Chapter Eight

Beast

I slink away, further into the woods, as she walks into the cottage. Of course, all that consumes my mind is what I have done.

I almost claimed her.

Almost.

The path to her grandmother’s is technically within my domain, but I never let anyone see me on the path. It would cause too many questions.

But this new urge further proves she was born to be mine. Though her wolf is dormant, I feel it in my bones and it’s getting harder to resist.

It seems like it will be easy for her to give in, too. Her fear was easily squashed once she felt my teeth on her throat, dragging down to the base.

If I had given in, I would have taken her right then and there. And then when the time was right, I would have sunk my teeth into her delicate neck and made her mine.

But I can’t do that. Not like this.

I growl out of frustration and quickly shove it aside. The bond between us is open and growing, so too many thoughts about her and it will be like a wide open door.

I fall to a heap on the ground near the edge of the woods closest to her grandmother’s. A short snort escapes me as my thoughts run wild. No, I have done the right thing.

If I had taken her, then it wouldn’t have been her choice and I would not be free.

When I take my next breath, I close my eyes and try to calm my racing heart. There is nothing more in this world I want more than her, and I don’t even know what has come over me.

This feeling bubbling inside of me has come out of nowhere and refuses to leave. If it keeps up, it will only be a matter of time before I can’t stop myself.

I rise to my feet and look through the bushes toward her grandmother’s cottage. Or I should say, what was once my parent’s home.

There is nothing I can do right now, but being closer to her helps ease the feeling in my chest.

No matter what, I have to fight this. At least, for as long as I'm able before I lose myself to the feeling.