A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing

A mansion overshadowed me like a dark omen. I’d been requested by the alpha, and no one ever denied him. 

A brisk breeze rattled my straight blond hair. A chill ran down my spine. Why did the alpha have to move in right next door? I’d never understand my luck.

The full moon loomed above. During the cover of night, werewolves were moody, but during a full moon, their violent habits were unmatched. I wasn’t stupid enough to walk at this time. But what choice did I have? Denying the alpha would be a death sentence. 

Tall bushes rustled in front of me. I froze, my heart thudding in my ears. The branches snapped, making way for something. Something big. I stepped back. Two eyes glared before a large black wolf leapt, landing at my feet. My breath caught, stopping my scream. I could not look weak. 

The wolf’s gums and canine’s were visible and my heart beat wildly as he snarled. My hair moved in his stenchy breath.  

“Back off, Stein. Stop scaring my guest,” a deep voice commanded.

The wolf snapped its jaws. I stood my ground, but swore I’d lost ten years of my life. He took off and I stared at the empty spot, my lungs reclaiming the fresh night air.

“I’m so delighted you could make it, Nadia.”

I slowly turned. In the entryway stood a tall man with hair as black as his dilated pupils. 

I stood awkwardly. I wasn’t sure how to greet an alpha, but I wasn’t going to bow. Only one person deserved that respect and it wasn’t him. 

“Thank you for the invite, Brach.” 

His eyes roamed over me, giving an approving nod. “Come in. You must be cold, especially in such a delicate dress.”

I walked inside, but when he closed the door behind me, my stomach knotted. The walls were as black as the wolf outside. A crystal chandelier hung overhead. There were no pictures or decorations of any sort. 

Brach leaned against the staircase railing. His arms were crossed but there were no muscles. His entire body was slender. “I just finished unpacking. What do you think?” 

“Wow. Really unique.” I scratched the back of my neck. “Do you plan to hang any pictures?” 

His smile fell. “No.” He turned and strode around the corner. 

“Uh, well it was nice to meet you Brach.” I reached for the door handle. “I guess I’ll see you around.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Nadia.” His voice boomed. “Please join me in the dining room.”

I straightened my shoulders and took a deep breath before venturing forward. The alpha stood behind a pulled out chair. “Please, have a seat.”

I was in way over my head–I was a sheep in wolf’s clothing, but I wasn’t sure I knew how to play the part. “Thank you.” Sitting down, I cleared my throat. “Do you mind me asking why you called me here?” I wanted out like a fly wanted out of a spiderweb. 

His elbow rested on the table as he rubbed his clean shaven chin. “I like that. Right to the point. I like to have a full stomach before talking business, though.” 

My stomach flipped. Wolves ate an all meat diet and oftentimes the meat was barely cooked. 

“So tell me about yourself. I know little of the loner in my wolfpack. Only that you’ve shut down many suitable mates.”

He had that right. I would never in a million years take a werewolf mate. They were all wicked to some degree. They relied on their baser instincts not their God-given soul. “There is not much to tell. I prefer the peace and quiet of my home and haven't found a man I like.” 

Brach reached over and pushed my hair behind my ear. I shivered and my stomach recoiled. “My wolves are not suitable for a beauty like you. You are meant for greatness.”

I went rigid. I’d heard rumors of alphas choosing noncompliant mates. 

“Actually, I’m quite boring. I listen to human music and read books.” I walked a fine line admitting that. Many alphas ate those who did such activities.

His eyes narrowed and his jaw ticked. “I believe the food is done. Excuse me.” His chair flung backwards as he strode from the room.

I scanned the room. There was a large window overlooking a forest. I was better off killing the alpha than running away, though. Wolves would easily track me.

A steak knife lay innocently next to my china plate. I thumbed it, calming my heart. 

Brach returned carrying two overflowing trays. On one was a plate of well-done steaks. More cooked than I’d ever seen a werewolf eat. But that wasn’t what had my chest squeezing. On the other were vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. Steam rose above them. 

Werewolves never ate vegetables.

I scrunched my face in fake disgust. “Why did you go through the trouble of cooking vegetables?” 

He didn’t answer, just silently watched as I grabbed a steak. I cut into the meat and slowly chewed. I was sure this was a test. “It’s a bit overdone, but still delicious.”

He grabbed one himself and quickly cut through it. The knife scraped erratically against the ceramic as his eyes bore into mine. “You realize I should kill you for consuming human media?”

I gulped, regretting my confession. “Yes. I’m sorry. My mother was a librarian, and books remind me of her.” 

Changing the subject I asked, “So tell me, what brought you to the neighborhood?”

He continued eating, his eyes never leaving mine. “You.” 

It was one single word, but it flipped my entire world upside down. 

He put some mixed vegetables on his plate. My eyes widened. What is he doing? He stabbed a broccoli with his fork and chewed it thoroughly. 

“My wolves told me about a woman who eats vegetables but smells like a wolf. I didn’t believe it until I witnessed it myself.” He popped a carrot in his mouth. “A few months ago I saw you sitting alone in your kitchen, eating a bowl of greens. You didn’t once grimace or growl.” 

My hands shook. Had he been in my home? If so, he had to know I was human.

“At first I thought you were testing your natural instincts and inhibitions. But even my wolves couldn’t accomplish such a feat.” He shoved a large cauliflower in his mouth. 

I didn’t dare speak. What could get me out of this predicament? 

“That’s when I knew I’d finally found my mate.” He scooped some vegetables onto my plate. “Eat, my soon-to-be mate. We have much to discuss. I believe we have more in common than you know.”

I was in no mood to eat. This was not how I’d imagined tonight going. I thought about denying it, but if he’d seen me eating like he claimed, lying would be a death sentence. There had to be some way to make it through the night. 

The corner of Brach’s lips lifted. “What do you know about alphas, Nadia?”

I stared at my plate. Was this a trick? 

“Each district is led by one. They keep their pack in line.” I’d been able to stay out of the pack ever since this wretched curse began. If I were male, they’d have forced me into the pack. But females only enter when mated.

He stroked his chin. “Hmm, yes. But do you know who leads those alphas?”

I twisted my napkin under the table. Was I supposed to know this? “I’m sorry, but I’ve never been part of a pack. I don’t know.”

His eyes twinkled in the flickering light. His smile grew. “Me.”

I gasped, staring wide eyed. 

He stood, grabbed my hand and pulled me up. “No need to be speechless, you will be my second in command.” His hand rested on my cheek. 

My blood turned to ice. This was the exact opposite of what I’d hoped for. I wanted to live under the radar, not at the tippy top. “This is a generous offer, Brach.” Do I call him by his first name? “I’d like to think about it, if that’s okay.”

His hand squeezed my face. His fingernails grew into claws, pricking my skin. “You do not have a choice in the matter. I’ve been searching years for the perfect mate. I will not let you slip through my clutches.”

“But we’ve only just met. Wouldn’t it be nice to get to know each other more first?”

Brach growled, dropping his hand. “Human books have polluted your mind. No wonder you haven’t mated yet. This isn’t about love–it’s about partnership. Strength. Power. Pleasure.” 

Hair lengthened on his face, a brilliant fire red. I had never seen a wolf that color before. 

I broke into a cold sweat. I wanted to ignore his comment, but there was only so much I’d let slide. “Love is not weak, you know. It is one of the most powerful emotions. You just haven’t experienced it yet.”

An ear-splitting roar deafened me. “You will never mention that word again.” 

I stared at his chest, avoiding his eyes. His rapid breathing eventually slowed. “As I said earlier: I believe we have more in common than you’d expect.”

If I could delay the mating ritual maybe I could formulate a plan. He couldn’t possibly mate me now. That would be unheard of. There was a process to go through. 

He rolled up his sleeves, and I noticed a slew of dark tattoos. Curved, pointed horns covered his right arm and on his left was an upside down cross. “I believe there’s a reason you and I can eat vegetables.”

“Why’s that?” I went rigid. Could he be human also?

“Hmm, I thought you’d have guessed by now.” He stepped closer. “I am a high wizard, devoted to the evil one. And you must be a witch.”

I stared at him, dumbstruck. Werewolves were evil, but they had nothing on a high wizard. 

“Don’t worry. Your secret's safe with me.” He rubbed his chin again. “Speaking of secrets, I think this next one will impress you.” 

He pulled out a gold chain from his shirt. Hanging from it was a red, six-pointed star in a circle. “With the help of this I made the world a place for werewolves. Once we are mates I will make you an amulet also.”

My body filled with rage. In front of me stood the cause of the world’s ending. Brach was the reason I’d lost so many friends and family.  There’d be no running away. I’d have to devise a plan– make him reverse what he had done.

“Wow, I had no idea you were so powerful,” I said.

He smiled. “Together we will both be powerful.” He ran his fingers through my hair. 

It took everything not to physically throw up. I had to be careful with my words. “That sounds unbelievable. When do you plan to do the mating ritual?”

“Tonight.” 

My ribs squeezed every ounce of air from my lungs. “What? I thought we needed to go through an approval process?”

He smirked. “I’m the apex alpha. I approve whatever I want.”

“It’d be better to wait a day. I’m exhausted. I’d like to be at my best game for the ritual.”

He frowned. “Nonsense. If you are as powerful as I believe, you will survive. If not, then you were never worth my time.” Brach stepped back. “Stein, bring in the pup.”

Moments later, the front door opened. A werewolf in human form walked in. His electric blue eyes were solemn but angry, his long blond hair contrary to his black wolf fur. 

He cradled a sleeping newborn. She had a human face, but black hair rose from her cheeks. On the crest of her head were two floppy ears. I hated werewolves, but this one was adorable. 

Stein stared directly into Brach’s eyes. A deep guttural growl emanated from him. 

Brach’s bright red fur grew around his face and tattooed arms. He roared, “That is enough! You should feel honored to have your pup participate in the ritual.”

Stein whimpered, his attention returning to the baby. 

“Nadia, have you ever witnessed the mating ritual?” Brach asked.

“No.”

“It is a three part process. The first is done in adoration of our lord, the evil one.” 

My stomach soured thinking of adoring anything other than God. 

His face morphed into a wolf. “The evil one requires the sacrifice of an innocent life. We have to call upon our wolf forms, kill and eat the pup.”

I turned and vomited uncontrollably over the porcelain floor. Straightening, I said, “There is absolutely no way I will do such an abhorrent thing.”

Brach’s muzzle frowned. “I wasn’t expecting that reaction. I assume it’s because you are a lone wolf and unused to our ways. You will adjust to our way of life or die. If I must, I will use the amulet on you.”

I glanced back at Stein. A single tear fell, landing on his newborn. 

A new flame erupted from within me. I looked Brach straight in his soulless eyes. “Then you will have to force me!” 

He growled and grabbed his amulet. It glowed and I closed my eyes, praying silently to God. 

“Nadia, turn into your wolf form now!”

Icy cold air surrounded me. The smell of fire and ash filled my nose. I opened my eyes, expecting to turn into a wolf for the first time. But nothing happened. I held my hands before me. No claws. No hair.

I turned to Brach. His eyes were wide. “Looks like that amulet doesn’t work on me.” I smiled for the first time since walking into his house.

His hand tightened on the amulet. “Nadia, kill the pup!”

The burning smell grew stronger and the temperature dropped further, but I was unaffected. “Looks like my Lord is more powerful than yours.” 

He blinked a couple times. “You’re not a witch?”

“I would never be a witch. I am and always will be a human.”

His shirt burst as his body morphed. He roared until his entire body was covered in thick red fur. Werewolves looked like overgrown wolves, but Brach was a cross between a man and a wolf. He stood on two legs, but his entire body was covered in fur. A long red and black tail swooshed behind him. 

“I haven’t eaten a human in many months. Tonight I will feast on you and the pup.”

A black blur tackled Brach, biting his shoulder. Stein was pushed off and slammed into the wall. The newborn, laying on the cold floor, screamed, adding to the ruckus. There was another crash, as the dining table gave way and plates shattered.

Brach straddled Stein. He snapped his jaws around Stein’s neck, eliciting a high-pitched whimper. 

I lurched forward, focused on one goal. I grabbed the amulet and yanked. It did not give, so I pulled harder. Brach’s teeth were sunk deep in Stein's flesh, but his eyes turned to me. 

Stein’s paw slashed at the chain and I fell to my butt, the amulet in my hand. Brach disengaged, but before he could reach me, I crushed the amulet with my foot. Thick, red liquid seeped onto the porcelain floor.

Brach roared as he lunged, but mid-leap he wavered and lost his fur, ears, and tail. His now human body crashed into mine. He wrapped his hands around my neck. 

“The evil one will be pleased with your death.” His eyes were crazed. 

I twisted, fighting for oxygen. Dark spots filled my vision as I weakened. My hands fell to my side, too heavy to lift. My right landed on something cold and sharp. I grabbed it, and using the last of my strength, stabbed the knife into Brach’s heart.

His eyes grew wide then he fell, landing on my side. I gasped, trying to catch my breath, but eventually the baby’s crying reached me. I looked at Brach. His eyes stared straight ahead unmoving. 

I crawled to the shrieking baby and cradled her in my arms. She no longer had dark fuzz or floppy ears. She looked human in every way.

A rasping caught my attention. I turned to Stein, who was lying on the broken table, gasping for air. Blood gushed from his neck. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. I moved closer, cradling the infant.

“Take...care…of...Maria.” His voice was raspy and wet.

“What about her mother? Where is she?”

“Dead.” He coughed blood in a fit.

Tears stung my eyes. Stein wouldn’t make it. His eyes pleaded. 

“I’ll take care of Maria. You have nothing to worry about.”

Stein smiled as if finding peace. He glanced up, eyes twinkling. “Forgive me Father. I know not what I did.” His voice was clear in that moment, then his eyes lost focus and his head lolled to the floor.

Slowly I stood up. I would have to bury Stein later, but for now I needed to get out of that cursed house. I rocked little Maria, soothing her to sleep. 

I stepped over Brach and opened the door.

A cool refreshing breeze stirred my hair. I breathed in deeply, thankful I’d survived. Glancing around, I noticed people standing at their doorways, many clustered together. Some turned to face me, their brows furrowed in confusion.

I cleared my throat. “As I’m sure you are aware, you can no longer turn into wolves. The curse has been broken. Love conquers all. Go and spread the good news.”

I glanced at the full moon. Some say it’s the reflection of God’s light. For the first time since I was a child, the moon wasn’t forboding. Its light brightened the night sky and the tension lifted from my shoulders. Baby Maria cooed in her sleep. My heart squeezed. 

The world was going to be different. And different never felt so good.