had done everything with our power to remain unnoticed. We did not want the Volturi finding out that we still lived, even now centuries after the Vampire/Werewolf war that had ravaged our numbers. Of course, there had been slip-ups even after, the most famous example being the Beast of Gévaudan which had been killed by a human hunter named Jean Chastel.
"I doubt the Volturi would even care anymore," sneered Mason. "All they do is sit on their thrones and stink all of Volterra up with their filth. I mean, they certainly didn't care about Gévaudan."
"Because they're foolish," I replied. "They think they drove us into extinction and that we no longer exist. Let's ensure that they keep believing that narrative."
He sighed, "you're right. We need to stop him, but we need to do it as a pack. And you need to understand your place, Shay. You're my beta. You may be second in command, but you still follow my orders. Is that clear?"
"Yes," I replied as I acquiesced to him. I couldn't help it. He was my Alpha and I was bound to him and according to our most ancient of traditions, his words were law. If we had been living even just a few centuries earlier, my disobedience could've cost me my life. Even now that we had assimilated into the human world, we were still bound to our pack and to our Alphas.
"Good," he replied. "What's happening there? Have you noticed anything since you arrived?"
I yawned as I pushed the curtains aside and stared out at the gloomy scene, "I just got in a few hours ago and I haven't been able to do much. I wrecked my Jeep on the road and had to call a tow truck. The Chief of Police gave me a lift to the hotel, but no. There's not much to report other than the weather, which is rainy and gloomy as fuck by the way. I would bring an umbrella if I were you."
"Did the Chief say anything?" he pressed as I shook my head.
"I wanted to ask him questions, but I thought that might raise suspicion. I'm going into the Police Station in a few hours to fill out an accident report. I'll try to find out everything I can while I'm there."
"And your Jeep?" he asked as I lowered myself back onto the bed.
"I hit a tree after a Wolf ran out onto the road."
"A Wolf?" he asked. I could hear the suspicion in his voice as I shook my head.
"It's not what you think," I said as I thought back to the beautiful silver-colored Wolf with brown eyes. "It was just a Wolf."
It was not just a Wolf. There was something about those Wolves that was— unsettling to say the least. I knew enough about Wolves to know that normal, regular Wolves didn't grow that large. Those Wolves had been the size of bears for Christ's sake! However, it was certain that they weren't Lycanthropes. There were three forms that a Lycan could take and the ability to actually turn into a Wolf was extremely rare, but even then no Lycan who could turn into a Wolf was that large.
The other two forms that a Lycan could take were half-Lupine forms, one was a bit milder than the other. The third form, however, was the stuff of nightmares. My father had once described it as a Satanic amalgamation of both man and beast. I had never seen the third form with my own eyes, but I had heard stories from those who had.
The third form was cursed. Reserved only for Lycans who had left behind their human side and totally embraced the beast, their hunger for human flesh insatiable. That's why that form was cursed. Because once a Werewolf took it, there was no going back.
"Shay?" asked Mason as I was pulled out of my reverie. "Are you there? Earth to Shay—"
"Yeah," I said. "Sorry, I was just thinking."
"About the Wolf?" he asked as I shook my head.
"It was just a Wolf," I replied. "A large one, albeit, but a Wolf nonetheless. I doubt it's killed and eaten anybody recently."
"Unless you can't your car as a victim. Didn't you just finish paying that off?"
I sighed as I pinched the bridge of my nose, "don't remind me."
"Your insurance will cover it, right?" he asked as my eyes widened as I heard him clear his throat on the other end. "You did call the insurance company, right?"
"Shit," I muttered under my breath. "No, I gotta do that today. Thanks for reminding me."
"Sounds like you have a lot to do today," he said. "I'll call you once we're on the road. Keep me updated on what you find and I know it's asking a lot, but could you not do anything stupid until we get there?"
I rolled my eyes, "I'll try my hardest, but no promises. I'll see you soon."
OoO
I think there comes a moment in everyone's life when they realize that they've made a huge mistake and for me, that moment was now.
Staring down at the contents of my suitcase, I realized two things. Number one, Los Angeles and Forks had completely different weather systems, and number two, I had no warm clothes because I lived in a state that was currently in the middle of a drought and had no idea what water from the sky even looked like.
Fuck.
Sighing, I pulled out a pair of dark wash jeans along with a black tank top before tossing my lucky burgundy colored leather jacket on, warm enough to at least keep me somewhat warm but not enough to protect me from the torrential downpour.
It was a good thing that I wasn't planning on staying in Forks for very long. Once this Werewolf was taken care of, I was going to put this place as far in my rearview mirror as possible.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror as I ran comb hastily through my pin-straight shoulder-length brown hair, grumbling at the large bags under my tired eyes. I looked like absolute shit, but there was nothing more I could do to improve it as I decided to forego makeup today. The rain would just wash it all off and I quite frankly didn't care what I looked like. I mean, who was I trying to impress? Officer Swan? Yeah, no.
Earl, the owner of Forks Towing Inc., was there at eight o'clock as promised to pick me up. He was an older guy with a crooked nose and even more crooked teeth, but he was friendly as he opened the door to his car for me before making his way over to the driver's seat. He drove me to his shop where he showed me my poor Jeep.
"You hit that tree real good, but the good news is that the damage was mostly superficial," he said before adding; "the engine is going to need a few repairs, but nothing drastic. Your car should be up in a week's time. Maybe a week and a half if I need to order parts."
"That's good," I said, relieved. "I still need to call my insurance company. How much do you think this will cost?"
He shook his head, "hard to tell right now. As I said, I may need to order parts, so I can't say for sure right now. You got good insurance, right?"
I nodded, "I have insurance through my job. I work for the State of California as a Bail Enforcement Agent."
"Then you should be covered," he said. "You shouldn't worry about anything, Ms. Collins. Your car will be up and running in no time."
I smiled at him, "that's good news, thank you."
He drove me to the car rental place in town and waited until I had a new car to drive before he bid me farewell. From there, I drove to the Police Station and parked my new 2009 Volvo, which was not as nice as my Jeep but it would have to do. I parked before making my way into the building, which was practically empty save for a young-looking Officer who was behind the counter. I could tell that he was just a Rookie, fresh out of the Academy as I glanced at his name tag that said D. Brenton. He looked bored as he drank his coffee and watched the news as I sauntered up to the front desk.
He straightened himself up as soon as he saw me. "Morning, ma'am. How can I help you?"
"I need to fill out an accident report," I said as I set my keys and wallet down on the counter. "I was involved in a one-car accident last night after I nearly hit a deer. Chief Swan picked me up and drove me into town, but I still need to fill out the paperwork. Is he here?"
He shook his head, "not at the moment, ma'am. Most of our Officers are out today."
Out probably trying to hunt down a Wolf, but I didn't say that as I nodded.
"Perhaps you can help me then, Officer Brenton," I said with a small, yet alluring smile.
"O— of course," he said, flustered. I watched as he reached under the counter and pulled out the paperwork before handing it over to me. "Just fill that out and hand it back to me when you're done."
"Sure thing," I said, still smiling at him as I sauntered over to the empty seats in the lobby and began the tedious process of filing the paperwork out. I made sure to steal a few glances at the kid behind the desk as I non-verbally flirted with him. If there is one thing that you should know about me, it's that I always have a motive and that motive as of right now was information. I could see Brenton was young, naïve even. I could easily get information out of him, if not now then later if I played my cards right.
Once I was done, I rose from my seat and walked back over to him before handing him the paperwork. "There, is that it?"
"Looks like it," he said as he thumbed through the papers, satisfied. "Is there anything else I can help you with today, ma'am?"
I glanced at his coffee, an idea forming in my head.
"Actually, there is," I said as I leaned in, "may I please use your restroom?"
"Sure," he replied as he pointed behind him, "it's just down the hall and the right. You can't miss it."
Perfect.
"Thank you," I said as I made my way down the hall, but instead of turning right, I turned left. I snooped around the empty Police Department, my eyes and ears open for anyone as I made my way into what I presumed was Charlie's office. I looked around the room, my eyes coming to rest on a case file that had been left behind as I carefully picked it up and opened it only to be met with the gruesome photographs that had been taken of poor Molly, her tiny little body completely mutilated beyond recognition as I felt my heart clench at the sight.
Her face was gone, eaten away at me until there was nothing left but bone. Her throat had also been ripped out and so had her heart and there were long, deep claw marks on her torso and legs. I couldn't help but look at her school image, a smiling happy little girl staring back at me as I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply.
I flipped through the gruesome images before I came across the Police report as well as the evidence log at the crime scene. They had found articles of Molly's clothing and on that clothing they had found animal hairs that they had sent off to the lab for testing. They wanted to know what kind of Wolf did this, but I knew that the genetic testing would only raise more questions than it did answers. When that report did come back, they were going to find out that the Wolf that did this doesn't belong to any known species in the canine family.
I shook my head as I scanned the file, hoping to find a coroner's report, but apparently, they had yet to finish the autopsy down at the County Morgue as I thumbed through the evidence log. Setting the file back down, I glanced out towards the front where Brenton was too busy playing on his phone to realize what I was up to as I made my way towards the evidence room, which had been foolishly left unlocked.
It was, apparently, my lucky day.
I entered the dark, cold room as the lights flickered on. I stared at the rows upon rows of archived evidence as I searched for Molly's evidence, which I found a few moments later. Her clothing was still at the forensics lab, but her backpack remained untouched with all of her books and homework that would never be finished still in it. I was careful not to touch anything as I leaned forward and sniffed, my senses catching onto the familiar scent of a Werewolf.
Except I could tell that there was something different about this scent. While most Werewolves like myself had an enticing scent, this Werewolf had a disgusting scent. You know when you go to the Zoo and you breathe in the wonderful smell of animal filth? Yeah, it smelled like that, only ten times worse.
I couldn't help but gag as I stood up and brushed my pant leg off, all of the hairs in my nose officially dead as I made my way out of the evidence room and towards the bathroom where I locked myself in there before texting my pack.
I managed to catch its scent, I typed before adding; I'm at the Police Station now.
What else did you find? Asked Brenda as I shook my head.
Not much. They found hairs. Testing them now. Where are you guys?
On the road, replied Ezra. Mason says don't follow it on your own.
I rolled my eyes, wasn't planning on it.
There was a knock on the bathroom door as Brenton called. "You okay in there?"
I swallowed, "Yeah, I'm fine. I'll be out soon!"
"Okay," he said before meandering off. I gulped as I stared back down at my phone.
Mason says you should research the other killings, typed Brenda. The news was saying that four people are dead because of an animal mauling in the area. Find out what you can about those and keep us posted. We'll be there sometime tomorrow morning.
I could do that. Easy.
Okay, I replied before I pocketed my phone and flushed the empty toilet. I turned on the faucet for a few seconds before making my way out.
"Thank you so much," I said to Brenton before adding; "I'm sorry to bother you again, but do you know a good coffee shop in town that has wifi?"
He gave me directions to the nearest Starbucks as I thanked him once more. I exited the Department and was more than halfway down the steps when I accidentally ran into a brick wall. Or at least that's what it felt like as I stumbled back, trying to regain my footing as gracefully as possible.
"I'm so sorry—" I began to say as I looked up at the man I had just run into, but the words quickly died on my tongue as I stared up at a freakishly tall and very handsome man. I couldn't help but stare into his dark brown eyes that were flecked with green and gold. I had never seen eyes like his before and I had to say, I was mesmerized. He froze as soon as he saw me as if there was an invisible force holding him at bay. Maybe I was imagining it, but I swore that in that precise moment of time, it wasn't gravity holding either one of us down.
I stared up at him for God knows how long, my neck craned to stare up at him, the feeling of his breath warm on my skin. Now, you should probably know that I am not by any means short. I stand at 5'9, but compared to him I was practically a midget.
"Paul?" came another voice. "You alright, man?"
As much I hated too, I looked away from the one named Paul and looked over at his friend, who was just as tall and muscular as he was. They were both tanned, obviously of Native American descent. The other one furrowed his eyebrows at me before his eyes widened as if in understanding.
Understanding of what?
"I—I'm sorry," I said, swallowing, "I didn't see you there."
And with that, I pushed past the both of them and down the steps towards where my car was parked, fighting off the intense urge to look back at him. I could feel their eyes on me, watching me as I got into my car and drove away.
OoO
Coming Next: Sam calls a pack meeting and Paul gets to experience what imprinting is like for himself.
AN: Comment and tell me what you thought and or would like to see as readers. I value all of your opinions, so don't be afraid to share them!
