Nate’s POV: The Beast Awakens
The burning started in my chest—subtle at first, like a dull ache, but it quickly spread like wildfire. My vision blurred, and every nerve in my body screamed.
Not now. Not here.
I stumbled back, gripping my arms as the pain intensified. It felt like something inside me was tearing free, clawing its way to the surface. My breath came in ragged gasps, and the world around me dimmed.
"Nate, stay with me!" Leona’s voice barely registered through the storm raging in my head.
The heat surged, and with it, a primal force I couldn’t contain. My skin prickled, muscles twisting and bones cracking as fur erupted along my arms. My hands... no, claws now, dug into the dirt. My nails were black, curved, and razor-sharp.
A deep, guttural growl escaped my throat, one I didn’t recognize as my own.
"Nate!" Leona yelled again, stepping closer. Brave, or stupid. Maybe both.
I lifted my head, locking eyes with her. Her fear hit me like a wave—but behind it, there was something else. Trust.
“Stay back,” I growled, my voice layered with something... inhuman. My lips curled back, revealing sharp teeth.
The beast wanted out. It wanted blood.
But I wasn’t ready to give it everything. Not yet.
With a shuddering breath, I forced myself to stand, claws flexing, muscles coiled like steel. I could feel the strength surging through me—powerful, untamed, and deadly.
"You wanted a monster," I snarled, glaring at the enemy ahead. "You’ve got one."
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