The Lycan’s Forbidden Mate

CHAPTER 003

CHAPTER 003

The axe blade sliced through the fresh afternoon air while its silver gleam flashed before it hit the tree trunk with a powerful c***k sound. The impact force traveled from Sandra's arms through her stiff shoulders before sinking deep into her spinal area. She released a quick breath, which formed a spectral sound as it escaped into the freezing air.

She paused to look up at the pine tree, which towered above her. The tree briefly resisted the weight before it eventually collapsed. The tree released a deep, pained groan, which traveled through the forest before it toppled completely.

The tree crashed to the ground with a thunderous boom that scattered both snow and brittle twigs. The birds that rested in the branches screamed as they launched themselves into the colorless sky to escape the noise of their beating wings. But Sandra didn't hear them.

The exhaustion from her work made her unable to perform the traditional lumberjack shout of "Timber!" The excitement I once felt when cutting down trees faded away years ago. The task had become a regular part of her daily activities.

She released her hold on the axe handle, which dropped to her leg while she walked toward the downed tree. The chains hanging from her waist made soft clinking sounds while they dragged slightly through the deep snow that reached her ankles.

The hours of work left her thighs feeling exhausted. The strain from her work made her arms shake slightly. The cold air failed to dry her forehead sweat, which created small droplets on her hairline.

She whispered "Timber" through her raspy throat due to the dry climate.

She bent down to secure the thick branches with the cold, stiffened fingers while looping the chain tightly around them. The task took longer than she had anticipated due to her stiff hands, but she eventually completed it and began her slow journey back to her truck.

The wind cut through her multiple layers with the intensity of tiny blades. Sandra arrived at the driver's side and then reached into her pocket to retrieve her keys. She inserted the key into the ignition despite her fingers being stiff from the cold.

The truck engine started with a loud roar, but its heat struggled to produce any warmth. She removed her gloves by biting their tips and then frantically rubbed her hands together to restore warmth to her frozen digits.

She used her palms to catch the meager heat from the vent while she kept pressure on the gas pedal. She steered the truck through the narrow path while its wheels made crunching sounds against the snow before reaching home.

The drive was painstaking. The terrain had always posed challenges, yet the combination of snow and ice transformed it into an absolute danger zone. The truck jolted with each turn because of deep ruts from previous trips, and tree roots protruded from beneath the frost.

She could reach home in less than ten minutes during summer months.

Now? Forty minutes, at best.

The familiar shape of the object became visible to her as she approached the clearing.

A shiny black automobile rested next to her cabin.

Sandra gripped the steering wheel with increased force.

She recognized the owner without any doubt. Her neck flushed with heat, and her heart raced while she knew the answer without words.

Mathias.

She reduced her speed while glancing toward the cabin.

There he was.

Mathias moved around the cabin while carrying a pile of wooden planks in his arms. The sawdust from his work clung to his uniform, which remained neat but dusted. Felix moved around Mathias' boots while the small bell on his collar made a tinkling sound with every movement.

He turned his head when he heard the approaching truck engine.

Sandra could see the mischievous smile on his face even though he stood several yards away.

She paused briefly to wave at him but first noticed her disheveled appearance in the mirror.

A mess.

She appeared disheveled due to the dirt on her face and her wild hair escaping her hat. She wiped at the dirt mark on her cheek while cursing quietly, then took a deep breath before picking up her backpack to leave.

She pushed through the cold without hesitation as she kept moving her legs.

Mathias placed the planks onto the snow surface before he used his hands to remove dust from his gloves. He announced his position to her from behind and to the sides of her path.

Sandra paused to check his work. Boards were already in place in the windows, securely fastened to their frames..

She looked at him with a tilted head as she spoke those words.

Mathias scoffed. "You need help from someone because no one else will step forward." He crossed his arms while studying her with intense eyes. You would not need to endure this monthly cycle if you resided closer to the town.

Sandra ignored his comment by taking a hammer and a plank from the pile. She responded by putting the panel into position while she explained her preference for quietness. “And it’s cheap.”

I will start billing you for my work.

Sandra froze before giving him a harsh look. “You wouldn’t.”

Mathias smirked. “Try me.”

She raised the hammer a few inches while aiming it at his body. The moment you ask for payment, I will not be responsible if I unintentionally strike your fingers with my hammer.

Mathias lifted a brow. “Like last time?”

Sandra’s face burned. “That was an accident!”

His deep chest rumble of laughter became even more infuriating because of its amused tone.

He observed with a smile as he moved to support another plank while saying, "You've always preferred your independence."

She let out a small snort. “Is that a bad thing?”

“No.” His tone became gentler during this exchange.

A brief period of quiet developed between their conversation.

The wooden planks received the steady rhythmic blows of the hammer as the only audible noise in the area.

Mathias moved his eyes toward her while he stood there. “You’re always out here alone. It’s like you’re hiding.”

Sandra held the hammer with a firmer grip.

Mathias flashed a grin before she could respond. “Relax, I was joking.”

Sandra forced a small laugh.

The sun set while Mathias finished securing the final boards, which created a golden reflection on the surrounding snow.

Mathias finished his task by wiping his hands clean. “Not bad.”

Sandra nodded. “Thanks.”

His eyes moved briefly from her direction to focus on the darkening clouds that filled the horizon. “Storm’s rolling in.”

She followed his gaze. The sky transformed into a darkened state as thick clouds moved across the tree line. The storm seems to have already started moving in.

Mathias exhaled through his nose. “Stay inside. Keep all doors shut no matter what happens.

Sandra gave a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”

He briefly showed amusement before looking away. “I mean it.”

She pressed her teeth into her cheek before giving him a single nod. “I know.”

Mathias hesitated. “Do you have enough food?”

Sandra smirked. “It’s one night, Mathias.”

He didn’t look convinced.

She started to comfort him, but he dismissed her with a head shake before walking to his car.

He said he would accept a dinner invitation at a later time. “Maybe later this week.”

Sandra gave a nod, but a strange feeling grew inside her as he drove away.

Mathias paused by the car door before turning to face her. “Stay inside, Ley.” His voice was firm. “No exceptions.”

She kept her hands hidden behind her back. “I got it.”

A strange sensation took hold in her chest when she saw his car drive away through the snowy road.

The cat Felix gently touched her legs with his body while making soft meowing sounds.

Sandra swallowed.

The storm was coming.

A feeling warned her that this storm would prove more dangerous than the previous one.

Mathias's car faded into the darkness of the forest road as its red taillights faded into the growing darkness. The air turned frigid as a cold sensation penetrated deep into her bones while warning of a harsh upcoming night.

A gentle touch on her ankle broke her concentration. Felix moved between her legs as she looked down while his golden fur glowed under the fading daylight. The vibration of his purring traveled through her boots to her feet as he always did to provide comfort.

Sandra expressed her frustration by saying, "You're always demanding," while shaking her head.

Felix ignored her tone completely as he produced a lengthy meow and then started scratching her leg with his paws.

“Alright, alright. You win.” She carried him to the cabin while his body heat embraced her chest.

Freezing raindrops started to fall while the wind created a howling sound through the tree branches. Sandra looked up to see heavy clouds moving in while a shadowy mass approached from the distance. The Northern Gale was coming.

She removed her Nordic boots inside the cabin before letting out a deep breath while rolling her shoulders. Her body weight felt like heavy lead as she succumbed to the day's fatigue.

She walked to the fireplace, where she added some logs before lighting the match. The fire started to burn while shadows stretched across the room. The warmth from the fire expanded gradually to push away the advancing chill.

Felix jumped onto the couch and formed a small ball while his tail moved rapidly.

Sandra mindlessly ran her fingers through his fur before walking into the kitchen. She opened the pantry to retrieve a stew can, which made a dull sound when she popped it. The stove's heat released a deep aroma that blended with the faint pine smell that drifted inside from outside.

Her stomach rumbled in response. She didn't notice how much hunger had taken hold of her body.

She applied butter to a piece of rye bread, which melted into the warm bread as she spread it. She settled for a basic dinner because she lacked the energy to prepare anything complicated.

She ate the thick stew, staring at the boarded-up windows..

The Hunter's Moon shone brightly in the night sky.

Wolf's Bane circled the perimeter of the completely sealed house, but her chest continued to ache.

It’s just one night.

I spent one night staying put. There was no need to venture outdoors. No unnecessary risks.

The comforting thought failed to bring her any peace.

She took a crossword puzzle from the shelf once she finished eating. She had learned to occupy her mind with puzzles whenever she experienced these types of nights.

The first clue lost her attention when she looked at it.

The weather outside continued to deteriorate. The rain transformed into sleet, which pounded the roof with forceful and unrelenting blows. The wind's powerful gusts made the cabin walls tremble as it blew through the surrounding trees.

She checked the time on the mantel clock.

8:30 PM.

Already?

She rose from her seat to wash the dishes at the sink. The cabin remained silent except for the distant storm noises.

Too quiet.

She filled Felix's bowl with a large amount of food before gently shaking the contents.

“Dinner time,” she called.

No response.

She repeated the shaking motion of the bowl, which produced a dry kibble sound.

Still nothing.

Sandra frowned. Felix never ignored food.

“Felix?” She entered the living room to find the distinctive golden tail of her pet.

Nothing.

Her heartbeat raced while she took her flashlight to examine the room with its beam.

No, Felix.

A tight knot formed in her stomach.

She bent down to look beneath the couch. Empty.

Her bedroom?

Sandra rushed to the doorway while turning her flashlight back on. The flashlight beam penetrated the darkness to reveal every hidden spot.

No sign of him.

She inspected every possible hiding spot, including the bed frame and dresser and the interior of the closet. Her hands shook while she brushed her wet hair.

This wasn’t right.

Felix never went far.

Sandra's breathing became uneven when she faced the door with its wooden boards.

No.

She made herself follow a logical train of thought.

Maybe he was hiding somewhere. The storm seemed to have frightened him away.

She understood the truth even though she tried to deny it.

The boards were still intact. The doors were locked.

The fact that Felix escaped before she finished sealing everything became evident.

Before the moon had risen.

Sandra's legs weakened while she returned to the living room, where she held onto the couch for stability.

No. No, no, no—

She pressed her eyes shut while trying to maintain composure.

He’s just a cat.

But that logic didn’t ease the pounding in her chest.

She understood the danger that waited outside these walls.

Not on this night.

She quickly turned her eyes toward the entrance.

She could remain inside the house while waiting for Felix to return during morning hours.

Or she could go after him.

Sandra's hands shook while she put on her hunting jacket. She instantly recognized the feeling when she put it on.

She refused to stay put and simply wait for anything to happen.

She used her hammer to remove the wooden boards one by one. The storm's rage overwhelmed the sound of nails hitting the floor as each one fell one by one.

Her heart pounded.

This is stupid.

She unlocked the door.

You’re going to regret this.

She took her last breath before turning the knob and walking out of the house.

The wind struck her body with the force of a large vehicle while the rain slashed against her flesh.

But she didn’t stop.

She couldn’t.

“Felix?”

The storm's howling wind consumed her words, so she became invisible to the world.

Another step forward brought her boots deeper into the slushy ground.

Then she heard it.

The noise chilled her blood to the core.

A low, guttural growl.

Not the storm.

Not the wind.

Something else.

Someone is watching..

She turned toward the forest edge with her flashlight trembling while her breathing stopped momentarily.

Something was there.

Waiting.

Watching.

She tightened her grip on her rifle's handle.

Did she just commit the worst error of her entire existence?