The curse of the wolf

A need to protect

*Anaïs*

I glance at Griff, the corners of his mouth turned up in a playful grin. Despite the tension in the room, I can’t help but smile back at him. Mathis hesitates, but then nods, understanding and perhaps a little relieved that the situation has diffused somewhat.

“Alright,” Mathis agrees, his tone cautious but amicable. “Enjoy your dance, Anaïs.”

As Griff leads me back to the ballroom, the masquerade party is still in full swing. I can’t help but feel as if I’m being swept away in a dream, this time a positive one. The music swells, and we join the other dancers as they twirl and glide across the floor. His touch sends warm tingles through me, his scent engulfs me, and his hazel eyes mesmerize me, making it impossible to look away.

The waltz is both magical and surreal, and I find myself lost in the moment, forgetting the troubles that await me outside the confines of the dance floor.

My body seems to move in perfect harmony with Griff’s, and it’s as if we are two pieces of a puzzle that fit together seamlessly. It is similar to my dance with Llewelyn, and then, at the same time, completely different. Like a dream and a nightmare are kind of the same, and yet different.

Swirling over the floor, I feel like the laws of reality stop mattering to me, and I am floating. Existing in another dimension.

As the music slows and the dance comes to an end, I glance up at Griff, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable. The intensity of the connection we shared during the waltz both exhilarates and terrifies me.

“Thank you for the dance,” I murmur, my voice barely audible above the fading music.

Griff leans down, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispers, “It was my pleasure, Anaïs. Remember, I’m here to protect you, no matter what.”

He bows his head, pressing a kiss to my hand. His lips lingering on my skin, warmth spreading up my arm, stealing my breath. Then he lets go, and my hand suddenly feels so cold.

As we part ways, I can’t help but feel a sense of loss, like something precious has slipped through my fingers. I know I should be focusing on Mathis and the life we are meant to build together, but Griff has awakened something within me, and I can’t shake the feeling that our fates are now inextricably intertwined.

As the other dancers disperse, I notice Mathis approaching, his face displaying a wellknown mix of jealousy and irritation. He has been watching us from a distance, and it’s clear that our dance has annoyed him. Griff seems to have disappeared, most likely to attend to other guests.

“Anaïs, we should leave now,” Mathis states firmly, barely concealing his displeasure.

I glance around the ballroom, feeling a twinge of disappointment. I would have liked to stay longer, but I don’t want to fight with Mathis.

“Alright,” I agree softly, forcing a smile. “Let’s go.”

Mathis offers his arm, and I take it, casting one last glance around the ballroom, at the other guests mingling. We make our way to the entrance, saying our goodbyes and thanking Griff, who shows up as summoned, for the evening as we pass by him.

“Thank you for a memorable evening, Marquess,” Mathis says to Griff, his voice strained. Griff nods at him cordially, and I sense a tension between the two men, which has me keep a distance, giving a light curtsy as I do not know what else to do.

As Mathis and I step out into the cool night air, the silence between us is heavy. He seems determined to maintain his composure, but I can sense the jealousy simmering beneath the surface.

Inside the car, Mathis’ demeanor remains cold. “I didn’t appreciate you dancing so intimately with another man,” he says, his voice icy. “Especially not the marquess.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, feeling guilty yet defensive. “It was just a dance, Mathis. There’s no need to be jealous.”

He scoffs, looking out the carriage window. “How can I not be? The way you looked at him, the way he held you... It was obvious there was something more than just a dance.”

“Mathis, he is a marquee. He would never be interested in someone like me.” I tell him. “He was just being friendly.”

“He might like to go slumming once in a while.” He huffs. “Some men will stick it in any hole they get the chance to.”

It feels like a slap. “Slumming?”

“Yeah, you know, sleep with someone far below him.” He explains, like he actually thought I did not understand him.

As the car rolls away from the party, I find myself at a loss for words. The night has left me with conflicting emotions, and I can’t shake the feeling that something has changed between Mathis and me… a change that may have lasting consequences.

*Griff*

As I continue to play the gracious host, I find it increasingly difficult to maintain a straight face while engaging in small talk with the remaining guests. Their trivial conversations feel like an unbearable weight on my chest, and a dark desire to snap them in half simmers just below the surface. I take a deep breath, reminding myself of my responsibilities and the need to remain composed.

In the back of my mind, I can’t help but worry about the consequences of my actions for Anaïs. I don’t want to cause her any problems, but at the same time, I can’t ignore the nagging feeling that she deserves better than Mathis. While I don’t know the depth of their relationship when they are in private, I have seen enough to question whether he’s truly the right person to stand by her side.

As the evening progresses and the guests begin to thin out, I find it increasingly difficult to focus on anything other than my thoughts of Anaïs. I keep replaying the moments we shared earlier in the night, the warmth of her touch, and the way her eyes seemed to sparkle when she looked at me.

When the last of the guests finally leave, I allow myself to drop the facade I have been maintaining all night. The exhaustion and frustration give way to a strange sense of determination. If Anaïs truly deserves better than Mathis, then it’s up to me to ensure her happiness and safety, regardless of the personal cost.

Deep in thought, I barely notice Edward, Jean, and Pierre approaching me. Their faces showing concern, reminding me that they’ve been at my side through most of this.

“Griff, we know you’re worried about Anaïs, but you can’t keep denying your feelings for her,” Edward says earnestly, his eyes flashing with the intensity of his vampire nature. “You could be the one to protect her and make her truly happy. Mathis reminds me of a ghoul I once knew, and that’s not a good thing.”

Jean nods in agreement, his nostrils flaring as if the mere mention of Mathis leaves a bad taste in his mouth. “Trust your instincts,” he urges me, his voice deep and warm.

Pierre offers his support as well. “We’re here for you, Griff,” he says sincerely. “We will help in any way we can to ensure Anaïs’ safety and happiness. But you have to take the first step.”

Feeling bolstered by my friends’ unwavering support, I take a deep breath and make up my mind. “You are right,” I say firmly. “I can’t stand by and let her suffer. I will do whatever it takes to show her there’s a better option. But it will also put her in a vulnerable position, we will need to find a way to protect her from any dangers that may arise.”

With that, we begin to devise a plan that will ensure Anaïs’ safety and happiness. It won’t be easy, but with my friends’ help, I know we have a fighting chance to win her heart and protect her from harm.

A little later, as I walk through the now-empty corridors of my chateau, I make a silent promise to myself. I will do everything in my power to protect Anaïs and make sure she has the life she deserves, even if it means putting my own feelings aside. But deep within, I can’t help but acknowledge the undeniable connection between us, the mate bond, and I wonder if it is something that either of us can truly ignore.