Chapter 26: Basic Instinct

The sounds of car horns brought Blake out of slumber as he rolled around the fresh fallen leaves in the woods not far from the freeway. A gentle morning breeze swayed over his sweat drenched face as tiny streams of sunlight poured through his half opened eyes. It took a moment for him to realize he’d awakened in the woods, his body soaked in blood and pieces of his clothing strewn everywhere. A sharp pain throbbed at his lower back and he hissed at the sensations as he sat up, tossing loose twigs away from his side.

Slowly his eyes adjusted to the light, fluttering briefly as a cacophony of sounds and images flooded his mind. A pounding headache and the metallic taste of blood on his lips were reminders of what had gone down just a few hours ago under the full moon. “No,” he whispered and gripped his head as visions of ripped flesh and blood pouring everywhere flashed behind his eyelids and the unlucky animals it belonged to.

Scattered carcasses lay around him some recognizable and others resembling only a bloody slab of what they used to be. Briefly he recalled the moments leading up to the change and the overwhelmingly insatiable hunger that had set fire within the pit of his stomach fueling his killing rage. The scent of their blood, so strong, so alluring called to the animal within and he had no choice but to allow the savage beast to lay waste to its prey. But now with the resulting carnage at his feet, a heavy cloud of guilt washed over his heart.

This is not how he wanted things to be; a moon fueled frenzy, the exhilaration of a hunt and the satisfaction of the kill were traits of a monster he had long hoped to control. The recollection of things he did to those poor animals; the look in their eyes as they took their last breath caused Blake’s stomach to lurch releasing everything inside of it. He retched and vomited until the only thing left was the lingering taste of bile from the lining of his gut.

Natalie, Blake thought as the image of her face became the next to flash through his thoughts. She was back at his place waiting for the night to end and for him to walk through that door telling her nothing of interest happened. He’d assured her that he had his wolf side under control but the dried blood beneath his fingernails told a much different story. Looking down at himself, he saw the remnants of last night’s meal staining his torn clothes. He couldn’t let her see him like this.

It was still uncertain where she stood on his other half. She had avoided talks about it since returning to his place and he vowed to keep the two separate as best he could. Getting to his feet, he cleared the area of any signs that would point back to him and started out of the woods. He had to get cleaned up and he hoped the beauty sleeping in his bed would not arouse before he made it home.

It has been three days since I first saw her in the park. I’m doing my best to control the animal inside of me. Yet everything points to Natalie so frustratingly so that I fear I can no longer distinguish fantasy from reality. But the truth of the matter is this: we’re not together nor will we ever be. Natalie is the succulent peach that teases me as is the woe of Tantalus in the waters of Lake Tartarus; forbidden fruit forever outside of reach.

Natalie sat beneath the large window in Blake’s bedroom reading through journals she’d located near his bedside table. There were several leather bound diaries, all numbered but out of order, that kept a log of his life since turning over four years ago. Books one, two and three of the ones she read were his early years and dealt with how he struggled with learning to control this new ability and the fears he had of being around people.

In book four he spoke about hiding and going underground. His words as he described his own funeral were poignant and moving and she felt compassion for him as he talked about the sorrow on his mother’s face. How heartbreaking it was watching her mourn the loss of her only child as he lurked in the shadows nearby. Books five, six and seven were missing and she realized those must be the ones in Dante’s possession.

From what she heard in those Blake had all but given up on everything until the first time he saw her. It must have been seven where he had his first encounter because in eight, the one she was currently reading, they had still not spoken.

It is not her beauty that frightens me but the thought of marring her that keeps my feet frozen in place for surely danger lurks just beneath my skin. Enchanting by day her face invades my dreams at night and keeps me on the verge of a full on dance of joy. So radiant and delightful I am enthralled by her charming personality. They say that God doesn’t play favorites but I’m certain the person who spoke those words had never met someone who could completely captivate everyone around her and fully arouse their every sense. Natalie is the essence of life and I am but a slave to the air she nourishes; drowning to take a breath.

Blake had a way with words and Natalie felt a bit guilty for invading the privacy of his diaries to read them. Still there were lingering questions she didn’t feel comfortable with asking him. Many of which his journals seemed to answer. Natalie tucked her lower lip between her teeth and gazed out of the window. The sun had come up hours ago and still there was no sign of Blake. She worried that something happened to him and then laughed off the idea as silly. What could happen to a seven foot werewolf in the middle of a full moon? Then she had a thought, Dante; and suddenly the fear had returned.

Natalie heard the front door drawing open in the middle of her thoughts and quickly got to her feet. Collecting the journals from near her, she hurriedly placed them back beneath Blake’s nightstand and started out of the room. “Blake?” she called as she entered the hallway and heard the bathroom door slam shut beside her. The shower turned on as she stepped towards the door, giving the handle a jiggle to open but she found it locked. “Blake? Are you ok?”

“I’ll be out in a second,” he responded as he washed away evidence of the slaughter. She leaned against the door listening to him and smiled as the shower turned off and he stepped out into the hallway. “Hey,” Blake grinned and tucked the towel deeper around his waist.

“Hey yourself. Got back kind of late huh?”

“I went kind of far and running it on foot does take a little bit. What, were you worried about me?”

Natalie shrugged and Blake laughed a little as he started for his bedroom to find something to put on. “Did everything go ok?” she asked stepping into the room behind him.

“Uh it was as could be expected I guess.”

“So you didn’t change?” Blake stopped in his tracks as he pulled a shirt from his dresser drawer and looked towards her. Earlier conversations ran through his mind and he scanned them to find where he told her he wouldn’t change. Ah, his mental light bulb turned on.

“Well, last night I tested a few theories instead,” he lied trying to avoid telling her his wolf was beyond control and he made an entire forest his all you can eat buffet. “How was your evening? Find something to occupy you?” he asked, skillfully turning the focus.

“Um…a little,” Natalie answered shyly and looked away from his piercing gaze as his deliciously gorgeous eyes begged the question ‘what?’ “So you’ll probably be leaving again really soon?” Natalie stated the question less inquiring and more to avoid answering Blake’s.

“Yeah I just came back for a change of clothes.”

“Are you hungry or something? I could find something in the kitchen for you.”

“No Natalie,” Blake nearly laughed at the innocence behind the question as he shook her off. If she only knew. “Thank you all the same. It’s nice to see you’re settling so comfortably though.”

“Yeah.” Natalie rubbed her arms at an imagined chill and her eyes darted to the floor. “There was actually something I wanted to talk to you about…when you have a moment.”

“Sure, of course.” He motioned towards the stairs and Natalie started down first, taking a seat on the couch with her back to the door and Blake dropped to the opposite seat beside her. “What’s on your mind Natalie?”

“Um…” she looked at her hands a moment as she tried to figure out how to start. Her major concern was the images Blake had taken of her and what Dante mentioned was during a period he basically stalked her. “It’s about the pictures.” Blake inhaled visibly and nodded his head solemnly. He knew eventually they would make their way back to the subject and he had a lot of questions to answer he was sure of it. “How long were you watching me?”

“Almost every day since the start of the semester. You were rehearsing for Swan Lake and I could hear the music in the tunnels and I came to watch. I know it sounds crazy and I cannot tell you how sorry I am for spying on you. But from the moment I stepped into the stands it felt like you were performing for me.”

“Why me?”

“Honestly Natalie I don’t know. I’d been living underground at the college ever since I first went into hiding. I’ve seen dozens of women come and go and even in my days as a human I had my fair share of relationships. But none of them ever really fascinated me as much as you do. At first I thought it was because of my overwhelming loneliness of lurking in the shadows. But then I realized you and I had something in common. No matter how many people we were surrounded with, none of them ever really knew who we were or the depths to which we hid. It was your overwhelming loneliness that called to me.” Blake stood and Natalie did the same.

“I need to go Natalie,” Blake spoke quietly as he watched her nervously shuffle her weight from one foot to the other. “But I’d really like to pick up where we left off when I get back if that’s ok with you. It’s just that…” he motioned towards the clock and the time that read twenty minutes until seven. He had already given up an hour he could have used getting as far away from her scent as possible explaining his motives. But now he was pressed for time and the urgency of the situation was growing more volatile by the second.

“Right, the moon’s coming.” Natalie stepped away from him as he started for the door. The wolf was another subject she needed to discuss. Still unsure if she was really ok or whether it was the shock and disbelief that kept her from running in the other direction. It wasn’t something you saw everyday she thought as she watched quietly as he bowed his head in sorrow.

It was like a death march to doom, an activity that he dreaded and it was only interrupted by the visitor standing on Blake’s doorstep as he was turning to leave. “Riley!?” Natalie screeched as her ex stepped into the house.

“I knew I’d find you with him!” he growled angrily and moved towards her. “How could you do this to me huh? After everything we’ve been through? After all I’ve given you this is how you repay me?”

“What? How did you find me?”

“Easy; Jessica.”

“Jessica? She would never…”

“I knew she had to be the one hiding you so I waited. I watched her at your parent’s place grabbing some of your stuff and I followed her here. That skank has always been jealous of you – of us, of what we have together. Of course she would do everything in her power to ruin it! Well enough of that. You have your parents worried; again. Arthur is talking about ending the engagement over some perceived cold feet you have and I am not about to let that happen!” Riley argued and pulled her roughly into his arms.

“I’m not marrying you!” Natalie yelled and wrenched herself out of his grip. “I told my father everything! He knows what a slime you are and he would never believe a snake like you.”

“Let her go,” Blake’s voice broke through the heated arguments and he stepped between them, knocking Riley back on his heels and towards the door.

“Oh so you’re getting your little sewer sniffing hobo to help too I see. Run along junior and let the adults have the room. Here,” Riley flicked a nickel at Blake. “Give my car a good shine before you go, I hear your kind is good at that.”

Ignoring the rumbling coming from Blake, Riley again took Natalie’s wrist and yanked her towards the door. “You’re coming with me. Now you can walk out on your own or I’ll drag you behind me!”

“Get off of me!” Natalie cried and slammed her palm into his face with force.  The clock ticked upon the hour, the chimes of the large grandfather clock alerting the occupants in the house to the arrival of nightfall and Natalie turned in shock. Blake held himself and looked out the window as the moon began its ascent into the sky. With terror expressed in his eyes he looked back towards Natalie and shook his head. It was too late.

Natalie whimpered softly, fear rising up and settling in a large lump in her throat as Blake gave a yell and fell forward onto all fours. She knew what was to come next; had seen it all happen before.  “Blake?” she called in a soft, shaky tone, desperately hoping it would help settle the man that was quickly taking the form of a monster right in front of them.

“Finally! The bum learns his place! We’re out of here,” Riley spoke as he watched what he believed was the vagrant Blake conceding to defeat on his hands and knees at his might. A cold, cruel laugh sounded over her shoulder as Riley opened the door to take her and was coupled by a growl from Blake.

“SHE’S MINE!” Blake roared and stood to an impressive height. Dark yellow eyes pinned Riley in place with a piercing gaze that crippled him with fear. Riley froze for a moment, staring up at the dark shadow looming towards him. Had it not been for the large mass of dark fur, sharp nails and teeth of the wolf that surely meant harm, the ease to which Riley became a simpering fool would have amused her; brought a smile to Natalie’s face.

Instead she whimpered in fright, struggling to absorb the scene playing out in front of her. Wolves were known to be territorial creatures. She believed it was the reason Blake had so easily attacked Riley once before; him pulling on her as he did. But now, in his home, with the woman he’d taken to bed just days ago being drawn into the arms of her ex, Natalie realized the situation was much more dangerous.

The wolf rushed towards them; knocking Natalie to the ground as it reached for Riley. He screamed, perfuming the room in his scent that only seemed to entice the wolf further. Vaguely, Natalie could make out growls and grunts as the large bodies slammed into each other violently. Glass shattered as it was thrown to the floor from a nearby shelf and picture frames fell angrily to the ground. Riley was being tossed around like a ragdoll. The tips of Blake’s claws cut deeply into his flesh and the floors became stained with his blood. “Natalie! Help!” Riley begged as he felt his insides being smashed in the inhuman bear hug in which the wolf was crushing him.

Natalie got to her feet and squeezed herself into a corner away from the door as she watched the two struggle in front of her. Riley hit at the beast with closed fists that did little more than irritate it more, enraging its already angered nature. Tears streamed down her face obscuring her vision as she witnessed what had to be the end of her ex and she fought down panic at the sounds of his screams. The glint of a blade sparkled under the living room lights as Riley revealed a blade he carried with him. “Riley don’t!” she begged and watched in wide eyed terror as he positioned the knife at Blake’s heart.

Frantically he swiped down with all the strength he had and plunged it into Blake’s back prompting him to release his grip. The knife stuck between the bones of Blake’s shoulder blades as Riley tried to extract it and the wolf howled in pain. Natalie pressed a fist to her mouth, petrified, but unable to tear her eyes away. The logical part of her mind screamed at her to run and hide from the monster that had completely overtaken Blake once again. But the more emotional part that seemed to have control over her actions these days kept her still, wanting to see what would happen to Blake. And suddenly within moments Natalie realized that this was a fight to the death and she would be the prize.

The werewolf regained its senses quickly and had Riley pinned beneath him, his teeth buried in his shoulder ripping away flesh and large chunks of muscle as the man writhed and screamed beneath him. Blake then readjusted his grip, burying his long sharp teeth into Riley’s vulnerable neck until he went completely limp beneath him. Natalie’s eyes were large with fear, gleaming with tears as Blake stood to full length again. With a roar of triumph, his eyes fell over the carnage, delighting the spirit of the beast.

Moments passed until the wolf seemed to fully understand where he was as the eight inch blade sticking out of his back brought him back to reality. He wrestled with trying to pull it out, howling each time it slipped from his grasp. “Blake?” Natalie whimpered, trying to muster up the courage to move towards him to help. But the cold look in his electric green eyes shattered what little courage she found, sending her hiding once more into the corner.

The smell of Riley’s blood made Blake react. His eyes fused with the color of crimson as his fangs extended in his jaw and he took a step towards her. Her helpless sobs tempting and plucking the strings of his soul as he sensed her trepidation. But the look of pure terror in her eyes was unlike the look he got from Riley moments ago. Instead of a desire to lunge forward and attack, he felt a sense of calm that struck him intimately as he breathed in the fragrance of her shampoo. His Natalie.  

Turning in haste, Blake rushed through the front door and out into the chilled autumn air that washed over his blood soaked fur. He needed to distance himself from her scent before the desire to have her completely overtook his better senses. Looking up, Blake howled his pain to the cruel, uncaring moon above, hating what Natalie was made to witness at the hands of the animal and quickly disappeared into the brush.

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