CLAWS WIDE OPEN

Eight- massive wolf

LUCAS POV

I knew I was making a terrible mistake, but I couldn't stop myself. Seeing her sit on the bed, exactly where she belonged, shattered me. It was as if no time had passed. The three hundred years she'd been gone vanished, and I was transported back to our past.

She looked eerily perfect, unchanged. Her piercing green eyes remained the same, sparkling with a familiarity that pierced my soul. Memories from past lifetimes flooded back – memories of her, of us. Different body, same soul.

Did she know the effect her gaze had on me? Every moment we'd shared, every kiss, every whispered promise, came rushing back. My heart race

As our eyes met, time stood still. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two souls, reunited after centuries.

My heart raced, pounding in my chest like a drum. I felt the familiar flutter in my stomach, the same sensation I'd experienced in past lives.

I wanted to reach out, brush my fingers against hers, feel that familiar electricity course through our touch. Reigniting the flames, let it burn just like it always had.

But she was oblivious to our centuries-long bond, unaware of the memories that haunted me.

Feeling Overwhelmed, I stormed out the room, seeking solace in the wild. My wolf burst out, shredding clothes and constraints. Paws pounding the earth, I ran.

My pack sensed my turmoil, giving me a wide berth. I ran without end, lost in anguish, until the emotions boiled over. I stopped, throwing back my head to release a haunting howl. The sound echoed through the forest, a primal expression of my pain.

I was consumed by pain, driven by a singular purpose to keep her alive, protect her at all costs. But the cursed fate that haunted us for centuries was still there, inevitable as clockwork.

I was still no closer to finding a cure after all these time, I was trapped in this never-ending cycle.

The intoxicating scent of citrus and lavender filled the air, drawing me in.

My wolf's instincts took over, guiding me deeper into the room I'd fled just an hour ago.

My paws moved silently, drawn to the scent – the breathtaking woman asleep in bed. My mate.

My steos just took me right back to where I was running from but wanted desperately to be.

She stirred, her green eyes snapping open in alarm as she took in my towering form. Her gaze locked onto mine, and I saw the horror reflected back at me. My silver eyes, still wolf-like, held hers.

My wolf growled softly, excitement and longing mingling in my chest. I took another step forward, my body betraying my mind's warnings. The moon goddess help me, I couldn't resist her pull.

We climb onto the bed, our eyes locked in a charged gaze.

My mate's fearful eyes pleaded, her pupils dilating.

Her scenet enveloped me - sweet, intoxicating and fragile. I breathed deeper, craving more. As I inhaled, her eyes rolled back.

Her body slacken. She slumps back.

Fainting.

Abigail's POV

I wake up nesteld against the fluffiest, warmest pillows I'd ever felt. Snuggling deeper, I carved more of the softness.

Still half asleep, I realize this had to be the best sleep I have had in ages.

I feel the sunlight streaming in, huge bed soft

The massive bed and plush "pillows" - actually, furs - enveloped me.

I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with the sweet Scent of leather and earthy woods. Half smiling in my groggy state.

I could sleep all day, no work, no worries...

But as my foggy mind cleared, a nagging sense of unease crept in.

Fur?

I crack open one eye, tracing the softness to its source. My gaze traveled up the majestic curve of a neck, to the sharp lines of jaw and finally to those piercing silver orbs. My breathe caught in my throat.

A wolf. Huge.

Its head was inches from mine. The wolf stirred. Our gazes locked.

My breath caught.

Those piercing silver orbs seemed to stare into my soul. The same eyes from last night.

My mind rushed back to the previous night's events. How I'd woken up to see a big as wolf on the bed. I must have passed out or something.

I was sleeping on a wolf a very huge wolf by the judgement of it's head.

I shot out of the bed so quickly ,landing hard on my butt.

The room spun. I tumbled backward, my hand brushing against the nightstand.

A vase swayed, threatening to shatter. I barely registered the pain as a shard pierced my palm.

My focus was on the colossal black wolf. It stirred, towering over me.

The size of a freaking horse.

Eyes locked onto mine.

It was then the events of the past 24 hours flooded my mind. The hunter's menacing grin. The portal, Werewolves.

Lucas.

My mouth opened to scream. But the wolf's calm demeanor made held me.A silent standoff unfolded.

Time seemed to slow. In that moment, I sensed the wolf's emotions. Conflict. Protection. Longing.

It was crazy, but I felt it.

A primal connection.

The wolf sprang into action, tearing a half scream through me

All fours. Bolting through the doors. Leaving me shaken. Breathless.

Alone.

What just happend?

I lay weakly on the floor, too stunned to move, my chest heaving with ragged breaths. Minutes passed before my stunned brain regained control. Suddenly, adrenaline surged, and I scrambled to my feet.

I sprinted to the door, flipping the lock with shaking hands. The metallic click offered false reassurance. Those flimsy barriers wouldn't hold back that wolf if it reallywanted to get in.

Still I wedged the nearby table against the door, just as useless I knew but still i wanted to do something.

Next, I run into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me and sliding the locks into place. My back against the wood, I slid to the floor.

My frantic breathing filled the silence.

Waiting.

Listening.

Praying the wolf wouldn't return.

I gaze down at my bloodied hand, shattered vase fragments embedded in my palm. The sight freeing a dam of emotions within me that I'd been suppressing.

I let the tears pour out, raw and heavy. I weep for everything wrong with my life. For my parents, my moms voice I already miss so much. For Sarah, whose friendship I cherish.

I sob for the fateful night, letting Sarah convince me to venture into that ill-fated date.

"If only..." echoes in my mind. But deep down, I know better. Blame-shifting won't change a thing.

Lucas's words haunt me: "They'd been aware of me for a while... only a matter of time."

Fate had other plans. I cry for the life I thought I knew.

For the security I once took for granted. For the uncertainty now gripping my existence. My body shakes, wracked with sobs.

My hand throbs, a physical manifestation of my emotional pain.As tears stream down, I confront the truth.

My life will never be the same.