Page 13 of Veradel

He has similar features to a… a dog, but everything is so much bigger, deadlier, more monstrous. Not something that would fit within the confines of a house, that’s for sure.

But not a Monster, I decide. I just have no other word for him.

A werewolf,he says into my mind, the electricity connecting our brains snapping into place as soon as his shift is complete.

A werewolf.

I repeat the word in my head again. It’s fitting.

Keeping myself rooted to the spot as I suck in lungfuls of air, my head snaps back to take in the sheer size of him now. His lupine face stares back at me, amber eyes glowing in the dark, assessing, waiting for me to make a judgment. Letting me process.

This.

This is the dark shadow of my nightmares, finally stepping into the light of the moon. This is what the Guardians always said they were protecting us from. This is the beast they said was starved for meat and bone.Beware its eyes. Resist its howl.

But I’m looking him dead in the eyes.

And I can’t resist him any longer.

As much as this form of his should terrify me, it doesn't. So finally, I take a single step toward him and place a palm in the center of his chest.

The werewolf—Lucan—visibly relaxes at my touch.

You’re not scared?he asks me mentally, while a low growl rumbles from his real throat.

“Of course not,” I reply out loud, even though my chest feels like it’s hammering once again. But not from fear. No, something about having this massive, monstrous creature before me fills my body with a delicious rush of adrenaline.

Lucan’s maw twists into a smile, sensing what I want. What I need.

Then run, little nightmare.

Her heartbeat creates an intoxicating mix of devious frisson, but she doesn’t hesitate.

She bursts into a run, heading for the trees, and I have to physically restrain myself from immediately lunging after her and pinning her down.

But no, not in the light of the other houses where everyone is probably peeking through their curtains. I told Saskia I don’t share, and I mean it.

Ten… nine… eight…I count out, and she picks up her pace with a shriek. The pads of her feet make little thuds against the packed earth, faster than I could have anticipated.

Only a ten-second head start? Not fair,she argues through heavy inhales and exhales.

Pausing, I let her buy a few extra seconds. She takes one last look at me over her shoulder, her gorgeous red hair blowing in the wind like she belongs here, before she disappears into the tree line.

I know these woods like the back of my hand. There’s nowhere she can hide that I won’t find her. Between my sense of hearing and my sense of smell, she’ll be able to evade me for a few minutes tops.

But the chase is half the fun.

And judging by the electricity in her veins, she thinks it’s more than half.

Seven… six… five…

Lucan!she shouts indignantly, but I can sense the laugher, the exhilaration, in her head, too. Her thoughts bounce from large bushes to hollow logs to climbing trees, trying to decide the best course of action.

That’s cute that you think you can hide.

No cheating, she protests.You can’t read my mind.

I don’t need to… four.Both of our heartbeats tick up together at the increased anticipation. I dig my claws into the earth, aching to get my hands on her. I should have had Vivian bring two of every piece of clothing for when I inevitably rip this dress off as well.What do I win when I catch you?