PREYED UPON

As they walked together, Luca made an effort to keep the conversation light, asking about her favorite places in the forest and sharing stories of his own travels. His easy demeanor and genuine interest slowly began to ease Catherine’s anxiety.

“So,” Luca said after a while, glancing at her with a thoughtful expression. “What happened at the festival?”

Catherine sighed, the weight of her experience pressing down on her. “I thought I had found my mate, but… he rejected me. In front of everyone.”

Luca’s expression softened with empathy. “I’m sorry to hear that. It must have been very painful.”

“It was,” Catherine admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I felt something, but I guess it wasn’t enough.”

Luca nodded, as if deep in thought. “The bond between mates can be complex. Sometimes, what we feel isn’t always reciprocated, or it’s not clear what the other person feels. It doesn’t mean you’re unworthy. It just means that there’s more to your journey.”

Catherine looked at him, surprised by his insight. “You seem to understand a lot about this.”

Luca shrugged, a faint smile on his lips. “Let’s just say I’ve had my own share of experiences. Everyone’s journey is different, and sometimes we need to find our own way before we can truly understand what we’re looking for.”

The forest began to lighten with the first hints of dawn, casting a gentle glow over the trees. Catherine noticed the transformation and realized how far they had wandered. The pain she had felt earlier seemed to recede in the face of this quiet, new day.

“Thank you for being here,” Catherine said softly. “I don’t think I would have made it through the night without someone to talk to.”

Luca gave her a reassuring smile. “No need to thank me. Sometimes we all need a friend, even if it’s just for a while.”

They continued walking in companionable silence for a while, the sound of their footsteps blending with the rustling leaves around them. The woods seemed to stretch endlessly, with towering trees and the faint chirping of birds creating a peaceful yet eerie atmosphere.

“So, where are you headed to, Luca?” Catherine asked, glancing at him with curiosity as they strolled through the dense forest.

“As I said, I have no destination for now. I’m a free guy—I go wherever destiny takes me,” Luca responded, his voice calm but distant.

Catherine raised an eyebrow. “Come on, Luca. You should have a specific direction you’re headed to.”

Luca sighed and glanced at the sky. “Okay, fine. I’m headed to a hut. It was my father’s. We used to go there for vacations—some father and son time.” He paused, his tone softening. “That’s where I first shifted.”

Catherine's eyes widened. “Wow, you’ve shifted before?”

“Yeah,” Luca said with a slight nod. “I can shift anytime, though my powers are stronger during a full moon.”

Catherine let out a soft sigh. “I’ve never really shifted before. I’ve tried, but all attempts led to nothing. I just couldn’t do it. It’s like my wolf is trapped inside me.”

“You’ve faced a lot of challenges, haven’t you?” Luca glanced at her, sympathy in his eyes. “Not being able to shift… that’s kind of embarrassing, especially if you’re the only one in your pack.”

“Yeah.” Catherine bit her lip, her gaze dropping to the ground. “I dealt with it for so long... but the rejection from my pack was too much. I couldn’t bear it.”

Luca stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression serious. “You’re strong, Catherine. You’ve been through a lot, and that shows. But seeing that you can’t shift... I could teach you, if you’d like.”

“Really?!” Catherine’s face lit up with excitement. “You’d really teach me?”

“Sure,” Luca said, his voice warm. “You’ve been through enough, and if me helping you would cheer you up, then why not? But first, we need to get to the hut. It’ll be easier to practice there.”

“Thanks so much, Luca.” Catherine’s voice softened, her gratitude clear. “We haven’t known each other for long, but I have to admit—you’ve already helped me in more ways than I can express.”

Luca smiled, a rare but genuine one. “I’m glad I could help.”

They continued their walk in comfortable silence for a while, the sound of their footsteps blending with the rustling leaves around them. The woods seemed to stretch endlessly, with towering trees and the faint chirping of birds creating a peaceful yet eerie atmosphere.

After a few more miles, Catherine slowed down. “Luca, I don’t think I can keep going. Let’s rest for a while.” She wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, her legs trembling slightly. She was more exhausted than she realized.

Luca immediately noticed her fatigue. “Okay, no problem. I’m tired too. It’s best if we take a break.” He sat down on a patch of grass and pulled out a bottle of water from his backpack. “Here,” he said, stretching it out to her. “Want some?”

“Thanks,” Catherine said, taking the bottle from him. She was so thirsty she nearly drank the entire thing in one go, feeling the cool water refresh her dry throat. After finishing, she handed it back to Luca. “I really needed that.”

“You’re welcome,” Luca said, taking the bottle back. He laid down on the grassy ground, his eyes gazing up at the sky.

Catherine followed suit, lying beside him as she stared at the clouds lazily drifting by. Her mind wandered to the days when she was still with her pack—how she longed to fit in, to prove herself. But the humiliation of failing to shift still weighed heavily on her heart. She missed the pack, but more than that, she missed the sense of belonging.

Luca, on the other hand, seemed deep in thought. His eyes were closed, his breathing calm and steady. Catherine wondered what he was thinking about, but she didn’t want to disturb his peace. She liked this quiet side of him, a stark contrast to the fierce strength he displayed earlier.

After some time, Luca spoke again. “It’s getting late,” he said, sitting up and glancing around the darkening woods. “I think we should camp here for the night.”

“Yeah, I was thinking the same,” Catherine agreed, noticing how the shadows had begun to lengthen as the sun dipped below the horizon.

“You know what,” Luca said, standing up and stretching his arms, “why don’t you set up the tent while I go gather some wood for the campfire? You know how to set up a tent, right?”

Catherine chuckled softly. “Of course I do! Should that even be a question?”

Luca held up his hands in surrender, smiling. “Okay, okay, I just wanted to be sure. I don’t know much about you yet.”

“It’s fine.” Catherine waved him off, but her tone grew more serious. “My dad and I used to go camping a lot. He taught me how to set up a tent perfectly. He tried everything in his power to help me shift, but..." Her voice trailed off. "I couldn’t. Not until he passed away.”

Luca’s expression softened. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks.” Catherine forced a small smile. “You should go get the firewood. It’s getting dark fast.”

“Alright,” Luca said, grabbing his backpack. “I’ll bring something for us to eat as well.”

“Wait—does that mean you’re going hunting?” Catherine asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” Luca said casually.

“Can I come with you?”

“You could, but who would set up the tent?” Luca teased.

“Fine, I’ll stay,” Catherine sighed dramatically, causing Luca to chuckle as he turned and walked into the woods.

Luca ventured deep into the forest, the air growing cooler as the night settled in. The moon had just begun to rise, casting a silver glow through the trees. His sharp senses picked up on a movement nearby. It was an animal, but not just any animal—it was a jaguar, sleek and powerful.

Without hesitation, Luca began to undress, pulling off his trousers and unbuttoning his shirt until he stood bare under the moonlight. Then, with a low growl, he transformed into a large, hairy werewolf with glowing red eyes.

His bones cracked painfully, shifting into their new positions as his posture changed from man to beast. Though he was used to the transformation, it always came with a sting of pain. With his transformation complete, he fixed his glowing eyes on the jaguar, ready to strike.

He crept closer... and closer... every muscle in his body coiled for the kill.

But suddenly, a familiar voice shattered the silence.

“Luca! Luca!” Catherine’s voice echoed through the trees. “I finished setting up the camp, so I decided to join you.”

Her voice startled the jaguar. It froze for a moment, then turned its head in Catherine’s direction. Before Luca could react, the jaguar locked onto her as its new target.

Luca’s heart pounded as the jaguar lunged toward Catherine, its eyes gleaming with hunger.