A Sneak Peek: Excerpt from Chapter Two

Here’s a second peek into my latest Work-in-Progress. This scene takes place in chapter two, which introduces you to Keira’s workplace (a bakery), her colleague, Michelle, and boss, Steve. The reader and Keira get a glimpse of a beast? a shifter? or something else that’s been attacking the city. He has his eyes on Keira until something distracts him.

That’s all for now. Enjoy the small bite into this new Work in Progress.

A low growl came from behind the dumpster. I jumped.

“Hello?” I called and crept to the side of the bin. Was it a stray dog?

Dark fur disappeared behind the bin. I only spotted the shaggy tail with grey and black fur about halfway up the dumpster bin. It must be a big dog.

“Are you hungry?” We didn’t have meat in the bakery, but maybe I could give him something.

I edged around the bin. The growls stopped. I crouched, wanting to appear less threatening. A small bulge in my apron pocket reminded me of the stale croissants. I pulled one out and tossed it on the ground hoping the dog would go for it.

There was the snuffling sound of the dog scenting out the croissant. Like a dire wolf from Game of Thrones, a large shaggy beast bent down to sniff the croissant. Or maybe the animal was more like Jacob in wolf form from Twilight. Whatever. This dog was massive. The dog swallowed the baked good in one gulp.

I stumbled backward and tripped, landing on my backside. The dog’s gaze settled on me. His massive paws made no noise as he stalked toward me, and I wasn’t sure dog was the appropriate description for this beast. I scrambled to my feet. The creature was unnaturally large for a canine. If he got closer, his head would sit near my shoulder. Right in biting range of my head. I shivered.

“Easy there.” I dug into my pocket with a shaking hand that managed to yank out the second croissant. The beast’s eyes narrowed on the treat clenched between my fingers. Maybe I could toss it and make a break for the back door. I didn’t dare glance behind me to gauge the distance. I watched the animal as he watched me. How far would I have to throw the stale pastry?

A small gust of air ruffled my hair.

“Get back inside,” a warm baritone spoke behind me.

I didn’t recognize the voice and had no idea where he’d come from, but it sounded familiar. Was he supernatural and flew in?

The back door slammed open. “Keira? What the—” Michelle’s voice trailed off. “Steve!”

The creature’s eyes shifted from the croissant to something beyond my shoulder, and then without any provocation, the animal turned and ran.

The man behind me darted in front and took off after the animal. I didn’t get to see the man’s face, but he was dressed in black and had an axe strapped to his back. He had to be supernatural. The Hunt’s Man? I considered thinking of the news report I’d watched earlier. And The Wolf?

Pounding steps sounded across the pavement behind me.