Chapter 8: Big Bad Wolf

What is my purpose? Is it to forever feel unworthy and useless? Am I only intended to yearn for my passion, only to never see it through? I sobbed at these questions as my grief shrouded me with hopelessness. If only I had never met Michael, or if I had started working earlier, even though he disapproved of the idea, I might never have been in this fucked up situation.  

I am a complete emotional mess; my shower took longer than it should have, but I was somewhat able to gather what was left of my fragmented soundness. I need to get to the bistro ASAP and find my happy place. I don’t know why, but there it always feels like my true home.

I dried myself and applied lotion over my marks of shame, hoping the sweet smell and its medicinal properties would magically heal them. I tied my wet hair into a bun, and put on makeup to try to hide my melancholy face as well as the bruises on my neck. Once finished, I carefully opened the door and peeked out, making sure Jerry was nowhere to be seen or at least did not catch me by surprise. I hear noises coming from his room. Good, I can sneak out and make a run for it once I reach the door. I bolted at that thought; I swear I never moved so fast in my entire life. As my fingertips brushed the smooth metal of the handle, I felt claw-like fingers sink into my fleshy hips. It was fucking painful, and my heart nearly stopped. I cried in pure terror until the wind was knocked out of me as my back slammed against Jerry’s chest.

"You’re really not leaving without saying goodbye to me, are you sweetheart?" Jerry asked with clenched teeth and emitted almost a wicked growl. He pulled me deeper into his hold; his eyes even looked like they glowed an eerie garnet. I began to tremble as his face seemed to contort into that of a rabid dog. That’s it; I have finally reached my limit.  

"I-I am sorry, I am late for work, and you seemed b-busy," I said, trying very hard not to cry.

"Remember, you belong to me now, Laura. I have eyes on you wherever you are. If you ever dare attempt to run away or try seeking favour from another man to help you. I will come for you and once I do, I will have you locked up and hidden, where no one will find you!" he snarled with a menacing hiss as he rubbed his course face against mine.

"You are b-bluffing," I managed to say under my quivering breath, as my nerves were about to give in.

"How do you think I drugged you so effortlessly? Or how I got Adrian to deceive you into signing a legally binding contract? Or that I knew you went to the clinic this morning?" He sneered as he noticed my quickened breathing. "I also know you tried to call Jacob and received a very disappointing text in return. I may not be as infamous or well-known as your temperamental ex, but I have my contacts and methods. Starting today, I will be watching you twenty-four-seven, my gem."

I looked at him with fearful eyes, my mind scrambled with everything that he had revealed. I was terrified. The way he was able to switch from a goofy lovable character to this overpowering brute is proof in itself that he is fucked up and might just do as he promised, or worse— I might end up dead in a ditch somewhere.

As though reading my thoughts, Jerry’s face softened, and he cooed softly, "I want to give you freedom sweetheart, let you and I carry on as this is a new blooming relationship flourishes." He paused, and his claws began to incise deeper in my hips. "Just remember you are mine and only mine, so you better let the world know you are taken," he snarled possessively.

"Understood," I winced.  

"There’s a good girl," he breathed by my ear and kissed it; hearing his lips so loudly sickened me. “Unfortunately, I have somewhere I need to be; otherwise, I would have taken you to the bistro myself, but I will come pick you up at seven, my delightful gem."  

"T-thank you," I said in a barely audible tone.  

"Thank you, who, sweetheart?" he commanded as he continued to assault my stinging hips.  

"M-my Wolf," I stammered a pained cry. I wanted to gag, but it was the only thing I could think of, seeing he was acting like a demented dog.  

Jerry softened his hold and nuzzled my face, then kissed my neck below my jaw. "Hmm, sweetheart, I will gladly claim that title and be your big bad wolf," he nipped my skin and purred. 

I feigned a false smile. "Yes, you are," I said as I closed my eyes in a pathetic attempt to show him I had accepted his gross affection.

Jerry gently twirled me to face him, he placed his hands on my shoulders, then sensually caressed me down my arms to my hands. Fucking weirdo! He looked intensely at me, then loosened my wet hair. "Fuck, I am going to struggle to focus today, go now before I change my mind and lock you up in my room," he said, then let me go.

"Thank you, see you later, my wolf," I said clumsily, then slowly stumbled off with wobbly legs. The restaurant was a bit farther away compared to when I still lived with Michael, but nothing I couldn't walk. If things weren't so fucked up, I'd enjoy the new scenery. I was running on adrenaline; I must get myself an energy drink or anything with sugar for the shock if I am to get through my day. I took out my phone and started typing a message to let Liam know I was fifteen minutes away. Suddenly, a black SUV slowly drove next to me. I tried to ignore it and walked closer to the shops, creating distance from the road. I heard the window open, and I panicked until I heard a familiar voice exclaim, "If I don't say! Laura?"

I turned to look at the man, it was Keres, shit, wait— maybe? No! If he helps, he might ask for a favour in return. I don't have the mental capacity to deal with that crap!

"Hi Keres," I greeted nervously, trying my best to hide my emotional state and uneasiness.  

"What are you doing here this time of day, my honeycomb? Did you take the day off?" he asked as his vulture orbs scanned me up and down.  

"I had some business to sort out this morning, but I'm on my way there now," I replied, ready to walk.  

"Oh, delightful! Why not let me give you a lift? I am on my way there now," he smiled excitedly. Dammit! This is not my day, I cried inwardly.  

"It's alright, Keres, thank you for your kindness, but I prefer to walk there. As you can see, I need the exercise," I tried to joke, praying he would get the hint.  

"Nonsense, you are beautiful as you are! Claude opened the door for Miss Ash; I'm not taking no for an answer," he commanded with authority, leaving no room for argument. I was stunned that he knew my last name. I never made it public; even on all my social media platforms, I made sure to never display it. My reason for doing so is that I loathed my family so much. I did not want any of them to find me and to keep track of my life's failures. Keres shifted inside the car, and Claude opened the door.

"Please, miss, don't decline the master's kindness; he means no harm to you," said his driver. I took a deep, uncomfortable breath and then sighed as I got into the car. Keres sat at the far end of the seat, which made me feel somewhat better, but his eyes were on me the whole time, causing that ease to vanish in an instant. "You alright, my sweet? You seem rather… offish today. Did something happen?"

My heartbeat sped up, and I tried to keep my voice normal, praying it wouldn't betray me. "I am okay; I just did not get a good sleep. I guess my breakup with Michael affected me in ways I never would have thought," I said somewhat truthfully; if I was not single, none of yesterday's shit would have happened.

"Is that so?" Keres asked somewhat sceptically, his demeanour then softening as he continued gently, "That explains your sad and pale face." He shifted closer and said sympathetically, "Oh, my honeycomb, come here, let me comfort your broken heart. It pains me to see you like this!"

"It's okay, Keres, thank you, but I am very fragile now; please don't!" I begged out of complete fear, remembering Jerry's threat as I backed away, my eyes becoming watery as my dread took over me. I am sure to Keres I looked like a cornered, hissing cat.

He stopped and lifted his hands. "I am sorry, my sweet, I meant no ill by it. I truly care for you. My heart bleeds to see you like this. If anyone dares to harm or threaten you, I will make sure they will pay," he expressed with absolute malice. His pale blue eyes looked as though they glowed a subtle yellow, but I think it is just my sanity that is gone, and I am seeing things.

"Thank you, Keres," I said gratefully. The car came to a complete stop. As I turned to the door to open it, I felt cold hands grabbing mine. He shifted closer to me and placed his other hand on the side of my face. I froze in complete terror. "Remember, whatever you are going through, I will be there for you no matter what, my sweet, sweet Laura. I truly care for you." He kissed my hand and then let it go. Claude opened the door for me, as I moved to get out, I felt his other hand sliding down my neck; it sent chills down my spine.