Chapter 1 Nathan Jones Davis

I faltered on the ground, struggling to keep my balance as I ran for my life. I could barely feel my feet after running for so long. I didn't need to look back. I couldn't face those red, chasing eyes. He would slaughter me!

I listened to his yelling, each roar making my knees weak. I pressed my hands to my ears in fear as I lurched along the rough pathway. I didn't know where to go. I had no idea how I ended up in the woods, running for my life. My breath hitched, fatigue gnawing at me. I needed to stop and take a deep breath, but every time I heard his animalistic shriek, I reminded myself I couldn't.

I had only ever read about such things in books and seen them in movies. Every time I squinted, flashbacks of what had just happened consumed me. The way blood spread like it was nothing. The way light glinted off his fangs, shining in my vision. Something I couldn't have imagined had become real.

My foot hit something hard, nearly making me lose my balance. I stumbled against a tree but managed to grab hold before falling. I cursed under my breath, pressing my hands to my chest where my heart pounded wildly. My heartbeat was far from its usual rhythm.

"W-what is that...thing?" I whispered, glancing back. I thought I had lost him, as I could neither see nor hear him anymore.

I let out a shaky moan and rested my head against the tree. He had slaughtered someone-and that was nothing like anything I had ever seen before! I put my hand on my head, trying to comprehend what was happening. I had been too shocked to speak earlier, but my first instinct had been to run, to hide from his terrifying gaze. My hands trembled, so I tried to calm myself.

"I'm probably hallucinating," I muttered, forcing a laugh as I tried to push away the uneasiness. I looked up at the tree-and suddenly, all the color drained from my face. Red eyes. Broad, sharp teeth. I froze, dazed, unable to move. When a drop of drool fell onto my temple, that was it-I lost it.

I screamed in terror. I could feel my heart hammering in my chest. I was about to run when he pounced over me, pinning me to the messy grass. Pain shot through me as my head hit a rock, but it didn't matter-I was face-to-face with a werewolf!

"P-Please..." I stammered, completely at a loss for words. He had been human earlier...then turned into this monster!

He didn't respond. I swallowed hard as I felt him sniffing my face, smelling me. I couldn't push him away-he was too heavy. Yet, despite the danger, I couldn't help noticing details. Even as a half-wolf, hints of his human features remained.

I had been walking down the road earlier when I saw him murder a man with his claws. His face had been turned away, so I hadn't seen it clearly. But now, close up, I couldn't stop staring at his human eyes. There was something in them, a need...for me? But what could it be?

I swallowed hard, unsure where I found the courage to reach out and touch his face. His eyes softened when they met mine. It was as if his gaze was pulling me into another dimension, suffocating me, dragging me under. Just as my fingers brushed his cheek, he opened his mouth wide-and then I woke up.

A loud shriek from my alarm clock jolted me upright. My breath came in fast, shallow gasps as I looked around. I was in my bed. I touched my face and let out a shaky sigh of relief.

It had just been a dream. But it had felt so real-I could've sworn he had eaten me. Whatever. Who even believes in werewolves? They only exist in books and movies. I swung my legs off the bed and stretched. My legs wobbled, but I managed to stand. I glanced at the digital clock.

I was late...again.

This wasn't the first time. I was usually too apathetic to wake up on time. But today, I had a good reason: a nightmare. I shook it off and went through my morning routine. Like every typical girl, I stayed up all night watching random videos on my phone, then slept late, forgetting class. I looked down and realized I was wearing mismatched socks.

"Great," I muttered.

I hadn't even combed my hair. I probably looked hideous-the likely reason why I was still a virgin and no one had ever hit on me. I was tired of it. I sometimes wanted to date someone, but whenever the opportunity arose, I'd shrink back into my corner. Yeah, my life was boring. But I loved music, books, nerdy things my classmates found uncool.

When I finally stepped onto campus, people stared as if I had grown five heads. I checked my reflection on my phone. Nothing seemed wrong with my face. They were probably reacting to my messy, damp hair.

"Sh*t," I cursed as the school chime rang. Classes were about to start, and my teacher would close the door to latecomers. I ran, sweat pouring down my face, checking my phone. Our lesson started at 9:00, and I had three minutes to catch up.

Fortunately, the corridors were clear. In previous tardy sprints, I'd bumped into cheerleaders and spilled their coffee. They had been furious, but I had escaped their wrath. I checked my watch-almost time. I saw Mr. Williams, my morning teacher, glancing at his watch, probably counting down.

"WAIT!" I shouted, sprinting. He furrowed his brow, confused.

"What the-?" I saw him murmur.

My legs went numb as I approached, spreading my arms for balance.

"Time's up," he announced, just as I stumbled in front of him.

I exhaled, relieved. He looked at me disapprovingly before motioning me inside. I stood up, smiling, and followed him.

Inside the classroom, forty-five heads turned to look at me, some giggling. I frowned. They were pointing at me. Anxiety surged, and I was fed up.

"Your shirt is on backward," Mr. Williams pointed out, walking to the front.

My face burned with humiliation. I looked down and walked to my seat, hearing whispers and snickers. I muttered under my breath and slammed into my chair. My classmates smirked, but I ignored them, taking out my notepad. Luckily, Mr. Williams began the lesson, sparing me further embarrassment.

As I tuned into his monotone lecture, a student outside caught my attention.

I knew him-Nathan Jones, the most famous guy at Horizon Valley University. He was always the center of attention for every girl. Now that he stood before our class, I understood why. He was tall-at least six feet-with a sharp jaw and perfectly styled hair. His body was toned, with veins standing out on his arms. I swallowed. His fist alone could probably hold my head.

Okay, no joke-this guy was a god. I had thought the rumors were exaggerated.

But there was something else...familiar. Suddenly, memories of my dream flooded back. I nearly jumped as his eyes swept across the room. When they landed on mine, my heart skipped a beat, and my stomach churned.

It was him.

The half-werewolf from my nightmare. But how? Was this a coincidence? He was popular, yet I'd never seen him in our building before-only heard about him.

"Mr. Jones, how can I help you?" Mr. Williams stopped mid-lecture, addressing him.

"Uhm...yeah, so hi. You probably know me, but I'll introduce myself anyway."

He walked confidently to the front, wearing a vexatious smile that, for no reason, made my blood boil. He was exactly the type of man I didn't want to like: arrogant, well-known, and full of himself.

"Hi, I'm Nathan Jones. You can call me Nathan. Since I missed a subject due to my busy schedule-"

I already knew where this was going.

"I'm going to be your new classmate."