The Wolf Witch - 1. Oliver Davies

Oliver was in his living room unpacking boxes. He placed the colorful ornaments on a shelf and arranged them neatly. He was beginning to love it here. Living his life in England had proved to be interesting so far.

Oliver was born from a wolf pack and originated from a small town in America. No one knew his secret, not even his ex-girlfriend, Freda had known. No one had worked it out. The two years they'd been together, he'd never wanted her to know anything about his past and she never asked.

He remembered the day he had decided that Freda wasn't for him anymore. He'd gone to pick her up from the railway station but his thoughts were distracted, trying to figure out if there was any way he could salvage it.

People ran for their trains, except for Oliver, who was waiting for Freda Lambert. The first month of living together had been great until she'd started inviting friends over and having parties one after the other. He'd worried that his true nature would reveal itself. He hadn't said anything to put her off having these frequent weekend parties because it was her place and not his. He also realised she might be getting bored of him.

The truth was, he didn't love her. The passion in their relationship had stopped gradually. Perhaps, he'd only been infatuated with her beauty and elegance just because she'd saved him from a nasty disaster. His secret had nearly come out one night but he'd managed to get away before Freda discovered his real self.

The train arrived and he realised she was late again. He hated her lateness and inconsiderate nature, which had recently infuriated him.

There were times when Freda would annoy him. He couldn't stand it and knew he couldn't live with her because of it. He'd worried how angry he would one day get. It hadn't been safe for her or himself. Deep down he knew she would not be able to handle who he was if she'd found out.

That day she walked toward him, her long blonde, shiny hair swaying and her eyes, the color of the sky, were wide. Her delicate features were beautiful but no one knew anything of her personality, because underneath her snow-white skin; she could be treacherous. A cold person's exterior lay beneath the surface. It took a huge amount of energy for someone to make her unwind and relax. This was something he had just only realized that day and he knew he could no longer tolerate it.

She approached Oliver with a fierceness. He looked at her and could see the unhappy expression on her face. He knew he was going to get some terrible moaning from her. Every evening, she would only talk about her work. She was a powerful person and most people were weary of her and lately, Oliver was one of those people.

“Hello.”

Freda stopped before him. She looked tired and ready to brag about her day at work. He didn't want to know anymore, but he didn't have the heart to say that to her yet. He was still weary of speaking his mind.

“Well Oliver, aren't you going to ask what sort of day I've had?”

'No' he thought to himself, not saying it out loud to her.

Instead, he said, “Okay Freda what sort of day has it been for you?”

“Terrible darling! Just awful in every way you can imagine. I've had it with those awful salesgirls. They're just trying my patience.”

Her cheeks were turning red as she spoke in a quick-tempered manner. He tried not to let it bother him but knew he couldn't hack it tonight. He was too tired from working in the office all day. He'd had a difficult day too. His small business of top-quality, businessmen's suits was starting to make a fortune. He never discussed his work with Freda because she never asked and frankly, he'd stopped wanting to share his life with her. He didn't care anymore. She only ever thought of herself these days. He was afraid he would change. Sometimes his eye colour would change but she never noticed.

“Darling, I'm talking to you! Haven't you been listening to me?”

“I'm sorry Freda. I was thinking.”

Why was he so stupid? Why couldn't he tell her the truth? He should've spoken his mind.

They both went home together after a meal at a restaurant in town that she always chose. She was extravagant and loved to go to all the best places. Nothing less would suit a person like her. Freda rambled on right through the entire meal about her salesgirls. It irritated him. Tomorrow morning he would speak to her and sort out this mess with her.

As she talked, he covered his face with his hands trying to block out the sound of her voice. He didn't understand why he was feeling so badly about telling her how he felt. He hoped she would understand. She had to. He would not let her ruin his life. Things had to change for him soon or he might do something he would regret. Was it that bad? Did he truly hate her that much?

Yes, he would tell her in the morning and leave as soon as possible. He began to feel the pressure lift slightly.

They got home by ten that night. He went into the kitchen and filled the kettle up.

"I'm making tea. Would you like some?"

He hoped she would say 'yes' so he could talk to her.

“No, I'm going to bed. I'm shattered, darling. Will you be in soon?”

He didn't want to answer. He wanted to ignore her but he didn't.

“Yes, after I've had some tea and looked at some files."

She didn't say anything at first.

“Okay, I'll probably be sound asleep when you come in Oliver.”

God! He was mad at her. She didn't ask anything about his files!

He'd said that deliberately to test her and see if she would ask about his day but as usual, she never did. He didn't want to go to their bedroom where they slept together, but he did anyway and found her sprawled across the whole bed sound asleep.

“Thank God,” he muttered to himself. “She's asleep at last and I don't have to listen to her anymore.”

So, he left the bedroom, went into the lounge, and fell asleep on the large brown, suede sofa.

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Oliver woke with a severe headache the next morning. He worried that the way he felt would make him turn into his werewolf self but he thankfully held it together as usual.

Freda was still in bed and probably hadn't even noticed that he hadn't been there with her. He walked into their compact kitchen to put the kettle on. It was a small grey kitchen. It was well laid out with cupboards under and over to make it look complete. Freda had got one of the Designers from work to design it all for her and when it was finished, she had been very eager to start using her new recipe for that night's dinner party.

The place was Freda's. It had never been his home. She'd helped him out, but it eventually turned into a relationship. She was a natural when it came to designing her home. The rest of the flat was decorated in very light colors and all the furniture was expensive. Freda loved to live in exquisite surroundings. It was her nature by birth. She came from a wealthy, decent family according to what she had told him.

Oliver sat on one of the stools in their small kitchen drinking coffee and thinking about what he would say to her today. She would probably have a fit and throw every piece of china, pot, and pan at him. He still didn't care though. He would fight her until he got out of there.

She didn't care about the things here as they didn't feel a part of him. It was all hers. More than she even knew. Even their bedroom had been designed to look feminine.

The kitchen door opened and there she stood. He looked at her briefly and then looked away. She seemed cheerful this morning as she smiled at him. Why did he suddenly feel guilty? He didn't want to hurt anyone but knew he couldn't stay here.

“Is there any more coffee?”

“Yes, there is. Want some?”

She nodded. He reached for a mug on the shelf above him and poured some coffee from the percolator.

“Here. Drink this you'll need it.”

He tried to sound light and unfeeling.

“What do you mean I'll need it?”

She looked at him, her eyes squinting at him. He knew she didn't like anything unexpected, especially first thing in the morning. He saw her shiver slightly. He didn't want to say anything; not until she showered and dressed.

“Go and have your shower and then we'll talk.”

There he had said it.

“Okay... but talk about what?"

"After," he replied.

She nodded and walked away into the bedroom.

He was surprised. He thought she would go into one but as usual, she probably didn't want to know.

He waited until she was in the ensuite shower before going into the bedroom to sort his stuff, then showered in the main bathroom. He hurried, feeling a sense of freedom coming his way at last.

Afterward, he went to the lounge and stood by the window, gazing out of it in a trance. He was thinking of all the good times they'd had together. Their sex life had been pretty good on and off, but that was all they'd had between them. He remembered how angry and jealous she could get. Once, he'd looked at a woman who worked for Freda but made the mistake of smiling at her, which had annoyed Freda, sending her into a frenzy. Freda had sacked the girl.

He heard Freda walk into the lounge and sensed she was standing behind him now. He turned to see her sit on the sofa and she patted it, suggesting he should come over and sit next to her.

He sat next to her.

“We have to talk. I was trying to tell you earlier that we both know this relationship is not working anymore. I don't want to be someone who only wants me around for the sake of it.”

He felt a burden release.

“I know what you're saying, Oliver but I think in time we could work this out.”

He could feel himself go pale. He couldn't answer or look at her for a minute. Did he hear correctly? Was she serious?

“Right now, I just have to get ahead in my career and that's why I've not been myself lately because I'm focusing all my energy on that. Is that so awful?” She paused smiling. “Look, if you want something more then why don't we get a cat or a dog to cheer us up? An animal or even two could make us happy as we'll put all our energy into looking after it. What do you think?”

He couldn't believe what she was saying! It would never work because of who he was. An animal would make things worse for him. Of course, he couldn't tell her this. He wasn't going to fall for her trap. She was too selfish to look after anybody else. Wasn't that more important? Marriage was based on love. He was sure of that at least.

“No Freda, it's not so awful, but I still don’t agree with you. You see I've discovered I don't love you. I may never have loved you from the beginning and isn't love everything? I need someone who will love me back too.”

He looked at her closely.

“I know you don't love me Oliver and I know I also don't love you, but we have a good thing here; friendship. We both like the same things, money, a career, and a rich lifestyle. Isn't that enough these days?”

“No, it's not. I've discovered that I don't like the same things as you do. I want more than that in a relationship. We haven't even got a friendship anymore. Look, I've made my decision and I've decided to leave. I won't need anything from here, so you can keep it all.”

He saw her stare at him. She seemed shocked, stunned in disbelief.

“I see. So you've decided already? Well... if that's what you want, don't let me stand in your way!”

He could see she was furious. He didn't like the look on her face. He thought she might explode, but instead, she left the room.

A minute later, he heard the front door slam and then she was gone. He couldn't believe his luck. She hadn't even fought it. All the worrying he'd had over this breakup and now it was finally over. He felt a surge of relief, yet, he still felt an ache of sorrow that things hadn't worked out better for them.

He went and packed all his belongings. He decided he would not stay another night just in case Freda came back to start an argument. He didn't want to argue. He'd stay in a hotel until he found an apartment.

He left a short message for her and placed it on the kitchen worktop near the kettle. He gave the place one last look and pulled his suitcase out of the front door. She would no doubt be shocked when she returned to find the note but he was glad he was leaving. Now he could relax and look forward to a new beginning.

To be continued...

Read Chapters Two, Three, and Four below: