Chapter 1

“D

amn… you are so beautiful. Are you even Human?” Eric asked, as he trailed his fingers and lips down the side of my cheek. I will admit I was guilty of lying to my boyfriend… I am definitely not Human… I am a Werewolf, but I am not forced to shift, therefore I can keep it a secret. He can’t hear my Wolf, Wynter, speaking to me in my mind either. I never meant to lie to him… but not all Humans know about us. That, and the topic just never came up.

     Not that I think he would have looked at me differently had I told him. But why go through all of the drama? I knew this relationship wouldn’t last. They never do, not with… him, the Demon, watching my every move. In fact, I was surprised he hadn’t already showed up.

     “Rayne, you know you shouldn’t be doing this… you know what happens when he gets mad.” Wynter whimpered in my mind. I ignored her when Eric’s lips met mine. Any thought of the Demon who watches me in the night was lost, along with my willpower. I moaned softly against Eric's lips, allowing him to pull me closer. 

     Eric lived in the Human town across the river. I met him at a frat party that I wasn’t supposed to be attending, but I snuck out and showed up anyway. The entire place was full of Humans, and then there was me. Not that any of them could distinguish my species, but still, Humans always seemed to flock to me. Making friends was just too easy. 

     Eric was gorgeous with his big blue eyes, his muscular build, and neatly styled blonde hair. His smile was full of perfectly straight, white, teeth and his voice was angelic. He was part of the football team, and the moment we locked eyes from across the room I knew I had him if I wanted him… and I definitely wanted him. What I didn’t know was how quickly he was going to sweep me off my feet. He was charming, funny, and witty. He made me laugh and kept me interested the entire night in all the conversations we had. 

     He introduced me to his friends and ensured that my drink was never more than half empty. He didn’t even try to make any real moves on me, except the sensual kiss he placed upon my lips right before he got out of the car and opened my door, walking me to the river bridge.

     I gave him my number, much to Wynters dismay, but I had no idea we would ever get this far. We had been seeing each other for the past few months. Nothing serious, but dinner here and there, and texting all day. I also sent him some risky photos and maybe a video or two. He had never once in that time tried anything that I wasn’t comfortable with. 

     But tonight was a bit different… he had drank far more alcohol than I had ever seen him drink before. Something about shot for shot with his best friend. He did it, but he was way past wasted. “I love you, Rayne. I love you so fucking much.” He mumbled against my lips. I froze, he had never said that before. This was the first time. I pulled away and we locked eyes. He was smiling, and even as drunk as he was, he looked so sincere staring at me like I was the prettiest woman he had ever laid his eyes on. 

     “Eric, I…” I began, trying to avoid saying it back, when he cut me off. “Shh, babe. You don’t have to say it back. I just wanted you to know how I feel. You’ve invaded my life in the best way. You are the woman I’ve always dreamt about. I can’t stop imagining what it would be like to make you mine, fully mine…” He said, before bringing his lips back to mine. 

     “Rayne… you have to stop him!” Wynter cried as he pulled my shirt off over my head. “I know, I will.” I replied to my Wolf. Eric peppered kisses down my throat and onto my chest, before attempting to undo my bra. I pulled back at his advance, causing him to look up and meet my gaze. “Hey, this isn’t a good idea. I can’t go further. I’m sorry, I just…” I started to say, but he cut me off again with his lips on mine. I pulled away again. “Eric, I’m serious!” I growled. “Shh, babe, just let me touch you, let me taste you. Please.” He begged, looking up at me through his long, perfect, lashes. 

     “Listen, Eric. I want nothing more than to let you do whatever it is that you want to do… but I can’t. I can’t let you… or something really bad is going to happen.” I tried to warn him. He laughed, taking my hand and placing it directly on his hardened cock. “What bad thing would happen?” He asked, rubbing his hand over mine along the length of his shaft through his jeans. 

     “The only thing that is going to happen is I’m going to show you what a real man is packing and just how to use it. I’ll have you screaming my name before you even know what hit you.” He growled, then he slipped his hand up and unclasped my bra. I was starting to get nervous now, I knew this was a bad idea and Wynter’s internal dialogue wasn’t helping. “Eric, I’m serious… stop.” I said, pushing him off of me. 

     I had never used any of my Wolf strength on him before. He was surprised when I was able to move him with ease, but he was too drunk to really comprehend what had just happened. I attempted to clasp my bra back on but I didn’t succeed before he was back on top of me. “Come on, babe. I promise you will enjoy it.” He murmured in my ear before taking the lobe in his mouth. “Don’t you dare fucking do it, Rayne.” Wynter growled. I sighed, pushing Eric off of me, once again. “I said no.” I replied, reaching for my bra strap once more.   

     “No? Ha, I’m going to take what I want from you and you are going to enjoy every second of it. I’m not going to stop until you are screaming my name.” He growled, pushing me back down onto the bed. He slammed his lips back onto mine as I fought to climb out from underneath him. “Eric, fucking stop! You are going to regret this!” I cried. I, honestly, was just giving him one last chance to stop on his own before I took matters into my own hands. As fucked up as he was acting, I didn’t want to hurt him. My feelings were beyond hurt at his disrespect, but I still cared… Alcohol is never an excuse, but I knew deep down that he would never act like this had he not been drinking like he was. 

     A justification, but I needed something to try and save the small sliver of respect that was left for him. I watched as he pulled his belt from his pants and threw it aside. I was glaring up at him, and if looks could kill… “Oh, come on baby. Don’t tell me you don’t want it. Look at me…” He said. 

     “Eric, I have told you already. I can’t… Please, trust me, don’t do this.” I pleaded, trying to spare him. After what he said to me I shouldn’t have cared if anything happened to him, but I did… I do. He looked at me, matched the daggers in my eyes, and then snaked his hand through my hair and forced me up to my knees so I was kneeling on the bed in front of him, and he was standing on the floor before me. 

     “I have been more than patient with you, Rayne. I have allowed you more than enough time to be ready for this. You do not want to piss me off. Now you’re going to do every single thing that I say, and you’re not going to complain about it. Do you understand me?” He growled.

     More than the absolute heart shattering pain that was radiating through my chest at his betrayal, was flaming, red hot, anger. So much fucking anger because I knew that not only was this the end of us, it was about to be the end of him at my hand. 

     “Don’t say I didn’t fucking warn you.” I growled. The next events happened so quickly that I had little time to comprehend them. I slid back on the bed and instantly pulled my shirt up over my partially bare breasts. I still hadn’t been able to clasp my bra so I was trying to cover myself as much as possible with what little material I had to work with. Panic began to set in as I comprehended just what had happened. The Demon turned his head and looked directly at me. I tried, and failed, not to flinch under his murderous glare. His golden eyes were burning holes into my face with a gaze that was haunting and deadly. 

     He was absolutely, breathtakingly, gorgeous, with his porcelain skin, strong jawline and high cheekbones paired with medium length golden blonde hair. Wynter, howled in my mind. Anytime he had gotten close to us since I shifted for the first time when I was 15, she's gone absolutely wild. She is completely and utterly obsessed with him. I, however, was nothing but terrified.

     I wasn’t blind, but still, the only emotion I could ever feel around him was fear. I shut Wynter out of my mind and I glanced over at Eric’s lifeless body lying there on the floor. I was in shock, disbelief that he was quite possibly dead. No, I knew he was dead. I didn’t see him breathing at all. I felt as if I was going to be sick and fought to keep the bile from rising any higher in my throat. I know that he royally fucked up, but still, I never wanted him to die for it.   

     I wouldn’t say that I particularly loved Eric, but more than sadness, I was feeling guilt. Guilt… because it was my fault that he was dead. No, I didn’t choose his actions tonight, but I knew where this would lead. Eventually, I knew it would come to this. I just didn’t think it would be so severe. 

     I felt the tears begin to form in the back of my eyes but forced myself to push them away. My face began to go numb as I let out a breath I wasn't even aware I was holding. I was trying my best to comprehend what had just happened. It all seemed so surreal. 

     After a few deep breaths, my mind finally cleared some and I was able to focus. I could hear the music from the party downstairs booming. Judging by the way I was still alone up here with my Demon, no one must have heard anything. 

     I did not want to deal with this… with him. I was contemplating an escape, a way out of this mess without conflict, but there was no saving myself, not this time. I flinched as the Demon, who I’ve only known as Mr. Kane, closed the gap between us with an unnatural speed and took my chin in his hand. He pushed my chin up, forcing me to look directly into his burning golden eyes. 

     "No one may take your innocence but me. Don’t think I will not kill again to prove how serious I am." He purred, licking the blood off his still elongated fangs. A single tear fell down my cheek as I fought like hell to keep the flood that had been brewing at bay. No fucking way was I going to show weakness. Not here, not now, and never in front of him. I broke eye contact, trying to look anywhere else. That, in and of itself, was a risky move, and I knew it, but I didn’t care.

     I could feel Wynter trying to push her way back through in my mind, but I forced her back. I wasn’t anyone's property, but I was too afraid to say that to him. I knew My Demon had put a claim on me all those years ago, but I never thought he would go to this extent. 

     "I'm sorr..." I started to say, but he put his finger to my lips. "Do not apologize, Rayne.'' He said, with almost a sadness to his voice. But then his eyes darkened and he narrowed his gaze on me. "You will not disobey me again." He spat. The venom slipped off his words and sank into my veins. Every hair on the back of my neck stood up when I looked up and we locked eyes. 

     If I wasn’t already scared shitless, I swear the gold in his eyes looked a lot darker than it previously did... and that terrified me even worse. I had to fight to keep what little was left of my composure, to keep my body from shaking. "Yes, sir." I said. "Good girl, Rayne." He replied. 

     He was the most terrifying man I had ever met, and I hated the way my name rolled off his tongue like liquid gold. Wynter, however, was absolutely losing her mind. She was trying to release a low growl and I pushed it back as he turned to leave the room. She just didn’t get it. 

     She wanted him more than anything else in this entire world, and was willing to completely look past anything and everything he did… even this. The thought of being with him paralyzed me with fear. Could I ever forgive him? I was torn from my thoughts when his golden voice rang out through the room. "Anthony, come clean this mess up." He snapped from the doorway. Seconds later my friend’s bedroom looked as if it hadn't just been a murder scene. 

     I locked eyes with my Demon one last time. His expression was stoic and forced. It seemed as if he was holding something back. Something I wasn’t sure I was interested in knowing about. I swallowed hard and broke our gaze, holding my head high in an attempt to contain my emotions. 

     “Please… allow his body to be found… He has many who love and care for him.” I said softly. But when I glanced back over, they were both gone and my request fell upon deaf ears. Maybe he didn’t deserve it, but I couldn't shake the fact that I still didn’t think he would ever act this way had he not been white girl wasted.  

     I exhaled and was unable to hold back the flood any longer. I lost it. Tears began streaming down my face and onto my shirt, which was still in my hands.. Wynter was howling in the back of my mind, and I was doing my best to just ignore her. I didn’t need her commentary, I already knew how much I fucked up… 

     I clasped my bra and put my tear-stained shirt back on before heading towards the window. I didn't want anyone else at the party to see me in this state. 

I also had no idea how to explain where Eric had gone. I would have to deal with that later because everyone at this Frat party knew we were up here together… I just wanted out of here, and away from it all. I had just slid the window pane open when I heard the door handle jiggle. “Fuck.” I mumbled under my breath. I turned around as tears continued to stream down my face. “Rayne? Oh my god, girl, are you ok?” What happened?” Jae cried.