Chapter 3: In the Hunter’s Den

Her apartment was cozy, filled with candles and throw blankets. The air smelled like vanilla and something wild. I hesitated in the doorway, suddenly nervous. Like I belonged here.

Once the door closed, I couldn’t ignore the way she looked at me. It was like I was her prey. Who was the hunter now?

Her gaze was hungry, intense. I swallowed, suddenly unsure of who was hunting whom.

When she leaned closer, my instincts screamed to close the distance—just to take the edge off my hunger.

My body moved on its own, drawn to her warmth. I barely noticed the way my claws flexed, the way my ears perked up.

She suddenly pleaded, “Eli, I’m scared. Can you stay until I fall asleep?”

Her voice was trembling, almost childlike. How could I say no? I nodded, heart pounding.

Perfect. Once she was asleep, I could sneak another taste of her blood. Just a little.

I told myself it was just survival, but part of me wanted more—wanted her to want me, too. I hated myself for it.

Hearing the water running, I sprang into action. I slipped a sleeping pill into her cup—stuff I’d used myself when hunger kept me up at night.

I fished the little white pill from my pocket, crushing it between my claws. It dissolved quickly in her glass, swirling into nothing. My heart pounded with guilt.

She was taking forever in the shower, so when she finally came out, I worried the dose wasn’t enough and crushed another pill into her water.

My hands shook as I added the second pill. I hoped she wouldn’t notice, but desperation made me reckless.

When I handed her the cup, her expression was odd. She glanced inside, and I held my breath, sure she’d noticed. But she downed it in one go.

She wiped her mouth, eyes meeting mine for a split second. Something flickered there—amusement, maybe? Did she know?

Soon the drugs took effect, and Cassie fell into a deep sleep.

She curled up on the couch, breathing slow and steady. I watched her for a long time, waiting for her to stir. Her breathing was soft, even, her warmth radiating in the quiet room.

I watched her for a bit, then leaned in close to her ear. “Cassie, are you asleep?”

Her lashes didn’t flutter. I waited, counting the seconds between each breath. Was she really asleep?

Once I was sure, I whispered, “Sorry, I’m just too hungry. I’ll only take a little blood.” I hoped she wouldn’t remember.

My voice was barely audible, trembling with guilt and longing. I hoped she couldn’t hear me—even in dreams.

I carefully moved in. Her pale neck, the veins beneath her skin—my hunger flared.

I brushed her hair aside, heart racing. The scent of her skin was overwhelming. My fangs ached, desperate. Her warmth seeped into me, making my head spin.

I bent down, inhaling her scent. For this rare treat, I was gentle and slow. Her heartbeat fluttered beneath my lips.

I pressed my lips to her skin, careful not to break the surface. Just a taste—just enough to keep me going. Her blood was warmth, life, everything I craved.

Fresh blood instantly washed away my fatigue and weakness, even giving me a strange, shivering thrill.

It was like coming up for air after drowning. My body tingled, every nerve alive.

When I finished, I couldn’t help but sneak a few more licks before her wound healed. My claws clung greedily to her arm. Please, just a little more.

I pressed my face into her shoulder, savoring the warmth. I didn’t want to let go. Please, just a little more.

If only I could feed directly. Blood was just a substitute—I needed real affection even more.

I ached for something deeper—a hug, a kiss, a whispered secret in the dark. Blood wasn’t enough.

I could already smell something even sweeter.

Her scent filled the room, thick and heady. Mine, if she’d let me.

I looked up—and the comments feed went wild.

[The yandere’s got moves—even the werewolf claws are out! And the lead still thinks she’s knocked out!]

[Open your eyes, dude! She’s blushing like crazy!]

[Blushing? She probably needs new pants by now!]

[Those greedy claws… I want to see what happens in her basement! Seven days and nights—our werewolf deserves it!]

[Funniest part? Cassie was planning to drug him, but caught him drugging her instead—just what she wanted!]

[She wants to sleep with him, but all he does is sneak a lick!]

[He’s holding back so hard—even his claws are out. Is he really a werewolf? If not, let me try!]

I tried to ignore them, but my cheeks burned.

Wait a minute.

A chill ran down my spine. What if they were right? I replayed the messages in my head, piecing it together.

Out of all the messages, one thing stood out—Cassie was faking sleep!

Maybe the comments were right after all? I was afraid to find out.

My claws wrapped around her warm arm, ready to test it—see if she’d react—

I hesitated, torn between hunger and curiosity. Was she really asleep? Or was she waiting for me to make a move?

The door creaked open.

The sound snapped me back to reality. I froze, claws retracting in an instant. Not now.

From the living room, Madison’s smug voice floated in:

She didn’t even bother to knock, just barged in like she owned the place. Her heels clicked against the hardwood, each step louder than the last. Her perfume hit me, sharp and artificial, slicing through Cassie’s warmth.

“Cassie, did you see my boyfriend just now?”

Her tone was all fake sweetness, but I could hear the edge underneath. “You don’t think he’s sulking at my dorm again, do you?”

She laughed, cold and sharp—it sliced through the air. The words stung, but I stayed hidden, clutching Cassie’s arm like a lifeline.

“What a clingy doormat!”

Her laughter echoed down the hallway, mean and triumphant. I felt my blood boil, but I didn’t move. Not yet.

I didn’t move—but something in me finally did.