2

“Artemis,” the stranger repeated, stroking his smooth chin. “Intriguing.”

I managed a small smile on my face and stepped away from him reluctantly before Julie began to bug me.

Also, I didn't want to freeze to death. It was better to avoid it than stay out with a stranger who might not be interested in me.

As soon as I got inside, I groaned as I remembered I had forgotten to do something.

“I didn't even ask him for his name. But he knew mine.”

Maybe it wasn't a big deal to other girls.

However, it was to me.

I had found someone that attracted me. Someone I would like to be in contact with again. Yet, I had lost it because of a drunk Julie.

I glared at her sleeping figure. She dozed off instantly as soon as I laid her on the brown couch, which was the only vacant seat in the house since the party-goers had passed out on the other three.

I walked towards the entrance and squinted to check if I would see the stranger again.

I went outside further and scanned the area whilst standing near the shrub I was in before.

I let out a disappointed sigh as I saw no one.

“Perhaps we were better off as strangers,” I mumbled, trudging towards the house.

I was almost close to the entrance when I heard the rustling again. I turned and this time, I wish I didn't because what I saw was beyond me.

It looked like a dog. Or maybe I was delusional and thought it might be.

It was overly large, with dark, gleaming fur. Its red eyes glowed, and two sharp canines protruded out of its mouth as it snarled.

“Okay, okay,” I muttered to myself whilst doing a timeout sign. I placed my hand on my chest whilst trying to calm my erratic breathing.

It didn't stop, despite taking in some considerable amount of air in my lungs that seemed like it would close up soon.

I should be running. I was close to the entrance of the house and I could dart inside in just a few seconds.

But, I couldn't.

I didn't know what was stopping me.

But it seemed like they glued my legs to the spot.

I placed my clammy palms on my still thudding heart and my eyes flickered around.

I didn't know what I was searching for. Even though I had a weapon with me, I didn't think I could lift my hands to attack it because I was far too stunned.

The beast prowled slowly to my side, still baring its teeth at me.

I counted slowly whilst praying for at least one of the boys, who was not drunk in the hall, to come out. Perhaps, he might have the nerves to scare the beast away because right now, it seemed like I was a dinner to it.

It got closer and for a brief second, I shut my eyes whilst awaiting my fate in its hand.

I shrieked, lurching as I felt someone grip me.

“Bloody hell!” The stranger from before exclaimed whilst breaking my fall.

“I-I…” I stammered, panting. I didn't know what to say. Although I seldom talk to strangers, I have never been tongue-tied before.

“Shhh.” He said.

I disentangled from the embrace I was in and noticed he wasn't staring at me. Rather, his eyes were trained on the creature before me.

It didn't look like it was backing down. Instead, it seemed pleased that another person was here with me.

I imagined it saying, 'Wow, I'm going to have the best meal today.'

I shuddered, wrapping my arm around myself.

“You are cold.” The stranger noticed.

He pulled his jacket and extended it to me. I accepted it without a second thought, and I slipped into it.

I sniffed the collar of his jacket whilst he wasn't watching, and I couldn't help the warm sensation that was building within me.

It was weird, but it felt nice.

I had never felt anything whilst sniffing a man's jacket before.

Heck, I never got the privilege to go sniffing attractive men's jackets because they would surely think I was odd if they saw me doing it.

But now, the stranger was making me feel a funny sensation.

Even when he had embraced me. I felt a tingling sensation and I assume he did too because he inhaled sharply. Also, he had been the one to pull out of the hug, which was quite disappointing.

“Come on, run along.” He nodded towards the door. “I have a business to finish.”

I wanted to protest that I was fine since I was in his presence. But he shoved me.

I heard a growl from the beast, and I quickened my pace. I didn't look back until I got inside the room.

Whilst inside, I remembered the reason I had gone out and facepalmed.

“I didn't get his name again,” I mumbled.

But, I know before tonight ends, that I was going to get it since his jacket was with me, and I was certain he would surely come for it.