Page 22 of Rescued By the Beast
Ted's presence fills the room before he even says a word.
"We have a problem, boss." To this day, I still find it strange how he addresses me at work, so different from the teasing Ted I know as a friend.
I sit up straight in my chair, my muscles tense before I even know what's going on.
"Human or supernatural?" I ask, and I feel the beast inside me brushing against my skin, as if it already knows what's coming.
Ted crosses his arms, his imposing silhouette blocking the open door behind him.
“Supernatural.” That single word makes me jump to my feet, ready for action. “A sentinel spotted another monster, tried to intercept it alone, and was seriously injured.”
My jaw tightens. This is exactly why we need to reinforce our forces urgently.
"What are we dealing with this time?" My voice sounds firmer, almost sharp.
Ted steps forward, pressing his lips together before delivering the news.
"A Wendigo. Last seen on the south side of town." Ted takes a deep breath, his eyes fixed on mine, already calculating the next steps. "I've already called on Viklaus and his team of psychics to manipulate the memories of any humans who may have seen something."
My canines lengthen and my claws slide out.
Wendigos.
Humans turned into immortal monsters, consumed by an insatiable hunger that can never be sated. Created by cannibalism, they are a grotesque mistake of nature, a distortion of everything a human being should be. Corrupted souls, without redemption; once they become what they are, there is no turning back. They roam the Earth, searching for human flesh to feed their eternal hunger.
"Casualties?" The question comes out in a growl, my claws already extended before I even hear the answer.
"We've found three humans and one supernatural so far..."
My blood runs cold.
"One of our people?"
"We're still trying to identify him, but he is not part of our team."
The metallic taste of rage explodes in my mouth. The beast within me roars, hungry for action. There is no more time for careful strategies or calculated decisions.
It's time to act.
"I need a sentinel who can fly to track the Wendigo more quickly."
"Keelan is already on standby," Ted says, adjusting hisheadsetwith his usual efficiency, and then gives the order. "Eagle, get ready to go."
"Tell him I'll take care of the Wendigo myself. I just need him to guide me to it."
"Understood, boss."
I descend the stairs to the first floor. My company occupies a three-story building, and waiting for the elevator in an emergency like this would take too long. When the situation requires us to take supernatural forms, we use the rear exit, which leads directly to the building’s private lane, where the car entrance and garage are located, guarded by a security gate.
As soon as I walk out the door, I smell feathers and adrenaline, followed by the sharp cry of an eagle echoing through the space.
Keelan appears already in his animal form, landing precisely on my outstretched arm, his sharp eyes fixed on mine.
"The Wendigo is moving fast. We have no time to lose. Take me to the bastard."
Keelan responds with a quick flap of his wings, and in the blink of an eye, he takes off, like an arrow slicing through the night sky.
I don't stay behind.
