“Get the hell outta here, before I beat you,” he spat, the fist connecting with my face sending me tumbling to the cold tile.
I hesitated, tears stinging my eyes, but the rising sound of his enraged breathing froze me. I scrambled to my feet, avoiding his gaze – a single glare would send me crashing down again.
Standing, I braced for escape, but he seized my hair, throwing me out the door. My own legs would carry me; I didn’t need his help.
“And stay out!” he roared, slamming the door shut. The click of the lock echoed, sealing my fate until he sobered.
I walked, legs leading me toward the forest known throughout town. Trees soared like skyscrapers, shrouded in an unnatural fog—a magician’s veil.
“Do not enter that forest, or you will suffer,” the mayor’s words echoed, reinforced in school, plastered on signs. Dangerous.
But I didn’t care. I kicked a stone inside, hands shoved deep in my pockets, walking into the gloom. Leaves crunched underfoot. A cold wave washed over me, urging retreat, but I pressed on. Anything was better than that damn father.
Walking, I didn't know where I was going, but the town’s light vanished behind me. I swallowed, throat dry. I hadn’t eaten a proper meal in days.
Then, a glint of water—a large, sparkling lake. I ran, crouching to cup the water in my hands. It flooded my mouth, reviving me. Probably foolish to drink forest water, but I needed it. The current sped, the water clear enough to seem safe.
I drank, gulping like my father downed beer. Water spilled down my chin, and I reached to wipe it, but my hand froze.
*GRRRRRR!*
My head snapped left. A wolf-like creature, massive, stood less than ten feet away. I backed slowly, trying not to spook it. I remembered reading somewhere to play dead. I lowered myself, but a rock snagged my foot, sending me tumbling into the lake. Arms flailed, grasping for nothing.
The water surged over my head, too fast. This wasn’t what I meant by playing dead. I kicked, trying to surface, but the current held me down. Light dimmed, bubbles rose, and darkness swallowed me.
******
My eyes struggled to adjust to the brightness. Heaven? I’d expected hell. I squeezed my lids shut, then opened them. Directly into the sun. I flinched. Was this heaven’s sun?
A burning sensation tore through my lungs. I coughed, sputtering water, and sat up.
It all flooded back: drowning, certain death, and now…resurfaced. I sat, confused. Everything was processing. A cough, and I felt fine, save for the lingering pain.
I turned, searching for my savior. Nothing but the wolf. It was the same beast that nearly drowned me.
I crawled backward, fearing any sound would attract its attention. I made eye contact, and the wolf lowered its head. It walked closer, heart hammering. I’d escaped death once, no second chances.
“Um, I come in no harm?” I cringed. A wolf wouldn’t understand. Yet, I continued, “Please don't eat me, I taste gross.”
I knelt, begging for mercy, and closed my eyes, awaiting death. Nothing. I peeked through lashes. The wolf was drenched. A realization struck. “Did you save me?”
Impossible. Yet, the wolf stood before me.
Then, something unbelievable. The wolf cracked its bones, rising on two legs. A man—a god sculpted in muscle—stood before me. His abs glowed in the sunlight. Mesmerizing.
I didn’t notice I was staring until he glared, voice deep and menacing, “What is a mortal like you doing here?”
A/N The reveal. My babies. Please vote!