Run! The Black Wolf's prey.

Chapter 41 - The thickets

It was 06:30 in the morning and Isabel was still awake. She had been tossing and turning the whole night, not being able to sleep. What was going on? Why was everyone telling her she was in danger? Who was that mad-man Nicholas, and why did John say all those men were after her?

She wasn't that special. She didn't even consider herself that pretty - she was just an ordinary girl-next-door... Yes, she did work out and liked eating somewhat healthy food, but that didn't make her into some supermodel. Still, she couldn't remember ever getting this much attention from men before. Something was odd, but she couldn't really put her finger on it.

And how come had John showed up at Royale, out of the blue? He had left the city, telling her he would not come back. Still, not only did he return, he happened to return to that exact spot where she was. How did he even know she was there? She also remembered him telling her at some point that he didn't even liked going to nightclubs. It didn't make sense!

She had so many questions. And the biggest question of all – why did he walk out on her... Only to show up now again, saying he was sorry, but still not telling her why?

With a frustrated sigh, she jumped out of bed and walked over to the window, gazing out at the approaching dawn. She felt a sudden urge to go out running to clear her mind. She could totally see how crazy that was, she didn’t sleep for the whole night and she was probably still a little bit drunk. Going out running would be the last thing on most people's minds! But her spinning thoughts and the agony in her chest were too much to bear. She couldn’t stay in here, she needed to move.

She quickly changed into a pair of shorts, a singlet, and a hoodie, before before lacing on her running shoes. After some consideration, she went into the kitchen and downed a glass of water. It was the least she could do for her aching and exhausted body that was harassed by her brooding mind.

Moments later, she ran down the stairs and out of the house, taking deep breaths of the cool, fresh outdoor air. Immediately, she started to feel a little better. The street was quiet at this early hour, hardly any cars were on the road. Enjoying the silence of the dormant city at her feet, she started running her usual route. Without further thought, she let her feet find their way as always, heading for Riverside Park.

She had just left the riverbank and passed the Outdoor Gym, when she suddenly felt a burning sensation on her back. She spun around, scanning her surroundings, but there was nobody in sight except for a few other early-morning joggers...

With a shrug of her shoulders, she continued running. As she made her way back home, now longing for crashing into bed, she found herself running through a narrow passage under a bridge. Suddenly, she noticed a shadowy figure in a sharp suit at the end of the passageway, shrouded in darkness.

It was probably just some guy returning home after a long night out, she thought. Who knew, maybe he was even doing what some called 'the walk of shame', and others called it 'the stride of pride'...

Her lips curved into a little smile. At least, she wasn't the only one who had stayed up all night.

However, just as she was about to pass him, the figure suddenly spun around and unexpectedy launched himself at her! Her heart leapt into her throat as he forced her up against the wall with a groan, hos hot breath on her neck.

“What the..? Let go of me!” she screamed, but he silenced her immediately, covering her mouth with his hand. As she looked into his steel blue eyes, she stiffened. Nicholas. The mad-man. She screamed again, as loud as she could.

“Shut up!” he snarled.

“Help!” she tried to kick him, but he only caught her leg, his hand holding a steady grip on her thigh.

“There’s no one here,” he snickered. “No John, No Marcus. Just you and me! At last...” he breathed.

He held her in a firm grip and turned her around, one arm around her chest, immobilizing her arms, and the other hand still covering her mouth.

“Come here, my feisty little feline. Finally... I’ve waited so long for this moment,” he murmured into her ear.

Pulling her backwards, he dragged her away from the pathway and into the thickets nearby. Isabel kicked and screamed, but once again, he was way too strong, she didn’t stand a chance. He didn't stop until they were deep into the thickets, finding themselves in a dense grove.

“You know what?! Nicholas wheezed, panting. "John will leave you, again. And again. And again. You’re nothing to him... Just some ordinary human, and he’s way too concerned about his position, his duties and what others think of him. He doesn’t love you, there’s not a chance he will choose you over them! Me on the other hand,” he swirled her around, and pressed her back against a nearby tree so that she was facing him.

Her heart pounded in her chest as he gazed at her with an intense, almost worshipful look. His eyes roamed over her body, devouring her, the raw hunger in his eyes terrifying her.

“I will never leave you,” he removed his hand from her mouth, gently stroking her cheek, almost with a tender look in his eyes. “You are bound to be mine,” he murmured. “I can feel it in my bones. It’s the will of the Moon Goddess herself..."

Isabel stared at him with frozen dread. He was truly insane...!

How would she manage to get herself out of this situation? Using brute force was impossible, he was way too strong. She had to find another way. Maybe if she played her cards right, she would be able to escape from him.

“Please, let me go,” she said quietly, looking at him with big, innocent eyes. “You’re hurting me.”

“I’m sorry... I forgot how fragile you humans are,” he stuttered, all of a sudden looking guilty and overcome with shame. "But don't you run away, you hear me? I will catch you if you try!" He took a step back, carefully releasing his grip.

“Thank you,” she smiled sweetly at him. "That was very kind of you..."

She figured playing nice was her only way out.

"I'm... I'm sorry. I'm not a monster. You will see, when you get to know me better," he nodded, as if he was trying to convince himself.

"I'm sure you're a good person," Isabel was trembling, but did everything she could to hold up that sweet innocent look on her face.

“You feel it too, don’t you?” he looked at her eagerly. “You can feel our connection?”

She nodded silently, not knowing what to say. Glancing to her sides, through the trees and the bushes, she scanned their surroundings. Was there anyone nearby? Should she scream? Run?

“I knew it,” he exhaled and smiled knowingly. “I knew the very first time I saw you. That’s my woman, I thought! And look at you, my beautiful princess.”

Coming closer, he caressed her cheek, his hand moving down to her collarbone where he stopped and started fondling a lock of her hair. It was sending her the chills down her spine, but definitely not in a good way...

"Really?" she swallowed.

“Yes, really... Ever since I first saw you, I've been longing for this moment. I've planned it so well! We’re gonna go away, you and I… I’ve found a place where we can stay, far away from everyone. Just you and me,” his eyes were gleaming. “There's so much I want to do... with you.” He started trailing her lips with his index finger.

Isabel was freaking out, and she had to remind herself to keep her cool. She could feel the Nicholas' grip loosening, and when he leaned in towards her, inhaling her scent, she saw her opportunity. She knew she had to act fast, before he could make another move.

Summoning all her strength, she kneed him, hard! As her knee connected with his groin, he howled in agony and temporarily released his grip on her. Without hesitation, she wriggled herself loose and bolted away, sprinting the fastest she could. Her heart hammered in her chest as she fled, desperate to put as much distance between them as possible.

“Help!” she screamed, leaping out from the thickets, moving towards the pathway.

There was no one in vicinity, and she heard Nicholas approaching from behind. His steps pounded the ground with an alarming intensity, approaching her way too fast.

“Help!” she screamed again, but her scream was cut short as Nicholas pounced on her, tackling her to the ground and pressed her into the hard earth.