Chapter 2: Deep Into The Woods
There was just one thing I needed before I left and I knew where to get it. The training arena was situated on the west side of the village. The Hoods' settlement consisted of rustic wooden cabins, surrounded by tall trees that loomed protectively over us. A sense of security hung in the air, despite the constant threat of danger lurking nearby.
I sneaked into the facilities without alerting the drowsy old man that guarded the entrance. The training arena was where the Hoods honed their skills – we were a group of werewolf hunters and our ranks ranged from apprentices like myself to elite warriors. As an apprentice, I wasn't allowed to take equipment without consent, but I that didn't stop me.
As I entered the armory, I quickly grabbed a crossbow and some silver arrows – a werewolf's worst enemy. My fingers brushed the smooth wood of the crossbow, and I prayed I wouldn't have to use it. But if I did, I would be ready.
"Red?" The deep voice echoed through the room, causing me to freeze in place. I knew that voice all too well. Gabriel Woodsman, the Hoods' Marshal, strode towards me, his broad shoulders and muscular arms making him appear invincible.
"Hey, Gabriel," I said, trying to sound casual as my cheeks grew warm. It was hard not to admire his chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes, which always seemed to see right through me. His influence and power within the Hoods made him even harder to ignore, but there was one thing that stood between us – his marriage proposal two days ago.
"About the other day," he started, his gaze intense, "have you given any thought to my proposal?"
"Gabriel, now is not the best time." My voice wavered as I avoided eye contact. "I'm actually on my way to visit my grandmother."
"Really?" He stepped closer, raising an eyebrow. "Is everything okay?"
"Uh, yeah, she just needs me for something." I fumbled with the crossbow in my hands, suddenly very aware of the proximity between us.
"Alright," he relented, but his eyes held a glint of mischief. "I'll let slide the fact that you're taking out weapons without permission."
His eyes scanned my face, sparkling with the kind of playfulness that made me smile. Before I knew it, he had leaned in closer – so close that I could smell the musk of his cologne. His broad chest was covered with a smattering of dark hair, which trailed down below the neckline of his shirt. His pecs were well-defined beneath it and they seemed to ripple threateningly as he moved closer once again.
"Before you go... I want to remind you of what you'd be missing out on if you say no."
His hand cupped my cheek, and I couldn't help but lean into his touch as my heart raced. My breath hitched when his lips brushed against mine, igniting a fire within me that I tried to repress. As much as I longed to give in, I knew I couldn't.
"Gabriel," I whispered, pulling away from him. "I'm in a hurry. We can talk more when I get back, okay?"
"Fine," he huffed, his eyes smoldering with unspoken desire. "Just promise me you'll stay safe out there, Red."
"I promise," I replied, finally meeting his gaze. With one last steely look, I turned and left the training arena, my heart still pounding and my mind racing with thoughts of what awaited me ahead.
***
The moment I stepped into the Black Forest, a cold shiver ran down my spine. The air was thick with anticipation and the silence was eerie. Biting my lip, I glanced back at the Hoods' settlement one last time before venturing deeper into the woods. The Hoods had moved here to give chase to a dangerous werewolf clan, the Ironfangs, but it wasn't just them we had to worry about. This forest was teeming with danger and rogue werewolves were not uncommon.
My pulse quickened as I recalled Grandma's instructions – cross the small river and make my way towards the Birdstone. The dense trees loomed over me, their branches reaching out like twisted arms eager to ensnare me. The cloudy sky above seemed to threaten rain, casting an ominous gloominess over everything. My breath came out in small puffs, visible in the cold air.
"Keep moving," I muttered to myself, pushing forward through the undergrowth.
Despite the awful weather, I found the hike through the woods exhilarating and I was happy to finally be outdoors, away from everything at home. As I crossed the small river, its icy water nipping at my ankles, I couldn't help but think about Gabriel. His touch still lingered on my skin, igniting a fire deep within me. And yet, my mind raced with thoughts of what awaited me at my grandmother's hideout. As I climbed onto the bank, my feet sank into the mud with each step. I trudged onward, careful not to stumble or lose my footing on the slippery terrain. I heard a faint rustling of leaves and glanced up.
Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck prickled, and I froze. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest when I spotted him – the silver werewolf. A large, muscular creature with glowing yellow eyes and razor-sharp claws. He was crouched low to the ground, watching an animal that hadn't noticed his presence. Fear gripped me; this was the most dangerous type of werewolf known to men.
They were a different breed of werewolf, much larger and stronger than the rest of them, and with a reputation that proceeded them. Even other werewolves feared the silver ones; they had an air about them that made others keep their distance. Now that I saw one in person, I understood why.
"Shit," I whispered, my hands trembling as I clutched my crossbow. I knew I had to remain calm if I wanted to survive this encounter. But how could I, when faced with such a beautiful and deadly creature? His silver fur seemed to shimmer in the dim light, and his powerful frame was a sight to behold.
"Focus, Red," I scolded myself internally. "You're a Hood. You can do this." My breath quickened as I weighed my options. The werewolf hadn't noticed me yet, so maybe I could sneak away. But what if he caught my scent? Would he track me down? Or perhaps I should face him head-on and hope that my skills were enough to best him.
As I stood there, paralyzed by indecision and fear, I couldn't help but wonder what my Dad would say if he saw me now. Would he scoff at my hesitation or encourage me to face the beast before me?
"Damn it, Red," I muttered under my breath, my resolve hardening. "You can't avoid danger forever."
I steeled myself for what was to come. I knew I had to face the silver werewolf, even if it meant putting myself in harm's way. After all, nothing worthwhile ever came without risk.
"Sorry, Mom," I whispered, my fingers tightening around my crossbow as I prepared to confront the fearsome creature before me.
With my heart hammering in my chest, I tried to calm my breathing. The silver werewolf was still unaware of my presence, his attention focused on a small animal trembling nearby. I knew I had to act quickly and decisively if I wanted to survive this encounter.
I inched closer to the nearest tree, careful not to make any sound. I gripped my crossbow tightly, feeling the cold metal against my palm, trying to steady my nerves. "Just one perfect shot," I thought as I hid behind the tree's thick trunk, "and you can end this."
I peered around the bark, my eyes locked onto the muscular creature. His silver fur was matted with dried blood, evidence of a successful hunt. His glowing eyes were fixated on his prey, and I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine at the sight of those razor-sharp claws. This werewolf was truly a force to be reckoned with, and I knew I had to be smart if I wanted to outwit him.
"Steady, Red... Wait for the right moment," I thought to myself, my fingers itching to pull the trigger. I held my breath, slowly moving around the tree trunk to get a better angle. My mind raced with thoughts of what could happen if I failed – would he tear me apart? Would he find the Hoods' settlement and attack them?
"Focus, dammit!" I admonished myself as I edged ever so slightly closer, my crossbow aimed directly at the werewolf's heart.
Without warning, my foot caught on a hidden branch, snapping it in two. The sharp crack echoed through the eerily quiet forest, and my heart dropped. I watched in horror as the werewolf's head snapped toward me, his glowing eyes narrowing in on my location.
"Shit!" I hissed, realizing that any chance of a surprise attack was now gone. The werewolf snarled, baring his terrifyingly sharp teeth, and lunged at me with an unnatural speed. I barely had time to react before he was upon me, clawing at my crossbow and knocking it from my grasp.
"Come on, Red! Fight!" My mind screamed as I quickly grabbed the knife hidden in my boot and parried his attacks, my body moving on instinct. I dodged his vicious swipes, desperately trying to regain control of the situation. But the werewolf was relentless, his powerful form a blur of silver as he pressed his advantage.
"Fuck!" I cried out in frustration as I felt my strength waning, my arms growing heavier by the second. I knew I was losing this fight, but I couldn't give up – not when my life and the safety of my people were at stake.
With a horrifying growl, the werewolf charged at me one final time, knocking me over and disarming me completely.
"Is this really how it ends?" I thought bitterly as I felt the crushing weight of the werewolf on top of me, his powerful limbs pinning me to the cold, damp forest floor. My heart raced wildly in my chest, and I gasped for breath, feeling the air leave my lungs in a desperate rush.
"Please don't kill me," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound of my own pounding heartbeat. The werewolf growled low in his throat, and I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer power and beauty of the creature that had bested me.
His honey-colored eyes seemed to gaze deep into my very soul, and I found myself captivated by their intensity. The silver fur that covered his muscular frame glinted in the dappled sunlight, and I shivered involuntarily beneath him. Despite my fear, I couldn't deny the raw, almost primal fascination I felt for this dangerous predator.
The werewolf suddenly inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring as he took in my scent. I felt his nose, cold and wet, over my skin. His growl deepened to a throaty rumbling, and I noticed that his lips had curled back into a menacing snarl, revealing his sharp teeth. Despite the fear that coursed through my veins, I couldn't help but feel captivated by the sight of those razor-sharp canines glinting in the sun - would they be the last thing I ever saw?
I closed my eyes and braced myself for the inevitable bite to my jugular that would end my life.
Thank you for reading! 🤗 I hope you enjoyed the chapter. The following episode comes next week, but if you really can’t wait, the book is available now!
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