Tale of a Bleeding Wolf

Chapter 2

"Hey! Need a lift?" The voice startled me, sending a chill down my spine as I glanced to my left.

There he was, Mr. Mysterious, in all his splendor. His sleek, black Corvette was a stark contrast to my modest means. I struggled to conceal my surprise, "Umm, no thanks. My place isn't too far away." I paused to respond. He leaned out of his window, gazing skyward, "Are you certain? I don't mind at all. It seems like a storm is on the horizon."

As if on cue, a hefty raindrop splattered against his windshield, and suddenly, the heavens opened. Acting on impulse, I swung open the passenger door and hopped in, my hair dripping wet. A laugh escaped me despite the situation. Just my luck, I thought, as I tried to wipe the moisture from my glasses.

I thought to myself, I need to be quick. "Are you feeling hungry? We could grab a bite," he suggested. I waved off the offer, "No, I'm fine. I'll just eat something at home. Thanks anyway." Dining out was a luxury beyond my means. Only Ed knew the extent of my financial constraints. My budget was stretched thin, just covering my apartment, online classes, and the little groceries I managed to buy. I had considered relocating to somewhere more affordable, but the upfront costs and the hassle of moving deterred me. Besides, this apartment held sentimental value; it was the one my mother had strived to maintain for us. It wasn't particularly lavish, but it was comfortable and situated in a secure area. My stomach betrayed my facade with a growl. "Really sure?" he raised an eyebrow, observing me closely. "Positive," I replied, feeling a warm flush of embarrassment.

"I'm quite famished myself; it's been a rather exhausting day," he said, stealing a glance my way, "and I prefer company while dining. How about joining me for a burger? It's on me, as a token of gratitude for the computer lessons."

"There's no need for dinner; a simple 'thanks' suffices," I protested. The idea of someone else spending money on me was uncomfortable. My mother had felt the same, always getting upset whenever I bought her gifts, even on special occasions like Christmas or her birthday. "I insist. It's really not an issue. I'd like to treat you to dinner. Plus, you can change out of your wet clothes first," he persisted. Seeing his determination, I relented, "Alright, if you insist." He parked outside my building, and I assured him, "I won't be long," before hurrying inside. I quickly changed into a black long-sleeve shirt and snug jeans, grabbed a dry jacket, locked up, and rushed back to his car. "That was quick," he commented with a hint of amusement as I got in.

We arrived at the quaint burger place near my apartment, a spot I frequented with my mom every week. They arguably served the best burgers and fries around. "Is this spot any good?" Jeremiah inquired. "Oh, it's excellent," I assured him. The rain had eased to a gentle drizzle as he parked and stepped out. My pulse raced as I spotted three figures by the diner's entrance. It was Ed, accompanied by two of his buddies. My appetite vanished. I did my best to steer clear of him whenever possible.

Since the breakup, he had been acting weird to me. Calling and texting me all the time, trying to convince me to get back together with him. When I started blocking his calls, he started calling from other numbers. Now I just ignore any number I don't know, but everything seems to be getting worse this past week. I'm seeing him in more places. Like now, here at this diner. He doesn't live on this side of town and never liked to eat here, but here he is. I've noticed him watching from his car when I get on the bus after work.

"Everything okay?" Jeremiah asked as he opened my door for me. Okay, it's just a coincidence, I told myself. I just need to stop overthinking this. "Yeah, everything is fine." I noticed Jeremiah look over at Ed and his friends, "I promise you're safe with me." He gently grabbed my hand, helping me from the car before slamming the door and locking it.

Warm tingles spread through my finger and up my arm at the contact with Jeremiah. Strange...but I like it. Jeremiah rested his hand on my lower back as he led me to the entrance. I kept my head down as we walked past Ed and his friends, praying he wouldn't see me.

"Valerie?" I tensed at the sound of him calling me before slowly turning around. He walked closer to me, eyeing Jeremiah the closer he got, "Who's this?" The disgust in his voice was apparent. Before I could answer, Jeremiah had taken a small step forward, "Who are you?" His voice was deep and threatening. The whole situation had me on edge.

"I'm Ed. Valerie's boyfriend."

"No. My EX-boyfriend," I stated, glaring at Ed. Why couldn't he seem to understand that I didn't want to get back with him? I turned around, pulling Jeremiah with me. I walked straight back to the corner booth, the same one me and my mom would sit at every time we came. I slid into the booth, deciding to ignore the fact Ed had just introduced himself as my boyfriend. Maybe if I don't mention it, Jeremiah won't, either. But something in me told me that's not how this would go.