Page 43 of Little Red Riding Hood
Red’s face was buried in Wim’s fur, his cheek pressing against a bloody mat. He couldn’t face the fully gut-wrenching display he was sure he’d see in Wim’s eyes.
“Get off me.” Wim’s words were strained. “I’m covered in their blood. Theirflesh. I can still taste it in my mouth.” A shudder ran through his massive form. “You were right. I’m nothing but a savage beast.”
Red’s arms tightened around Wim’s neck, even as the wolf tried to pull away. The copper tang of blood filled his nostrils, but he refused to let go.
“I should have ended this months ago.” Wim’s words came out in a broken whisper. “Before I killed anyone else. Astrid…” His voice caught. “She found me with the rope. Stopped me. Said there had to be another way.” A bitter laugh rumbled through his chest. “But look what I’ve become. Those men—”
“Stop.” Red pulled back just enough to meet Wim’s gaze. The feral hunger had vanished completely, replaced by a deep well of self-loathing that made Red’s chest ache.You did this, you stupid fool.“I shouldn’t have said those cruel things. I only wanted to break through to you.”
“Every word was true.” Wim’s ears flattened against his skull. “What kind of creature rips men apart like that? You were right about Tobias. That boy thinks I’m some kind of hero. I’m not.” He jerked his head towards the mangled bodies. “I’m a fucking monster. Only thing left is to remove myself completely, make it so I can’t kill again.”
“No!” Red cried. “Youdidn’t kill these men, Wim! It’s just a bit further to the Dark Forest. You’re going to cure your illness, and all will be well again. You’ll go back to your pack, and cook for everyone again, and hunt and play with Toby.”And never see me again. “Please, Wim, let’s finish our journey. I can’t do this without you!”
A distant shout pierced the air. Wim’s ears shot up, his massive head turning towards the sound. More voices joined the first, growing closer with each passing moment.
“That man must have found his friends.” Red’s heart raced. “We need to leave. Now.”
“Maybe I should stay here. Let them finish it.” His eyes were fixed on the mangled corpses. “Their families deserve that much.”
“Like hell you will.” Red grabbed a fistful of Wim’s fur, yanking the wolf’s head around to face him. “You think dying will solve anything? Those men chose to lay poison for you. They weren’t innocent victims—they tried to murder you first!”
“That doesn’t excuse—”
“Shut up and listen to me.” Red pressed his forehead against Wim’s muzzle, ignoring the blood. His fingers tightened in Wim’s fur. “I won’t let you give up. Not when you’re so close.”
The voices grew even louder. Someone shouted about following a blood trail.
Wim’s ears flattened. “Red—”
“No.” Red cut him off. “Either we both leave right now, or I’m staying here to face that mob with you. My Auntie Anne once said life is full of careful choices. And now you have to choose, Wim. Choose to live. Choose to come with me. Choose Tobias, and Astrid, and your pack.”
A growl rumbled through Wim’s chest. “You’re a menace.”
“So I’ve been told.” Red tugged at Wim’s fur. “Now move your furry ass before they catch us both.”
With a resigned huff, Wim surged to his feet. Red took the opportunity to quickly reclaim his bow.
“Climb on my back,” Wim growled, crouching low to the ground. “We’ll move faster this way.”
Red’s heart skipped as he stumbled back in shock.Ride the wolf like a horse?! Madness!The massive wolf’s back stretched before him like a grey mountain, muscles rippling beneath thick fur. His mouth went dry. One wrong move and he’d tumble straight off.
“For fuck’s sake, hurry up!” Wim’s tail lashed in agitation as another shout echoed through the trees, closer now.
Red’s fingers fumbled with the straps of his pack, cinching them tight across his chest. His bow jumped against his spine as he took a hesitant step forward. What if he lost his weapon?
Wim’s fur felt coarse under Red’s palms as he gripped two handfuls, the texture different from the soft downiness of his scruff. Red swung his leg over, thighs pressing against Wim’s sides. Heat radiated through his breeches from the wolf’s body, and Red’s stomach lurched as he settled his weight.
Red never was the biggest fan of horse riding.
He’d just have to close his eyes and cling on for dear life.
The scent of pine needles and blood filled his nose as he pressed his chest against Wim’s back, trying to find his balance. His fingers twisted deeper into the thick fur, heart hammering against his ribs.
“Hold tight,” Wim rumbled beneath him. “And try not to pull my fur out by the roots.”
Before Red could brace himself, Wim shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow. The world blurred into streaks of green and brown as they tore through the forest. Red’s stomach dropped, but instead of the nauseating bounce of a horse’s gallop, Wim’s movements flowed like water. His massive paws struck the earth in a rhythm that felt as natural as breathing.
“Got to find my pack,” Wim said. “The beast always shakes it off when he takes control. Right pain in the ass.”
