Chapter 5 The Beast Within.

## JAMES SULLIVAN

The last rays of sunlight faded beyond the tall pines surrounding James Sullivan's secluded estate. Its miles from the nearest neighbor, hidden within the wilderness.

James paced the reinforced room deep within the basement of his home. The walls were padded, soundproofed, and built to withstand extraordinary force.

His breathing came in ragged bursts now. Each inhale burned his lungs and exhale emerged as a growl that grew more guttural by the minute. The pain that started hours ago now coursed through his body like liquid fire, setting every nerve ending ablaze.

"Not again," he whispered, his voice already distorted.

He collapsed to his knees, his fingers digging into the padded floor. The transformation always began the same way-appearance of black veins, then a sensation like his skin was being stretched beyond its limits, bones aching as if desperate to reshape themselves. Tonight, it seemed more violent than usual.

His phone vibrated on the small metal table bolted to the corner of the room. James didn't need to look to know who it was. He'd been avoiding her calls since. With trembling hands that were already beginning to contort, he reached for his phone.

Lilian's name illuminated the screen.

He ended the call, switched off his phone and hurled it across the room. It bounced harmlessly off the padded wall as James doubled over, a howl of agony escaping his lips.

The transformation accelerated now, his skin prickling as dense fur pushed through his pores. The sensation was like thousands of needles emerging from beneath his skin simultaneously. His joints popped and cracked, rearranging themselves. The sound of his own bones breaking and reforming echoed in the chamber.

"I shouldn't have gone to her," he gasped between spasms. "I shouldn't have answered her call..."

For decades.... no, centuries... he had maintained a careful distance from humans. He had learned the hard way what prolonged contact could do. Was there such a thing as human allergy for his kind? The thought had occurred to him many times over his unnaturally long life, a theory to explain why proximity to them accelerated his transformations, making them more unpredictable and painful.

Isolation had been his salvation. In this remote sanctuary, he had found a routine that worked whenever he changes. Three days as the beast...

His spine arched violently as it elongated, tearing another scream from his throat that morphed halfway into a howl.

Why couldn't he stay away from her? Why, when she had called for help, had he rushed to her side without hesitation? He had maintained his distance from humanity for so long, crafting a careful existence that kept both himself and them safe. Yet one call from her had shattered decades of his discipline.

James clawed at the floor as his fingernails darkened and extended into sharp talons.

"Is she truly the one?" he wondered through the fog of pain. The legends of his kind once spoke of such connections-rare bonds that transcended the natural order. But he had dismissed those stories as myths, folktales created to give monsters like him hope of redemption.

But It was unprecedented. For the first time in centuries, he had felt something close to normal in the presence of another human.

He had foolishly thought that has been cured. That whatever connection they shared had somehow broken his curse.

"What a fool," he growled, his voice now barely recognizable as human.

His jaw began to elongate, teeth sharpening into fangs that cut into his still-human lips. Blood dripped onto the floor as his face contorted, reshaping into a lupine muzzle. The taste of iron filled his mouth as muscles tore and reformed.

The final stages were always the most excruciating and the most humiliating. The last vestiges of humanity stripped away until only the beast remained. His consciousness would retreat to a corner of his mind, still aware but unable to control the creature he became.

How many days would it last this time? The usual three? Or would this accelerated transformation mean a longer period as the wolf?

As his transformation neared completion, one final coherent thought crossed his mind. Despite everything, despite the agony she unknowingly caused him, he would run to her again whenever she needed him.

The thought vanished as his human mind receded, pushed aside by primal instincts. In the soundproofed chamber, the wolf threw back its head and released a mournful howl that no one in the outside world would hear.

----

## LILIAN

The fluorescent lights of the police station made me already pounding headache worse. I sat rigidly in an uncomfortable metal chair, listening as the officer explained the obligations with detached professionalism.

"Ms. Lilian, Mr. Donovan is pressing charges for the damage to his vehicle," the officer said, sliding a document across the desk. "Additionally, there's the matter of his medical bills."

I stared at the paper, the numbers swimming before my eyes. "But it wasn't even my fault," I protested weakly. "He swerved into my lane."

The officer raised an eyebrow. "That's not what Mr. Donovan and the witnesses say."

"What witnesses? That lady?" I asked, frustration building. "There was only one other car on that stretch of road, and they sped off before you arrived."

"Mr. Donovan's statement has been corroborated," the officer replied flatly, in a tone that suggested the matter was closed. "You have one week to make arrangements for payment of the vehicle damages and hospital expenses."

My hands trembled as i left the station. The amount they expected me to pay was astronomical. Clearly Donovan had friends in convenient places. Or deep pockets to buy influence.

---

The next morning, I stood in the pristine corridor of M. Joseph's Medical Center, the most expensive private hospital in the city. Of course Donovan would choose to be treated here, despite his injuries being minor. The administrative assistant behind the counter wore an expression of practiced sympathy as she handed the itemized bill.

"This can't be right, huh?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper as i stared at the total. Six months' salary-gone in an instant.

"I'm afraid all the charges are accurate, Ma'am," the woman replied. "Mr. Donovan required specialized care for his neck strain and possible concussion."

"Specialized care?" I repeated incredulously.

The woman's professional smile didn't waver. "The payment is due within seven days. If you'd like to set up a payment plan, I can direct you to our financial office."

I clutched the bill tightly, crumpling its edges. "No. That won't be necessary."

I needed to speak with Donovan directly.

Room 317 was more like a luxury hotel suite than a hospital room. Donovan reclined on an adjustable bed, watching a large flat-screen television mounted on the wall. When i entered, he muted the sound and turned to me with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Ms. Vale," he said, sounding almost pleased. "I was wondering when you'd come to visit me in my time of suffering."

I fought to keep my expression neutral. "Mr. Donovan, I need to discuss these charges. My insurance won't cover them, and I'm requesting more time to-"

"Time is money," he interrupted, sitting up straighter. "And my time is particularly valuable."

"Please," I said, hating the desperation creeping into my voice. "I just need a little more than a week. My car was damaged too, and I-"

"I might have a solution," Donovan said, his gaze traveling slowly down my body and back up. "One that could make this all go away."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "What kind of solution?"

Donovan's smile widened. "Spend one night with me, just once. And I'll forget all about the hospital bills. I'll even throw in the car repairs... both yours and mine. I have plenty of cars anyway." He shrugged. "One simple night, and all your problems will vanish."

The bile rose in my throat. "You can't be serious."

"Perfectly serious," he replied. "You're an attractive woman, I'm a man who appreciates beauty. It's a straightforward transaction."

Something snapped inside me. All the stress, fear, and frustration so far crystallized into pure, righteous anger.

"Listen to me very carefully," I said, in a low and dangerous voice. "I would rather work three jobs and sell everything I own than spend one minute more with you." I stepped closer to his bed. "You'll get your money, every penny of it, before the week is up. And then, I will never have to see your disgusting face again."

"Disgusting SHIT ! you perverted jerk."

Before he could respond, I turned and strode from the room, slamming the door behind me with enough force to rattle the frame.

---

The facade of composure i had maintained crumbled the moment i reached a secluded corner of the hospital garden. my knees gave way, and i sank onto a stone bench, my body trembling with emotion.

The tears came without warning. A hot and bitter, streaming down my face in rivulets i couldn't control. Each sob tore from my chest painfully, years of carefully constructed strength dissolving in minutes.

It wasn't just Donovan's disgusting proposition that broke me, but the culmination of everything. The accident. The unfair blame. The financial devastation. The realization that all my careful saving and planning could be wiped out by one entitled man's lies.

I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to stem the flow of tears. My apartment deposit, the small emergency fund i had built over years of frugal living. all of it would barely cover the hospital bills. And what about Talia's car? his damage car too.

A fresh wave of guilt washed over me. If i hadn't called James to help me, would he have fallen ill? He had mentioned more than once that he preferred solitude, that he didn't "do well" around people. Had helping me somehow triggered whatever was wrong with him? and caused me this situation.

I drew a shuddering breath, forcing myself to think rationally. I needed money, and needed it quickly. Calling Talia wasn't an option, especially after damaging her car.

There was only one place I could think of that might provide a loan quickly enough, with interest rates that wouldn't destroy me completely. Rahl Financial Services. Derek family business.

The irony wasn't lost on me. After months of avoiding anything connected to Derek, I would now have to swallow my pride and approach his family for help.

"Get it together, Lilian.." I whispered to myself, wiping away the last of my tears. "You've survived worse."

---

The gleaming glass headquarters of Rahl Financial Services towered over the business district. I stood in the lobby, feeling woefully out of place in my simple office dress among the sharply dressed executives. I had left work earlier than before because of this.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Vale," the receptionist said after a brief phone call. "If you don't have an appointment, I can't allow you access to the loan department. The earliest available appointment is next Thursday, and fund disbursement would take an additional five to seven business days after approval."

My heart sank. "But I need the funds by the end of this week. Isn't there any way to expedite the process?"

The receptionist's sympathetic smile didn't reach her eyes. "I'm afraid not ma'am."

As I turned to leave, i realized there was one more option, one i had hoped to avoid. I could go directly to the Rahl family home. Derek's parents had always liked me. Perhaps they would help, especially if they didn't know about the breakup.

---

Dusk was settling over the city as I arrived at the Rahl family estate. The familiar wrought-iron gates brought back a flood of memories-Sunday dinners, moments when I had almost felt like part of the family, before Derek decided to end our relationship.

Mrs. Rahl answered the door herself, her face lighting up with genuine surprise and pleasure.

"Lilian! What a wonderful surprise!" She embraced me warmly. "It's been too long, dear. Why haven't you visited us?"

I returned the hug awkwardly, guilt gnawing at me. "I've been busy with work, Mrs. Rahl. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Nonsense! Come in, come in. We're just about to have dinner."

"Oh, I don't want to impose," I began, but Mrs. Rahl was already ushering me inside.

"No imposition at all. In fact, your timing is perfect. The maid just set the table."

I followed Mrs. Rahl, noticing that nothing had changed since my last visit. The same artwork hung on the walls, the same fresh flowers adorned the entryway table. It was as if time had stood still here, while my own life had been turned upside down.

"Mr. Rahl will be so pleased to see you," Mrs. Rahl continued as we entered the dining room.

My attention was immediately drawn to the elegantly set table. Four place settings instead of the expected three. My questioning glance didn't go unnoticed.

"Oh, that's for Derek," Mrs. Rahl explained, her eyes twinkling. "He's joining us for dinner tonight-a rare treat these days. He sounded especially happy when I mentioned you were here."

My heart plummeted. "Mrs. Rahl, I should explain-"

"Darling! Look who's come to visit!" Mrs. Rahl called out as Mr. Rahl entered from his study.

The older man's face broke into a genuine smile. "Lilian! This is a pleasant surprise."

Trapped by politeness, I accepted their invitation to stay for dinner, all the while frantically trying to think of an excuse to leave before Derek arrived. When the couple stepped away to speak with the maid, i seized the opportunity to think.

"Actually, Mrs. Rahl, I came by to discuss something important," I said quickly. "I need to apply for a loan, and I was hoping you might help expedite the process."

Mrs. Rahl's expression softened. "Of course, dear. What's the loan for, if you don't mind my asking?"

I explained the situation... omitting Donovan's proposition and my own emotional breakdown-while the Rahal's listened attentively.

"That's terrible," Mr. Rahl said when i finished. "Insurance companies can be so difficult."

"We'll certainly help," Mrs. Rahl added. "But Michael handles the express loan approvals now. He can take care of everything."

"That's very kind," I said, rising from my seat. "um, I.. i should really be going. I've taken up enough of your evening."

"But dinner is almost ready," Mrs. Rahl protested. "And Derek will be so disappointed if he misses you."

"I really can't stay," I insisted, edging toward the door. "Thank you for your help. looking forward to Michaels positive response tomorrow."

The Rahls reluctantly walked me to the foyer. I bowed respectfully, thanking them once more for their assistance. As i straightened my eyes, i met a familiar gaze that froze me in place.

Derek Rahl stood in the doorway, his expression shifted from surprise to something unreadable as he took in the scene before him.

"What's the rush, Lil?" he asked, his voice as smooth as I remembered.

My heart skipped a beat. That sudden heartbeat that occurs when you meet someone you aren't supposed to...

* * *