I chuckled quietly. With Sarah, you rarely had the chance to say no. She had such a forceful, yet gentle nature. People found them agree to her wants without even realizing that they were doing it. I had often found it amusing as we had grown up together.
After being seated and placing our order, I began to tell Sarah about Ryan. She listened intently, nodding every once in a while to signal that she was taking in everything that I was saying. As I finished in a flourish, Sarah looked at me with a knowing expression. A small smile playing on her thin red lips.
“Amy my dear, you are in love,” she laughed.
“Don’t be silly. I’m a married woman,” I objected.
“Why should that make any difference to how you feel? And it isn’t as if Wayne has been treating you very nicely lately. I’ve seen how miserable you look sometimes. Don’t forget how long I have known you Amy. I know you’re not happy with the slob,” Sarah finished matter-of-factly.
“I’ve only just met this Ryan guy. And the couple of times I did speak to him, it was only brief,” I insisted.
“Again, it doesn’t matter. He has clearly had an impact on you.”
I pondered Sarah’s words as I forked some pasta into my mouth. Maybe she was right. I had never felt so strongly before when first meeting a man, not even with Wayne. Yet I couldn’t describe how Ryan’s touch had made me feel. It was as if fireworks were exploding inside of me.
Chapter Four
Over the following weeks, I tried hard not to be around Ryan as much as I could. Eating my lunch at my desk rather than joining my colleagues in the canteen. Lowering my gaze when we passed in the corridor. Just giving him a brief nod in greeting before quickening my pace to avoid speaking.
All the women on the staff whispered about Ryan, gossiping in the lounge about how good-looking he was. Even some of the female students were beginning to develop crushes on the new teacher in Town. Swooning as he sped away on his motorbike at the end of each day.
I couldn’t blame them, although I tried to hide my interest. Watching him from the corner of my eye whenever I saw him. Secretly wondering myself how to find out more about this mysterious man who had seemed to appear from nowhere.
Curiosity got the better of me at the end of one day as Ryan pulled out of the car-park. Without a thought to what I was about to do, I slowly began to follow him. He raced through the streets, weaving his way between the already mounting traffic. Struggling to keep up with him, I strained my neck so that he remained in view.
As he turned right down an uneven track, I pulled the car to a stop at the kerbside. I knew that lane, and the rumours about it that had been rife throughout the Town for as long as I could remember.
Though I had not seen the place myself, it is said by locals that there is a huge mansion at the end of the lane. I had always been too afraid of the tales that my parents told me as I was growing up to dare adventure further.
The mansion had been built centuries ago by the founder of the Town, a gentleman by the name of Wolfsan, who also gave the Town its name. People claimed that Wolfsan was actually a Werewolf, and ate the local children to feed his hunger.
The tale then continues to tell how all the men in the Town decided to kill Wolfsan to save their children. Marching down the lane to his home, dragging him outside while his wife and children screamed in protest. Wolfsan was then beheaded in the Town’s square, the locals looking on as his head fell. The rest of his family met the same fate, and the house was never lived in again. It is still believed that the ghosts of the Wolfsan family haunt the rooms of the mansion. A shiver ran down my spine at the memory of the story.
Yet Ryan hadn’t seemed in the least perturbed as he had ridden down the lane. Perhaps he hadn’t heard the story, and had bought the place himself. Now knowing where he lived, I turned the car around and drove home.
Once home, I made sure that Wayne was pre-occupied watching the television before dialling Sarah’s number. In a hushed voice, I quickly told her what I had done. And what I had discovered. I rolled my eyes as I heard her raucous laughter from the other end of the line.
“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist for long,” she giggled.
“Ok Sarah, you know me better than I thought,” I smiled.
“I’m not surprised he’s living at the Wolfsan place though,” Sarah suddenly stated.
“What do you mean?”
“Well Amy, from your description of him, where else would Ryan live. Dark and mysterious man on a motorbike, living in a haunted mansion. It sounds the perfect place for him.”
I had to admit that the same thought had crossed my mind on the drive back. I was now even more curious about him. Wondering whether or not Ryan had any family, or was he all alone in that huge house. I felt terrible thinking this way, but I felt drawn to him somehow. So I was becoming determined to find out more.
Hearing a creak on the stairs, I quickly changed the subject. Sarah instinctively knowing that I couldn’t talk anymore as Wayne was coming. I gave him a smile and wave as he opened the bedroom door. Motioning toward the phone as I lay curled upon the bed. Without speaking, he closed the door. I listened as his footsteps faded before I spoke again.
“I don’t know what to do Sarah. I’m intrigued by him, but whenever he is close to me I just get tongue-tied. So how on earth can I get to know him better?” I despaired.
“I’m not sure Amy. Listen, leave it with me and I will try to come up with a plan,” Sarah reassured me.
Feeling better after speaking with her, I ended my call to Sarah. Promising to keep her up to date, and let her know what happened between me and Ryan. I had no idea what type of plan she could possibly come up with though. Wracking my brain as I left the bedroom to begin dinner.
The only option that I could think of was to brave the rumours, and go down to the mansion where Ryan lived. Perhaps have a look around the grounds while he was away to see if I could get any further information about him. I knew that I was becoming infatuated, but I felt as if it was something that I had to do.
So, once Wayne had begun to snore on the couch I snuck from the house. Rolling the car from the drive so that I wouldn’t wake him. I parked a little further along the street, watching the junction to the mansion through my rear-view mirror.
The clock on the dash flashed each time a minute passed, and I had soon been sat there for an hour. Blasts of warm air from the heaters keeping me warm as I waited in the hope that I would see Kyle leave. Growing more and more frustrated as the lane remained quiet.
Snow had begun to fall again as I turned down the lane to the Wolfsan mansion. No longer able to sit wondering whether or not Ryan was at home. Searching my mind to think of a reason for my being there should he answer the door. Nerves knotted my stomach as I pulled onto a gravelled drive.
As the snow filled clouds lightened the sky, I looked up at the imposing white building before me. Large columns stood on either side of a huge wooden door. The paint was peeling, with ivy climbing up its walls. Stepping from the car, I was amazed by the size of the property. Craning my neck to look upwards to the highest balcony.
Taking the few steps, I opened the door. Wincing as it creaked upon its hinges. A musty smell hit my nostrils, causing me to put a hand to my mouth. My trainers squeaked as I crossed a large tiled hallway. Dust coated every surface, with cobwebs hanging from the portraits that filled the walls.
I gasped as I looked from one portrait to the next. All the pictures depicted a beast of an animal, dressed in the finest clothing. Their ears were pointed, long fingers with curved nails at the tips. Huge fangs showed as they offered the artist a smile, while their hair was long and neatly combed back from their faces.
Realizing that the Werewolf tales were true, my hand went to my chest as I struggled to catch my breath. I had never known such creatures existed in reality. Yet clearly they had been depicted here, the date of each portrait written in the bottom corner to prove the fact. Surely they couldn’t just be a pa
rt of some elaborate hoax?
Chapter Five
I jumped as a hand fell upon my shoulder. Spinning round to see Ryan facing me, an angry look in his eyes. My heart sank, this was the last thing that I had wanted. To be caught while I was here, appearing as if I was some kind of stalker.
“I am so sorry Ryan. I know I shouldn’t be here. I just wanted to….well I’m not sure really,” I blurted.
“I guess you are more curious than you believe yourself to be Amy,” Ryan answered with a hint of disappointment.
“Please don’t be angry with me Ryan. I don’t mean any harm, honestly,” I begged.
“Amy, by coming here you have put me and my family at risk. We live here secretly, and now you can see why,” he replied as he gestured to the portraits.
“Your secret is safe with me Ryan, I promise you.”
Ryan took my hand, leading me to a brighter area of the room. My mouth fell open when I saw him. He looked just as the other men did in the portraits. Standing proudly like a wolf upon its rear legs. I stroked the hair that covered his chin, unafraid by his appearance. Smiling, I looked into his eyes tenderly.
“You have nothing to fear from me Ryan,” I reassured him.
As he gave a low growl in the back of his throat, I saw shadows emerging from the depths of the house. Creatures just as Ryan stepped slowly from their hiding places. Men, women and children all eyeing me suspiciously as they moved closer. Ryan held up his hand to halt them.
“This is my friend Amy. There is no need to fear her. Her silence is guaranteed,” he announced.
Ryan’s family came nearer, fingering my clothes and running their fingers across my face. Eyeing me curiously, possibly wondering why I was there. Although I froze as they all surrounded me, I tried to keep my calm. Not wanting to scare or offend anyone. They reminded me of puppies, sniffing around to gauge how to react to a new person. Worrying if they could be trusted. I glanced at Ryan nervously, feeling reassured by the large smile that he gave me. Waving the others away, he took my hand again and led me to the couch.
“It is our time of night to change Amy,” Ryan explained as we sat beside each other.
“I understand,” I answered softly.
“The rumours that you have heard about my ancestor Wolfsan are true. We are all Werewolves here. This mansion is a safe haven for any creature that has no home of their own. So it is important that it remains a secret.”
Although I was shocked by what Ryan was telling me, I was surprizing undeterred. For some reason I felt safe sat here next to him. Even with the knowledge that he and his family could devour me at any moment.
Ryan held my hand as he spoke, looking at me tenderly as he told me of how they had all come to be here. Discovering that Wolfsan had safeguarded the place after his death to protect it from humans. Meaning that any Werewolf could live there safely without fear of being caught and ultimately killed.
That was the reason why they had all gathered at the mansion. Living normal lives during the day, yet able to change into a Werewolf at the end of the day within their own private circle. Not having to constantly look over their shoulders in case their true identity was discovered.
My heart swelled as I listened to Ryan. He clearly loved everyone around him, striving to protect them at all costs. Yet there was something that was confusing me. If the mansion kept them safe, how had I been able to gain entry? When I asked Ryan, he gave a slight chuckle before he answered.
“That Amy means that we can rely on your help and discretion. We now know that we have nothing to concern ourselves about you. That you will not ham us in any way now that you are aware of our existence.”
“But…” I began as Ryan placed a finger upon my lips to prevent me from speaking further.
“No one is fully aware of the powers of a Werewolf safe house and the people it allows to enter. All we know is that there is a deeper reasoning for it that can never be explained,” Ryan finished.
Ryan’s words confused me, but deep down I knew that he was speaking the truth. I had no cause to bring harm to these people, they were doing nothing wrong by being here. Even though some people may be frightened, all I felt was sympathy for their plight.
Knowing that I couldn’t stay for much longer in case Wayne woke, I apologized to Ryan and his family. Insisting that if there was anything that I could do to help them, they only need ask.
Before I could close the door of my car, Ryan bent low to give me a peck on the cheek. I blushed shyly, seeing the smiles that his family gave as they looked on. Somehow, I knew that I would be back here again soon.
Chapter Six
The following month passed quickly. Although I confided in Sarah that I was spending more time with Ryan, I didn’t explain everything to her. It felt strange not being able to speak with my best friend, but I wanted to honour the promise that I had made to Ryan and his family.
I began finding excuses to return home late on n evening. Hating that I was lying to Wayne, but desperate to spend more time with Ryan. It didn’t seem to concern Wayne however. Still unemployed, he had fallen into a state of depression that he appeared to remain engulfed in.
There had been many times when I had sat with him, flicking through the pages of the local press. Searching hard for some employment that could ease the pressures that we were both experiencing. Yet Wayne disregarded every suggestion that I made, making it clear that he wasn’t interested in finding new work.
So over time, visiting Ryan became a relief for me. I could relax and enjoy his company without have to worry about finances and Wayne’s increasingly bad temper. Often finding myself cowering when he raised his voice for the slightest reason. Silently praying that he won’t hurt me.
I had become closer to Ryan over this period too. Often finding myself sat there chatting with him until the hours. Having to call Sarah to ask if she could give me an alibi should Wayne ask where I had been.
With each conversation that Ryan and I had, I grew to realize just how much we had in common. I could talk to him so easily, about the slightest of things. He was always there with a listening ear, ready to provide his point of view. His gentle voice providing his opinion about any situation that I mentioned.
After Wayne and I had drifted apart, I had longed to feel close to someone like this again. I knew that I always had Sarah to confide in, but it felt different with Ryan. There was a connection between us that neither could pin-point. We had discussed it many times, unable to identify the feeling preciously. Yet I was reluctant to admit my growing feelings for him. Not wanting Ryan to reject me.
One certain evening as Ryan and I sat on the large leather couch together, he turned to me with a serious expression. I frowned as I waited for him to speak, taking a slight sip from the glass of wine that I held.
“Amy, I have a confession to make,” Ryan began in a whisper.
“A confession?” I asked curiously.
“We have spent many nights here together now. Both alone and with the rest of the family. They have accepted you, and enjoy your presence here. As do I.”
I watched silently as Ryan wrung his hands together. Clearly nervous about what he was trying to tell me. Not wanting to pressure him further, I bit my tongue lightly.
“Although I am fully aware that you are married to Wayne,” Ryan continued. “There is a ritual that a Werewolf can request when he would like a female to be his own. And I would be honoured if you would consider being my bride.”
Stunned, I was unsure how to reply. All I could do was stare into his eyes as my jaw dropped. Wondering if he was serious. The intensity of his look affirmed what Ryan had said.
It didn’t matter to me that I had no idea what the role of a Werewolf’s bride entailed, I had accepted before realising that the words had left my lips. A broad smile reaching my mouth as Ryan picked me up and twirled me around the room in glee.
As loud cheers filled the room, I looked at Ryan deeply as he set me back upon the floor.
&nb
sp; “What does all this mean?” I asked warily.
“The ritual will show our love for one another. I know that I haven’t said this to you before, but I do love you Amy,” Ryan blushed.
“I love you too Ryan. I would be honoured for you to be my Groom,” I gushed happily.
It didn’t matter to me that I was already married. All I wanted was to be able to call Ryan my husband, and to be his wife. I had grown to love him so much over the past month.
With preparations for my marriage to Ryan now being organized, I began to think of more elaborate excuses to give Wayne so that I could spend more time with him. All I wanted was to be by his side. To feel his naked body entwined with my own as we sleep contentedly in each other’s arms.
For reasons that I couldn’t explain, I was growing more excited by the idea of being Mrs Wolfsan than I had been when I had taken Wayne’s family name. It was causing a thrill within me that I had never experienced before.
Following the ritual, flakes of snow were falling to the ground. It was as though the heavens were blessing our union. Without even needing to speak, I knew that Ryan had though the same. Gazing into his sparkling blue eyes, I kissed him long and hard. Desperate to be alone with him. Ryan gave me a wry smile as he shrugged his shoulders. There was the reception to attend, and we had guests.
As the first song that we had requested began to play, Ryan swept me onto the dance floor. The train of my black wedding dress gliding across the floor as we danced around the room. I could feel eyes boring into me as we danced, yet I couldn’t take my own from Ryan’s face.
Ryan was smiling down at me gently. His hand against the small of my back, pressing me tight against him. Held against his muscular chest, my knees began to grow weak. I could feel his heart beat against my own. Tonight would be our first sexual encounter, and although I was nervous, I was also excited.
Werewolf Romance: A Teacher's Turmoil (Paranormal Romance 3 Book Bundle) Page 2
