Monday
1:45 PM
Zachary's POV
We are walking back toward the village now, while she keeps talking nonstop about the secret garden and how she will definitely come back again.
As for me, I still can't get that kiss out of my head.
She really kissed me. Her lips were so soft, and all I want now is to kiss her all day.
She smiled and said,
"We're here! Now go on, and I promise I'll come back soon, cutie."
Hmph. I love her, but can she please stop calling me cutie? It's insulting.
I licked her hand and decided to let her go back to the village this time.
I mean, we already spent a long time together. She has to leave now, right?
She ran back toward her shop, her basket full of berries, walking lightly and happily.
She doesn't even realize how captivating she is.
I could watch her all day and never get bored.
I walked toward a tree where I had spare clothes hidden and shifted into my human form.
After getting dressed, I returned to the village and ran toward that thing they call a clock.
Hmm… the small hand is on "II" and the big hand is before "I."
Yeah, I still don't understand.
Maybe I should ask someone.
I noticed a teenage boy walking down the street and approached him. He looked at me in fear and quickly ran to the other side of the road.
What just happened?
Why did he run?
I tried again with a middle-aged woman.
"Excuse me, could you tell me the time? In my homeland, we didn't really use clocks…"
"O-oh, um… it's 2:03 PM," she answered, then quickly walked away.
Why is everyone running from me?
"Well, first, we're clearly not from here. Second, we're taller than everyone. Third, we're naturally intimidating. Focus on Lilian and don't worry about the others," my wolf replied.
"Still! It's not like I'm going to kill them."
"Correction. We won't kill most of them."
I chose to ignore him—even though he was right. I didn't need a lecture right now.
If I remember correctly, there are only two hours left until she finishes work.
Damn it. That's still way too long.
I started wandering, trying to find something to do.
Maybe I'll go back to the café.
No. I'd probably lose control and kill Matt immediately.
Oh? What's this shop?
I looked inside and saw many revealing clothes.
"Luxury Lounge."
Maybe I could buy Lilian some clothes.
Of course, I wouldn't show them to her now. I'll wait until she accepts me first.
Still… some of these would look amazing on her.
Ah, later. Not now.
"Sir, may I ask what your purpose is in this town? As the mayor, it's my duty to ensure everyone's safety. People seem to be avoiding you."
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
"My father's grandmother owned a small cabin in the forest. It hasn't been used in years, so I decided to reclaim it and start a new life. I hope the town will accept me without treating me like an outsider," I said firmly.
I swear, if I get chased away just because I look scary, they'll learn what it really means to die by a monster.
"Oh! Well, no worries then. I was just being cautious. You'll be treated with the same respect as anyone else here," he said with a smile.
I don't like this place. Or its people.
I nodded and walked away, avoiding others as much as possible.
This is why I can't stand humans.
But Lilian… she's completely different.
She's pure, kind, beautiful, gentle, and brave.
Most humans would have tried to kill me in my wolf form—or run away in my human form.
But she noticed my pain and risked helping me.
She's better than these disgusting humans.
She's an angel, and no one has any right to her but me.
Soon, I'll save her from these creatures.
After wandering for who knows how long, I saw her hang the "Closed" sign and lock the door.
She walked down the street toward me, and I decided to approach her.
"Lilian? Right?" I asked.
"Huh? Oh, yes! How are you?"
She smiled—warmer than anyone else in this town.
"I'm doing great! I was wondering if you'd take me to those meadows you mentioned. I don't really know anyone here, and I'm bored," I said, scratching the back of my neck.
"Oh, of course! Just let me go home and change into a more comfortable dress. You can come with me if you want."
I nodded eagerly and followed her. A comfortable silence settled between us as we walked side by side.
"So, how long are you planning to stay here?" she asked.
"Oh, well… for a while. I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. I mean, with food as delicious as you, who would want to leave?" I said with a crooked smile.
Her face turned red, and she hid it with her hand.
"Oh! Well, thank you! I really appreciate that. Baking and cooking are basically my whole life, so I hope I'm good at them… Oh! We're here! Just wait here—I'll be right back!"
She rushed inside her house to escape the embarrassment while I laughed quietly.
God, she's dangerously cute.
"What the hell do you think you're doing with her?"
I turned around to see Matt standing there.
This boy just made his death ten times worse.
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