The Hunt

Chapter 13

The term lycanthropy, referring both to the ability to transform oneself into a wolf and to the act of doing so, only occurs in ancient Greek sources in the context of clinical lycanthropy. Described by Gallen, where the patient had the ravenous appetite and other qualities of a wolf. Use of the Greek derived lycanthropy in English occurs in writing by Reginald Scot who argued against the reality of werewolves; “Lycanthropia is a disease, and not a transformation.”

Hunter’s Codex, Werewolf lore pg. 31

    I pulled into Michelle’s driveway a couple minutes before nine. I knew I was early but I couldn’t help myself, everything in me was screaming with excitement. We were getting closer, she trusted me enough to give her address out. That was a step up in my books. 
    I shut the door to my truck and saw her stepping out onto the porch.
    “Wanna come inside? I still need to get dressed.” She called out.
    I walked up the front steps and greeted her. “Sure, I’d love to.”
    “Why? So you can see the layout and come back later tonight and murder me in my sleep?” She laughed. 
    “No, is that honestly what you think about me? Besides, we both know you don’t sleep.”
    She shut the door behind me as I made my way into the tiny living room. It was a cute place for a couple college students. “Of course not, but I can’t help the thought from crossing my mind. Also, the past two weeks have been great sleep compared to what I was getting.” She made her way up the steps still in her pajamas. “There’s drinks in the fridge if you want some.”
    I looked into the kitchen area taking it all in. As excited as I was at being close with her, something had me on edge. Something about the place didn’t sit right with me and smelled off. I followed her up the stairs, itching to stay close. Almost like she was in danger.
    Michelle turned on me at the top of the steps, a hand on her hip. “Are you going to watch me change?” 
     “Well if you're offering.” I grinned at her, not ready for the conversation we would have one day about me actually watching her change while a wolf. Besides, I was still on edge not wanting to leave her side. Something really was off with this house. I knew it smelled strange all this time, but being inside the instinct to stay away was so strong it was practically screaming at me. 
    Michelle placed her hands on my shoulders and spun me around, facing back down the steps. “Not today.”
    I walked down the stairs and looked back up at her, “That means one day.”
    She shook her head as she walked down the hallway to her bedroom, refusing to answer me. 
    While she was getting ready I took the opportunity to look around and find out why I was so on edge here. The closer I got to her roommates room the stronger the urges got to run away. It had to be coming from her room. Listening to Michelle upstairs, I decided I had time to take a peak. 
    The moment I opened the door it hit me full force. The hairs on my arms stood on end and a growl slipped out before I could control myself. The scent of wolfsbane filled the air. It was almost suffocating. Following the smell led me to a box stuffed underneath her bed. Michelle was almost finished getting ready, I could hear her putting her shoes on. Quickly while I had the chance, I pulled the box out and opened it. 
    Inside was full of hunter tools. Silver bullets, wolfsbane, vials of poisons that could probably take a wolf down with just one drop. I shoved it all back under her bed and practically ran back to the living room. Shutting her door behind me.
    I was physically shaking from the need to run. Grab my mate and run. She wasn’t safe here, maybe as a human, but most definitely not as my mate. It dawned on me then, if they ever caught me with her we were both as good as dead. 
    “Hey, you look freaked out. Something up?” Michelle was at the foot of the steps with a jacket in her hand. 
    I pointed at the TV with the daily news on and said, “Just something on TV. The world is a crazy place.”
    “Huh, tell me about it. I’m still suffering the damages of a freak wolf attack.” 
    She shuts and locks the front door behind us as we walk outside and make our way to my truck. 
    “Nice truck by the way. I don’t see them very often here.” 
    “It’s because you live in a college town. Head to the outskirts and you’ll see a few more.” I responded.
    I opened the door for her as she climbed in joking about how I was being a gentleman. When we got settled in and I started heading down the road I pointed out the cups sitting in the cupholders. “I got you one by the way.”
    “One what?” She looked at where I was pointing and saw the coffees sitting there. “Oh my gosh. If you keep this up I may end up falling in love.”
    Her words made my heart skip a beat. “That’s the goal.” 
    “It’s working.” She smiled into the cup with the lid partly off, blowing into it. 
    The drive to the doctor’s is a decent little trip so we pulled into the parking lot with a few minutes to spare. I helped her out of the vehicle and she checked in with the front desk. 
    She sat down next to me in the waiting room, listening for her name to be called. 
    “So do I get the pleasure of coming with you to see this thing get taken off or would you rather me sit here and wait?” I reach over and tap on her cast. I wanted to hold her hand but I knew I might scare her off if I did. 
    “If you don’t mind waiting here. He may ask me personal questions and I’m still up in the air about wether or not you want to murder me.” She said. 
    I chuckle at her. “It’s too late for that sweety. I know where you live, go to school, and who your friends are. If I wanted to murder you I would have done so by now.”
    “What if you're in it for the long haul? You want me to fall in love with you, so maybe you’re one of those psycho killers who enjoy killing their lovers.” 
    “I am most definitely in it for the long haul.” I reach out and play with a strand of her hair. “Just not to murder you. I would much rather keep you alive.” 
    She scoffed at me but I could tell something was having an effect. She unconsciously leaned in my direction a little more to touch shoulders with me. “What if you string me along, we get married and then I wake up one night to you trying to slit my throat?”
    “You know, the only thing I heard out of that entire sentence was that we get married.” I couldn’t help myself from reaching down and playing with her fingers. I could feel the bond reacting to the words she said. Today is giving my self control and emotions a run for their money.
    She opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by a nurse calling out her name.
    “Michelle Franks.”
    “I’ll see you when I get back. Cast free.” She stands and follows the nurse through the double doors. 
    I sit back and let out a sigh, rubbing my eyes. I had been getting better sleep the past couple weeks simply because I stayed on the line with her and knowing she’s there helps. It’s still not the best sleep in the world, but it works for now. 
    It takes about an hour before Michelle comes back into the waiting room and checks out with the lady at the front desk. 
    “Let’s celebrate your new found freedom. Ice cream?” I hold the door open for her as we leave the building. 
    “I’m all for ice cream.” She said as she climbed into the passenger side of the truck. 
    I got in and headed in the direction of the closest ice cream shop. 
I brush my fingers against the back of her hand reaching to hold it and she didn’t pull away. I felt tingles throughout, all coming from her hand as I wrapped my fingers around hers. Glancing at her I see her cheeks are tinged pink and she’s looking through her window on the side. 
    I mentally check off hand holding as something I am now allowed to do. At this rate I had a long way to go.