#werewolfstories

[amlitlover]

Alexei Tolstoy’s Vourdalak Family

Second cousin to Leo Tolstoy, wrote about "Vourdalak" a Slavic and Balkan folktale reference to a vampire or werewolf. https://americanliterature.com/author/alexei-tolstoy/short-story/the-family-of-the-vourdalak

[shootingstarbabyblog]

Werewolf Graveyard

Werewolf Graveyard by: Deanna Jaxine Stinson

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Nine

Tears pooled my eyes once again. I stood staring at everything and nothing in front of a field where my students were helplessly slaughtered.

I felt my tears trickle down my cheeks as I remember Jamal’s antics and Dustin’s sweet smile. Their other friend, Liam, would often tag along with them though he was the quiet type. Dustin’s girlfriend was the fourth victim. Their group was reportedly the first ones to be attacked. All four of them dead.

Maybe if I had joined them like they asked, I could’ve at least… I wasn’t even sure if I could protect them. I talk big game about my combat training but I’ve never really been in an actual fight. I’ve never even seen a rogue, let alone fought one.

I watched as medics treated the few people left on the scene. More students crying, trembling in fear from last night’s nightmare. People have started to gather around the area, whispering, making assumptions about what has occured. They irritated me so I start to walk away.

I felt my mom touch my arm. “You want me to walk with you, sweetheart?”

I shook my head lightly. “I think I’ll stay in my office for a bit.”

I sighed a breath of relief when she let me. But I felt her walking closely behind. I knew she wouldn’t let me be alone. With a heavy heart, I walked to my office. I could feel my feet getting tired but I really wasn’t. I could walk for miles and still it wouldn’t help me with my grief.

Once inside my office, I’ve decided on what I should do. I started checking and computing the rest of my students’ grades. Hours may have passed already, I didn’t check. When I reached Jamal’s papers, I didn’t skim through it. I read it word by word. Every single paper he submitted, I read it again as if I could hear him saying it. When my eyes started to hurt from all the reading, I put the papers down. And once I cleared my table, I saw the gift they gave me. I was reminded of their happy go lucky attitude.

Suddenly, I remembered their parents. I wonder how they feel. Here I am, just their professor. I’ve known them for a few months and I’m balling my eyes out. What about the people who raised them, sheltered them?

All I could think of was, I needed to finish computing their grades. So I could give it to their parents, and tell them how much hard work they did just to be able to… graduate.

But now they couldn’t. I was wailing at this point. I heard my mom come in but I couldn’t hear her. I may have fainted from all the crying because the next thing I knew I was being carried, my arm dangling from one side.

My stomach felt empty, I knew I hadn’t eaten since coming to town, but I wasn’t hungry. Or maybe I was but it was the least of my concerns.

I was feeling light headed so even when I was conscious, I couldn’t even lift my head. I was only comforted knowing that my mate was the one carrying me. Leith… my mate.

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Eight

“We’ll have to go to town.” I told Vivian once we were done eating. I know she’s been itching to ask.

I got a call last night about a rogue attack. I wouldn’t get a call at that hour if it weren’t dire. We had patrols in Maxwell but only enough to stop a rogue or two. From the report, they told me numerous wolves have already attacked humans, even killed a few. There were too many rogues to count. Elliot, some other warriors, and I had to rush to town. And when we got there, the sight was gruesome even for me. There was a blazing bonfire in the middle of a bloodied field. I could hear screams and growls. I shifted along with my pack to get rid of the rogues and protect what’s left of the humans present.

Knowing that this was the bonfire site, my heart ached for my mate’s students. I knew they were here. Some may have died already.

It was odd because as soon as I was in their line of sight, I noticed the rogues stopped attacking the others and headed straight for me. It’s a good thing my beta and warriors have my back because they noticed it too.

We’ve killed about fifteen rogues. The others may have been scared away. We shifted back right before human policemen and medical rescuers arrived.

We tried to help carry the wounded. There was only so much we could do before we had to head back. Exhaustion pulling us down.

I know I would have to speak with the mayor.

When Vivian and I were close to the site, I felt her stiffen. She knew as soon as she realized where we were headed. There were police cars, ambulances, and other pack cars. I squeezed her hand.

Not long after, the car came to a stop. My parents, former alpha and luna, were already there speaking with Mayor Blaney. Most likely doing damage control.

As we got out of the car, Vivian’s father rushed to her. “Dad…” She said, her voice trembling. The former beta pulled her into a hug.

He glanced at me, gesturing for me to go to my parents. I nodded and walked to where they were, jaw clenched. I haven’t been here five minutes and I’m already dreading being here.

As soon as Mayor Blaney saw me, she berated me with all that’s happened. “Four are dead, and thirteen severely injured.” Her ears are almost red in color. She was fuming. “Do you think so little of our town that you would decrease our patrols?”

“No, of course not.” I defended. “There hasn’t been such a massive attack in decades. We never anticipated this to happen.”

“That’s the problem. No one anticipated it, so no one’s prepared.” She said.

“You’re right.” I said, “We shouldn’t have let our guard down.” I could sense my parents’ approval with my answer. “We’ll triple patrols from here on out.”

She scoffed. “Too late for that!” I know she’s this angry because people will blame her. At times like these, I’m extremely glad the treaty is in place. In one of the clauses, it indicates that if ever any official from Maxwell reveals the existence of our kind, no matter how advanced or modern the world has become, they will be sentenced to death.

“Mayor Blaney,” My father spoke. “No one intended for this to happen.” As he and my mother continued to reason with the mayor, I glanced around to find my mate.

She was still with her father, along with a woman who might be her mom. I can see my mate’s tear filled eyes. I wanted nothing more than to just grab her and take her away from here, kiss all her worries and pain. But the mayor is angry enough as it is. If I leave now, she might think I don’t care about this at all.

There were local news reporters and journalists around. After a series of back and forth, the mayor and I have decided to tell them that it was indeed a pack of wolves that attacked. And that they have come too close to humans and were probably threatened. Most of the victims were drunk and thus couldn’t properly defend themselves, which was slightly true. You could still smell the stench of alcohol mixed with blood.

After the last body was taken to the morgue, the site was covered with police tape. We had our own investigations. Reports say that the rogues came out of nowhere, ran past a few people before starting to attack. The four that died seemingly mangled to death. Some people, the rogues completely ignored.

I had to speak again with the mayor about a lot of things. So I had to leave Vivian with her parents. “I’m so sorry, love. I’ll see you soon.” I held her and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She looked at me, I knew she just stopped crying but it looks like she’s going to start again. It breaks my heart to see her like this.

“Go ahead, Alpha.” said Beta Glen. “We got her.”

I nodded to her parents, grateful for them for staying with my mate.

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Seven

I woke up to the sound of hushed voices. Leith was on the phone as he headed out the door. It was still dark. I looked at the time on my phone and it was only one in the morning. What could be so important that they had to wake him up? An attack? Rogues maybe? Or the shadowy creature in a cloak?

It gave me a chill just remembering him. I shook my head, tried to go back to sleep but my head started to hurt. I stood up, pacing around the room, drank some water, and started pacing again until I was tired enough. I sat down but still couldn’t sleep.

By four in the morning, the door opened revealing a tired looking Leith. His eyes widened when he saw me. “You’re awake.” He said, quite out of breath.

Abruptly, I stood up. “What’s going on?” I walked to him but he put his hands in front of him. Even in the dark I could see smudges of blood and dirt all over him. He had a clean set of clothes yet he still looked disheveled.

“I need to shower first.” He said. His eyes sunk due to lack of sleep, his voice hoarse due to exhaustion. I nodded and sat back down on the bed.

I could hear water pouring from the shower and I smelled his soap, which reminded me of the forest after it just rained. I closed my eyes and sunk to the bed. I remembered pine and wet rocks. The sound of his shower turned to the sound of flowing river. I could hear birds, then from a distance a twig broke. I sat up feeling the bed with my hand but it was moss. I looked around to see I was in a forest. The trees were dancing with the wind. A deer was frolicking nearby but didn’t run away from me.

I stood up and started walking. This was a nice dream. Feels like from a distant memory. But I know I have never been to a place like this. The deer walked beside me as if we were friends. We stopped near an old stone house. I walked towards it but the deer didn’t follow. I noticed the birds stopped singing on this part of the forest or rather they stopped flying near. Even the trees have stopped swaying. I don’t know why but I know I needed to go inside the house. I was here to check something.

Gathering courage, I took a step then another until my hand was on the door. As soon as I opened it I felt everything darken. The place had all sorts of books and trinkets, jars with unknown objects. But what caught my eye was right in the middle of the room. There was some sort of force field and inside there was a bulky man with so many wounds you would think he’s dead. I walked toward it, reaching my hand out when suddenly the cloaked figure was right in front me.

I was jolted awake with so much fright, my whole body was trembling. I shook my head trying to get the image out of my head. I looked around and it was already daylight. Leith stirred beside me in bed. I exhaled thankful that he’s here.

As much as I wanted to ask him about last night, I didn’t want to wake him. So instead, I went down to grab my own breakfast. Luckily for me, I ran into Sarah in the dining hall.

She was also clearly stressed out and to add to that, she was pregnant. But she greeted me with a smile as soon as she saw me. “Good morning, Luna.”

I was shocked to say the least. “Luna?” I know what a luna is. And for her to call me that, I start to wonder. If and only if my hunches were right, Leith told them I’m his mate.

“Oh sorry,” said Sarah. “I was just… I didn’t mean to…” She looked like she didn’t get enough sleep as well.

“Just call me Vivian. Or Viv is fine.” I said, shrugging it off. She grabbed me a plate. Before we could even sit, Leith came in, not looking very happy that I let him sleep in.

He breathed a sigh of relief once he saw me. He came to me and pulled me in a hug. “Don’t ever leave my side. Ever again. Ever.”

I chuckled a little. “Okay, Alpha.”

Sarah laughed. “Here have some breakfast.” She dropped her prepared plate beside mine then grabbed a banana and walked out the door.

I just realized, she grabbed a plate entirely for Leith. She probably had breakfast with her mate earlier, mindlinked Leith that I’m in the dining hall about to have breakfast alone.

“Let’s dig in.” said Leith. We sat down and start eating. He’s avoiding the elephant in the room. Seeing as he is quietly eating, I did so too. It was a nice change of pace but there was the dread of calm before the storm.

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Six

“I’m going to be fine. We’re going to be fine.” I lied. Not just for me, but for the both of us. Nothing is scarier than an enemy you don’t know how to fight.

It could reappear right now as I walk through the quiet hallways of the university. It could appear before me as I open my office door. I looked around and exhaled a breath I didn’t know I was holding. In my silent chaotic office, it was just me.

I drowned myself with work, yet I still felt I was being watched. I thought maybe Leith assigned warriors around the university to check on me. It was a better thing to keep in mind than whatever creature we saw was lurking around the university, observing me.

Every once in a while I could hear footsteps, and sometimes chatter from outside. Professors passing through, janitors or students maybe asking for extra credit. I was glad to hear even a few noises outside. By lunch there was a knock on my door, which made me jump a little. A creature who could appear and disappear out of nowhere wouldn’t knock on my door, right?

“Come in.” I said, almost a whisper.

“Morning, professor.” Mika came in to my office with coffee and a sandwich. “It’s already paid for.” She placed it on my desk. With the way she’s smiling, I knew who it was from.

“Thank you.” I smiled at her. She looked at me as if she had something to say. “What is it?”

She shrugged. “How are you today?”

Leith must have told her something. “I’m fine, Mika. And if he asks you to check on me again, tell him-“

“You’re fine.” She nodded. “Mr. Wallace really cares about you. I don’t know what happened but he’s only worried about you.”

I sighed and offered her a seat. “Someone broke into my apartment last night.” It wasn’t entirely a lie, it did happen. I just had to omit the parts regarding supernatural beings who may or may not be after me or Leith.

Mika’s eyes widened. I continued before she could speak. “Nothing was taken or anything. I think we got back before they could do any damage.” I shrugged trying to brush it off.

“Well, I’m glad nothing happened to you.” She said.“ You should eat your lunch. And update Mr. Wallace.” She added giggling. She stood up from her seat. “I have to get back to the cafe. There aren’t much people around but someone might buy something.”

Maybe I was looking for company and I didn’t want her to leave yet so I asked. “Are you going to the bonfire tonight?”

She shook her head. “With school already finished, I was given less hours at the cafe. So I applied for a full time job at a different cafe. They asked me to come by later to get my uniform and know my schedule. I think I also have to sign papers, and read their memos so I might be there a while.”

“Oh that sounds nice.” I said. “You already have your summer planned out.”

She laughed, “Life of a working student.”

As much as I wanted to keep her here, she had to go back to work. And I do too.

I texted Leith thanking him for lunch. After eating, I continued grading papers, computing grades. I’ve only finished finalizing my morning classes when I received a text from Leith saying he’s waiting for me outside the building. I looked at the time and realized it was already almost six.

Well at least I got to get my mind off of some things. When I walked out my office, I saw three of my students. “Hey, Miss V.” They greeted. But it was always Jamal who approaches me first. “We know you’re not coming to the bonfire. But we got you something.”

He handed me a frame with a ribbon tied to the side. It was a selfie in class, with me in the front, and everyone else in their seats. It seemd that I was totally unaware. Even so, it touched my heart. In my two years of working as a professor, this is the first time I received a gift. “That’s so thoughtful of you, guys.” I said in awe. “Thank you so much.”

I hugged all three of them. I really appreciated their gift. “You’re welcome, Miss V.” Said Dustin.

“We’re headed there now, are you sure you don’t want to come?” Jamal asked, they were already starting to walk out.

I shook my head. “Enjoy the night. You earned it.”

He jogged back and gave me another quick hug. “You’re one of the best teachers I’ve ever met.” He said. “I mean, who teaches History and Literature and make me want to listen?” We both laughed then he finally left with his friends.

I looked at the frame and went back to my office, placed it on the desk. It brought a smile to my face.

As soon as I walked out my door, I saw Leith walking towards me. “Hey, I was just about to come meet you.” I told him.

He smiled at me. “I couldn’t wait.”

We grabbed dinner and as much as I wanted to stay the night in my apartment, Leith insisted we head to his pack. I’m glad I did because even though I couldn’t sleep peacefully, Leith provided a warmth that made me feel safe.

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Five

I didn’t know how to tell Vivian. There was no sign of that eerie shadow. The same one I saw last night across the road, near her apartment. It seems this is the first time she’s encountered it, which makes me think I maybe the cause of this.

However, I didn’t have enemies, werewolf packs have been in alliance for almost a century. But then again, what we saw last night was no werewolf.

I sighed, if it were for another reason, I’d be happy to have Vivian on my bed. She agreed to stay with me in my room. It was the only way I could know that she’s safe. But even then, I felt somebody watching us.

She’s still sound asleep. Nothing happened between us, but I did enjoy having her in my arms even though I couldn’t sleep a wink. It reassured her though because after a while, she fell into slumber. And that’s the only time I felt her relax.

I stood up and headed out, I mindlinked Elliot to meet me in the office. Sarah came in with him, holding breakfast. Her shoulders dropped when she saw me but still proceeded to put the tray on my desk. “Thanks.” I muttered. “I’m glad to know you look happy to see me.”

“I just thought she’s here.” She chuckled. “I brought the two of you breakfast.”

“I let her rest.” I shook my head. “She was really…”

She gave me a reassuring smile, and then excused herself. Elliot sat on a chair near my desk. “I don’t know what to tell you, man.” He said, shaking his head in disbelief.

“I know, I know.” I resigned. “It was definitely not a werewolf.” I scrunched my face, worried that I couldn’t keep my mate safe, and I just met her. I sighed loud enough to try to let my frustations out in one breath.

“Could it be, some packs have resorted to dark magic?” Asked Elliot.

It was a hunch but it was not impossible. Some pack or packs might be walking away from the alliance. I feel like my head is going to fall off by the amount of times I shook my head. Every bad thought, every hunch made me want to bubble wrap Vivian. All of a sudden, she’s the most precious one in the world for me.

My office door opened, Sarah walked in with my mate. Vivian smiled at me, “good morning.”

“Good morning.” I greeted back with a smile, which immediately turned to a frown when I saw her dressed with her bag ready to leave.

“I told her to have breakfast with you first.” Said Sarah, then gestured for her mate to leave the room with her.

Vivian sat across from me, looking at the plate of scrambled eggs and pancakes. “The coffee’s gone cold.” I said before standing up. “I’ll get you a fresh one.”

“No, it’s fine.” She stopped me. “I don’t think I should be drinking coffee. Not for a while.” She glanced at her hand, and before she could hide it, I saw them shaking.

I rushed to her side and grabbed her in a bear hug. I inhaled her scent, which I think was getting stonger. She did the same and I felt her relax.

After a while, she pulled away from me. “I think we should eat.”

“Of course,” I replied. I sat in front of her. I watched her take her first bite before I started eating.

“You don’t have to leave.” I said. I wanted to convince her to stay but she made up her mind.

She shook her head, “I still have work to do.” She chuckled. “Lots of papers to skim through.”

Even after last night, she still thought of work. I agreed only when she reassured me that she will be staying in her office all throughout, and that she will call me when she’s done.

“Thank you.” She said, after I dropped her at Maxwell.

I grabbed her into a tight hug, rained kisses on her neck and shoulders, inhaling more of scent. She giggled. “I’m going to be fine. We’re going to be fine.”

I pulled away and saw her smiling. She was no longer trembling but I could feel she’s only pretending.

[onlygirlfeels]

Chapter Four

I didn’t want Leith to leave, so I invited him to dinner with my parents. My mother was undoubtedly happy to meet him. I noticed she kept nudging and making eye contact with my father. She was never subtle.

Leith was polite the whole dinner. I wonder what he and my dad talked about earlier that they had to leave the room to have a conversation. Whatever it is, my dad seems to have accepted him. This is way too early in a relationship. But who cares? I like this man beside me.

I look at him with doe eyes while he animatedly tells his countless stories about his pack. My dad listens, watches, and laughs all throughout. I know how much it means to him, hearing stories about his former pack. I never belittled his sacrifice for us, but I wish I could do more.

After dinner, we said our goodbyes to my parents. “Lovely meeting you, Leith.” My mom said, giving him a quick hug.

He was hesitant at first but after seeing my dad nod, he returned it with a smile. “You too, Mrs. Whitmore.” Said Leith. “I hope to see you again soon.”

“You might.” My mom laughed.

My dad hugged me, but before kissing my cheek, he whispered, “I know you’re in safe hands.” He then patted Leith’s back, “We’ll be going then.”

I know he heard it. He had a silly smile on his face that said so. I waved as their car passed us. We started walking to his car. I did’t have one because I hate driving, especially at night.

“So,” Leith started. “What does a professor do on a Friday night?”

I shrugged. “By this time, I should have been finished grading half of the pile in my office.”

“You can read that fast?” He seemed surprised. “I mean, you know…”

I laughed. “When reading essays, I normally just skim the words. Once I find the gist of what I was looking for, I grade them.”

His mouth formed an ‘O’ in understanding. He’s a good listener. I wonder if he’s a good kisser too with those nice lips.

We continued to share stories during the car ride back to my apartment. He walked me to my door afterwards. I didn’t want him to leave, and it seems he didn’t want to either. He leaned closer to me, one hand on my door, just above the side of my head. It made me think of those romance books, where the guy corners the girl and then kisses her.

I leaned back on my door, looking up at him, waiting for that kiss. But before our lips could touch, my door suddenly opened. I would’ve fallen flat on the floor if Leith hadn’t caught me with both arms. I gasped loudly. As he caught me, we’re now in a tight hug and all I could see are those sumptuous lips. He must be thinking the same as he was looking at me.

However, out of the blue, his head snapped up. He growled as he rushed in front of me, as if shielding me from something. I couldn’t see from behind him as he towers over me by a foot. I peaked from behind his arm, which were now full of dark grey hair. Before I could even register what I saw, it was gone. A dark figure in a cloak, as if waiting for me but didn’t expect my company.

The image sent shivers down my spine, I felt I had goosebumps the entire night, even though Leith never removed body contact with me. He either had both arms around me, or hold my hand when we walked. We stayed out of my apartment. He called his beta, who then brought four more with him. They did a search in my apartment, but both Leith and I knew they wouldn’t find anything. The figure literally vanished into thin air, right before our eyes.

“There’s nothing, Alpha.” Said Elliot. “Not a scent, not any trace at all.”

I knew how to defend myself, from humans and werewolves, but beings that just disappear? I never learned anything against those.