Prologue
Present Day
The young man stood in the open meadow under the full moons glow. His clothes were folded neatly on an oversized tree stump. He knew what would happen when the moon shone freely, but tonight the reluctant monster welcomed the change. Normally, he avoided the call of his wild side at all costs. However, every excruciating pain, pull and tearing of his limbs was worth it, because it would bring him closer to her.
When the transformation was complete, all signs of the young man had disappeared, only a majestic wolf remained. He tipped his head up to face the moon, and let out a chilling howl, that stopped suddenly as one thought entered the wolfs mind. It was his only one as he raced through the woodland, jumping over brush, under growth, and over-turned logs. He revelled in the speed and strength he felt in his limbs, allowing himself to enjoy the run. He scented a rabbit, a squirrel and even a deer, but he was not concerned with food at the moment, that would come later. His need was over powering, taking away all other thoughts.
His paws thundered over the well worn trail, this was not the first night he had taken the journey. The trail was miles long, but with his obsessed mind, he made it to his destination in no time. Finally he broke from the trees, and emerged onto a well manicured lawn. He wasn't concerned at being discovered. His mind was too far gone to be cautious.
The grey stone mansion stood above him towering on the crest of a hill. He raced up to it, his paws digging into the abundant grass, taking his usual position, next to a cedar bush. The smell of the flowers from the garden whirled around him momentarily mixing with the only scent that mattered. Once he caught it, he followed it to the glass patio door. Cream colored curtains were parted in the center, and he peered through, knowing what he would see. His heart raced with anticipation.
There she was lying in her bed, her pale blue duvet pulled up to her neck, her fiery locks cascading over the soft feathery pillow. The wolf yearned to touch the silky strands, knowing it would feel so soft in his hands, but the man inside knew it could never happen.
Riley's Curse, A Moon's Glow Prequel Page 19
