(Jenna's POV)

I wrap my shawl around my shoulders tightly in the chilly, night air, clinging to it like a lifeline in the awkward silence.

As I stand there, staring out into the expansive darkness, I begin to shiver.

"Allow me," Nikolai says from behind me before draping his suit jacket across my shoulders, instantly enveloping me in his warmth and scent.

Another shiver racks my body, but a much different kind...

As the saying goes, how can something so wrong feel so right?

"Thank you," I whisper into the cold, watching the steam from my breaths rise and then dissipate as howls echo in the distance.

I guess the wolves are out and about...

"It's no problem," he replies quietly, coming to my side protectively. "I wouldn't want you to catch cold."

I nod but hold back the smile that's trying to spread across my face at his chivalry and concern, but it's for the best. I can't do anything else to lead him on any more than I apparently already have...or myself.

"I think...I should head home now," I tell him as I glance up at him.

If I stay, I'm afraid I'll have my first kiss...with my boss.

"As you wish," he says sadly before escorting me back inside.

He drives me home and walks me to my door where I return his jacket to him.

"Maybe next time, we can have dessert," he suggests with a grin.

"Maybe," I blush as I look away from his powerful gaze.

"Well...goodnight, Jenna. Pleasant dreams," he tells me as he backs away.

"Goodnight," I smile. "Oh! Uh...what time does work start tomorrow?"

"I'll pick you up again at 8:00 am for breakfast, and go from there," he answers.

I nod and open my door, giving a small wave before shutting it.

I lean my forehead against the door for a moment, still in disbelief that I almost kissed my boss tonight...a guy I barely know.

I sigh and trudge upstairs, hoping I don't find any more surprises...and thankfully I don't.

I hang my dress back up and make quick work of my nightly routine...utterly exhausted.

But before I hit the bed, I decide to head down to the kitchen for a late night snack.

To tell you the truth...my mind is still reeling, and despite how tired I am, I know I won't be able to fall asleep easily.

I can't help but think about that almost kiss...

I pour a glass of milk and grab those cookies once more and take a seat.

As I look around the large kitchen, I feel utterly alone. I can't even call Aimee and talk to her.

I don't know why, but I begin to cry...everything seeming to hit me all at once – exhaustion, uncertainty, homesickness, fear, doubt, anxiety...missing my mom...and even my dad.

So much repressed sadness, stress, and pent up anger.

I lay my head down on my arm and just let loose...letting the horrible sobs escape me.

Yes, I guess you could consider this a pity party, but I think I've earned it.

I don't know how much time passes, but I'm torn from my epic sob session by a brushing sensation on my hand.

I quickly raise my head and am shocked to see a rather large, hairy spider on the table near my hand looking at me...dare I say sympathetically.

I scream, sliding the chair out, knocking it over, while wiping frantically at my face, trying to rid it of the tears and snot so that I can see clearly.

Then it points...to a nearby towel as it walks calmly to the edge of the table and just stares at me with its many knowing black eyes as a sense of déjà vu sweeps over me, but I push that aside.

"You!" I yell in an accusatory tone while pointing, hoping I'm not hallucinating. "You picked the wrong damn time to climb on my table, you weird little creep!"

I turn, looking for something to smash it with, but come up empty...until a spot an old cookbook over on the counter.

That'll work!

I run over, grab it, and make my way back to the table where it's still sitting there patiently...just begging to be killed.

I approach slowly, not wanting to spook it, while carefully raising the cookbook over my head, ready to strike.

On the count of three...

"One..." I begin aloud. "Two..." I inch a little closer as it cocks its head at me. "Thr-" I start, but never get to finish the word as the fucking thing talks...

Actually talks!

To me...

Are those...fangs...?

WHAT THE EVER LOVING FUCK!!!

"Please don't, Jenna," it pleads in a low, purring voice, looking at me sadly.

Kinda cute...

NO!!! I can't think such thoughts!

"How...are you...talking?!?" I manage to muster, thinking I've truly gone insane as my heart nearly beats out of my chest. 

"How do you know my name?!" I demand in a frightened panic. "What are you???" I scream.

"I'm just a spider...nothing more," it replies calmly. "You don't need to fear me. I mean you no harm," it says as it lifts its two front legs in a surrender position. "Forgive me for the intrusion, but I couldn't watch you cry alone and not try to help."

The fuck...

I start to back away, letting the book fall from my hands onto the floor with a loud thud.

It's an alien spider...probably like the ones that stick to your face in that movie Alien.

Only I don't have Sigourney Weaver to protect me.

I've got to get the hell out of here!

I bolt for the back door and it yells after me.

"Jenna, wait! Jenna, please!"

I stop and look over my shoulder to see it running after me...with its arms pitifully held out.

"Come back!" it yells.

Oh my God...

Fuck this!

I dash into the small back porch area and see the bike that I saw on my first day here.

Without a second thought or glance, I push it out the door, hop on, and ride down the long ass driveway in the dark, scared out of my mind.

I pedal faster into the night, staying on the paved surface as much as I can see, trying to get to the castle as fast as I can...while freezing my ass off in my pajamas.

With the wind rustling, the creepy ass owls hooting, and the wolves howling, I hope I can make it there in one piece.

A/N : UH OH!!! Shit has hit the proverbial fan! What do you think will happen next? Do you find the small version of Nikolai cute or what?! 😂

I've worked extra hard to give you TWO chapters in ONE night, so please, let me hear from you! ❤️

🕷PLEASE VOTE & COMMENT!!!🕷