How to seduce a werewolf

Chapter 2 – The First Glimpse

(Belle’s heart pounded like it was trying to punch its way out of her chest.)

Belle (to herself, whispering) “Okay… not creepy at all. Totally normal to have glowing eyes watching you in the woods.”

The amber gaze didn’t waver. It was fixed on her like she was something rare.

She swallowed hard.
 Belle: “Look, whoever you are… standing in the dark being all broody and mysterious isn’t a personality. It’s a choice. And it’s”

A shape shifted in the shadows. Tall. Broad-shouldered. The kind of presence that made the trees look smaller.

Belle’s breath caught. “Oh…”

The figure took one step back, and the light caught him just barely. A jawline sharp enough to cut glass, messy black hair that caught the moonlight, and the faint glint of those impossible eyes.

Belle: “You’re real.”

No answer.

Belle: “You’re also rude.”

He turned, silent as mist, and walked deeper into the woods.

Belle: “Hey! Wait”

Without thinking, she followed. Branches clawed at her hoodie. Damp earth softened her steps, but his stride was longer, his pace deliberate like he knew the forest was his.

Belle: “Look, I’m not… I don’t know… some lost hiker. I’m Belle. New in town. And you are”

The man didn’t stop. Didn’t even glance back.

Belle cursed under her breath. “Really? Ignoring me? That’s your game?”

Another step, another branch snapping underfoot. He was faster now, weaving between trees like he’d walked this path a thousand times.

Belle (calling out) “I could’ve just stayed in my warm bed, but nooo, I’m out here chasing after”

Her foot caught on a root, and she stumbled forward, catching herself on a trunk. When she looked up, he was gone.

Belle spun in a slow circle, her breath puffing in the cold air. “Seriously? That’s it? You pull the vanishing act?”

The woods answered with silence. And then

A twig cracked to her left.

She turned sharply to nothing.

Belle took a step back toward town, muttering. Belle: “Okay. That’s my cue to”

Another sound. Closer this time. Low. Heavy.

Belle froze. “Nope. Nooope.”

From somewhere ahead, between two thick oaks, he appeared again. Only this time, he wasn’t walking away. He was standing still, half-hidden in shadow, chest rising and falling with slow, steady breaths.

Belle (quietly) “What are you?”

His head tilted slightly, like he’d heard her like he could hear the tremor in her voice.

She took one step forward. The distance between them felt like a tightrope.

Belle: “You don’t talk much, huh? That’s fine. I can carry the conversation. So… do you live out here, or do you just… look for fun?”

Still nothing.

Belle: “Right. Strong silent type. Mystery level: eleven out of ten.”

For a moment, she swore his lips moved the barest twitch of amusement but then his gaze sharpened.

Belle felt a shift in the air, sudden like the forest itself was holding its breath.

A growl.

Belle’s skin prickled. But it wasn’t the guttural snarl of a wild animal; there was something human threaded through it.

A warning.

She should have been afraid. She should have run.

Instead, she whispered:
 Belle: “That… wasn’t normal.”

The growl deepened, vibrating in the air between them.

Belle took a step back. “Okay. Got it. You’re scary. Message received.”

But the man didn’t move toward her. Didn’t move at all. He just stood there, gaze burning into her, until a shiver slipped down her spine and settled somewhere deeper.

Belle: “I don’t know what your deal is, but… I’ll find out.”

And then in the space between one heartbeat and the next he was gone.

The woods fell silent again, except for the echo of that almost-human growl lingering in her ears.

To be continued.