Chapter 3

My heart did cartwheels while I pushed past dead tree branches and overgrowth. My lungs encapsulated as my breathing quickened. My body ached with the need to run. The sounds of large paws all around me, and loud growls and whimpers echoed throughout the dark lush surroundings. As I got further from the courtyard, the darker and desolate the forest became. The only light coming from the burning red orb in the sky, the moon. As the whimpers got further, my breathing got more steady. All this running had put a toll on my body, if only I had the ability to transform. But I hadn't been blessed with a wolf. Usually we get our wolves at the ripe age of 14, it's like that of puberty. I had missed mine, another reason for me to be outcasted. Leaping over a log, I staggered forward. A loud ripping noise sounded as I was yanked to my knees. Turning in a panic, my eyes caught sight of what had made the noise.

The skirt of my dress had not very conveniently caught a loose branch from the log. Quickly I reached for the caught fabric, panic flooding my emotions. Tugging, the skirt became more and more loose. Fabric slowly being torn apart. I tensed as the sound of heavy breathing sounded from behind me, and it wasn't mine. Not wanting to look back, I quickened my pace. With one final tug the skirt ripped, revealing my right leg up to my thigh. A small price to pay in contrast to dying. Turning my head I dodged the clawed hand of whatever had been prowling behind me. I scooted quickly away from the disgusting creature that had tried to strike me. It was a heavily thin creature, blood leaking from its wide toothy grin. Its hunger is eminent in its glowing red orbs I would hardly call eyes. Not wasting anymore time I quickly stood, stumbling slightly. Before beginning to run.

It hadn't taken the creature long to chase. I had never seen a vampire before, but from the old stories I was told as a kid they were grotesque. Especially this one. My breaths came out in short pants as I sprinted in full. I didn't have to turn around to know that thing was too close for comfort. Skidding to an abrupt stop at the edge of a small cliff I quickly glanced at the incoming threat. Its fangs were extended to their full extent. Its bald head covered in flesh toned scars. If it wanted me, it would have to fight for it. A low growl bubbled at the base of my throat, as I stood my ground. Without even a seconds delay the creature launched itself at me. Its long sharp claws scraped against the flesh of my arm as it pushed us over the side of the cliff. Twisting down and away from the creature, I tucked in my loose limbs. Dirt and Grit flew as I rolled into a nearby tree. Screeching as I made impact. A searing pain in my right shoulder received a deep groan from me. Reaching for my wound, a warm tingling sensation replaced the pain. Quickly looking I noticed a large cut running deep and down the length of my shoulder. It wept red liquid.

If this were to be my death, at least I would be a waste. Instead of blood to fuel these disgusting beasts. Resting my head on the base of the tree, I gazed at the over seeing moon. Its beauty is unchanging. My breathing was shallow, tears slightly fogging up my vision as I gazed around the surrounding forest. If there were a goddess, at least she was kind enough to give me death.

“I will say, I find you quite impressive” A deep husky voice complemented.

My body tensed weakly as a silhouette came into view. Through my blurred vision the figure walked in a slow saunter. Tall, dark, and dangerous were the only words I'd use to describe it and upon them getting closer they seemed to be a man. Great, another threat. Groaning, I attempted to hoist myself up.

“You have quite the will to live, don't you?” the man teased stalking closer.

He had been right, I had a strong will to live. Which meant I wasn't going to let this cocky bastard have the slightest taste of it. My limbs ached in agony, as the silhouette became more and more clear. Unlike the other monster that had been hunting me before, He was devilishly handsome. Concerningly handsome. His light red curls tousled just before his eyebrows. His eyes illuminated a soft violet, and as he approached they never left my own. His jaw looked as if it could cut diamonds, luckily it had a light layer of stubble protecting possible cuts. My eyes wandered in a panicked haze, down to his tight fitting red blazer which really showed how big his build actually was. A smirk displayed across his face, deepening two dimples on his cheek as he bent forward, now at eye level with me. Sliding down the base of the tree he matched my movements.

Now fully hunched over me he reached down gently placing his hand on my ankle, before tightening his grip. I struggled against his hand, which in turn only made his grasp tighten. He was being awfully gentle for something that was about to kill me. He released a low chuckle that seemed to rumble in his chest. Death needs to hurry, before he slowly charms me to it.

“Your smell makes me want to ravish you right here and now!” he remarked, keeping his tight grip on my ankle. That's when another wave of realization hit me. Death wasn't coming for me, at least not in the way I had thought. I still had a fighting chance to get away. Even though I had lost a lot of blood, due to how much time he stalled my wound had fully healed. Adrenaline once again rushed through my tired body. If he wanted to kill me, he was going to have to chase!

“You’ll have to catch me first!” I growled, twisting out of his grip.

He reacted quickly, quicker than the last that had pursued me. Yet he was still too slow for my quick reflexes. Dodging a swipe at what I assumed was my leg, I stood. Not wasting a moment to run again. The man released a frustrated groan as he quickly gave chase. Huffing, I passed more and more overgrowth until I couldn't hear his heavy footsteps. Smiling victoriously, small giggles began to flow out of me. I had done it. I had officially escaped! That Man, that pack, and most importantly my old life. I would start anew, join another pack maybe. See where the goddess leads me. Too busy basking in what I thought was my new found freedom. I hadn't noticed the obvious, just as quickly as I had become free I had been yanked backwards into a nearby tree. He hadn’t finished his pursuit, he had merely gotten higher ground. Upon impact, my vision blurred. The two things I could remember were the Red Moon, and the man's sly expression as he covered it. Then everything went black. Lost in a numbness.

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