Laryngitis

Her red shoes stand out like a single bright poppy in an otherwise empty field. Beckoning me towards them, my mouth watering wildly as my fingers itch and throb to grab them from her, they have to be mine no matter what.

I need them like a shadow needs darkness to hide itself in, but I can’t just take them from her. Everyone would see. I need to clear my head and figure out a plan to get them from her. I feel the sharpe edges of my filed down fangs rolling my tongue along them, almost slicing it in half. Yes those shoes mean as much to me as a red deer to a wolf. 

Talking wolves, I’ve admired them since I was young. I have no idea why? I just love that they’re loyal, stand up for their pack, their ability to run at 37 mph, keen senses and powerful jaws. Even though they usually have to wrestle with their prey when hunting them down. They’re very good at assessing the situation, intelligent and use their heightened senses of sharp vision, good hearing and sense of smell (100 times greater than humans). Meaning they can track their victims, psyche them out and bring them down with the same strategies I’ll need to get those shoes. 

Talking plans, for mine to work she’ll have to be alone, which she never seems to be. I can’t have any witnesses. 

As long as I’m not seen, I’d be the last person to be suspected. After all I’m the wolf obsessed freak! So obsessed, I’ve gone as far as having my teeth professionally sharpened to look and feel exactly like a real wolf’s fangs. They work too, when I want them to they scare people. Though recently I’ve managed to hurt people, but not intentionally. It’s been more a case of wrestling with my prey like the wolves, in order to silence them. These girls are thieves! 

I’ve managed to retrieve most of the items they’ve taken:-

Lipstick 

Anklet 

Ruby ring

Yoke dress

Necklace (Ruby)

Gloves

Indian headscarf 

Tights

Ingot made from red bronze

Now all that’s left are the shoes she’s currently wearing, flashing them around like she is. The audacity!

I’m starting to feel furious with her for teasing me. So much so, my top lip curls up to touch my nose in a sneer, my top fangs sit over my bottom lip and I make a low growling sound in the back of my throat the same as wolves would. I quickly snap my lip back down silencing the growl. I need to be smart about this. I can’t let Rufus down again, the last girl made me clumsy, insisting my Yoke Dress was her own. I mean she’s ok, I’m not a murderer just a silencer. she’s currently recovering in the hospital and will be perfectly fine.

***

Two weeks ago, Maddie had refused to hand over my dress insisting she’d bought it online. She wouldn’t listen when I asked her nicely to give it back. I couldn’t believe her, denying me, after all it literally had MY name on it. 

I told her “ The label itself says “Harpers” not “Maddie's”.

To be fair, she was panicking,discovering she was tied to the bed when I woke her with my smelling salts. I didn’t want her to fall off while she was unconscious. 

I mean excuse me for being considerate. She’d already hit her head once, on a rock when she’d fallen over earlier, backing away from me.

Had I heard thank you from her for cleaning her wound? Nope! not at all. Instead she’d been verbally abusive, calling me a “freaking weirdo”. 

I explained why I’d her tied up, but her response was

“let me the hell outta here, looney tunes”. 

Had no one ever taught her manners? 

“It’s please let me out of here” I corrected her “and the correct way to say thank you to somebody, is a simple “Thank You”. That led to further insults, and she spat in my face, disgusting!

“If you would kindly give me back my dress, you’ll be able to leave here” I’d responded, wiping the spit from my face onto my hand and down my top. 

Id been so kind to her, telling her I wouldn’t report it as stolen, if she handed it back now. I’d even generously picked out some of my other clothes for her to wear instead. I only wanted what was mine. 

She responded with “omg! you are completely cuckoo, untie me now, let me go, and maybe I won’t report you”. She’d continued on with disrespectful language and constant insults to the point I couldn’t stand it anymore. 

So I lost my temper. It all happened in a blur really, I flew at her with my fangs bared, she screamed so loud I could feel the walls vibrating around me. Moving like lighting, my hand gripped round her throat directly on her voice box, giving her a reflex reaction of sticking her tongue out. My fangs hit her tongue bitting down hard, she was immobilised in shock. 

I shook my head from side to side like a rabid dog, making a growling sound as I did. I saw the fear in her eyes giving one final major tug to the left, taking half of her tongue with me. She instantly passed out, pulsating blood spurted everywhere. She started choking on it. Quickly, I grabbed my knife. Slit through the rope in an upward motion causing it to fray, I pulled the rest apart and rolled her into the recovery position. 

The blood started dribbling from her mouth down into a puddle on the floor. I had to stop the bleeding . I found a clean handkerchief, wrapped some crushed ice in it, then pressed it up against her tongue to stop the blood flow. It was important I acted fast, in case I’d severed her Lingual artery. 

By this point Rufus was there. We worked together rapidly, removing her dress and replacing it with the clothes I had ready for her. She remained unconscious, but was still breathing. We carried her as far down the dark pathways as we safely could without being seen. Leaving her just near enough to another house on Gory lane. 

I grabbed the now wet handkerchief from her mouth and we ran back to ridings cowl. We jumped into Rufus’s scarlet Lamborghini making our escape. we drove back past the house with just enough noise to grab their attention and find her. 

It worked because I saw the news reports of the baffled couple who’d found and got her to hospital in time for her tongue to be saved. Though she wasn’t able to tell anyone what had happened. 

The police had her as another voiceless victim of recent attacks on young women in the area. We were warned to stay vigilant and report anything unusual, especially if there happened to be any wolves around, as all the victims had what looked like wolf bites on them.

***

Two weeks latter Maddie’s still in hospital, healing nicely along with all the others who had my things. 

Now I just need an opportunity to get the last girl alone for my shoes. If only she wasn’t so popular. Think Harper think? Ahh I have an idea. 

Pretending I’m an old friend of hers makes finding out her name pretty easy. “Sheila, sheila” I call out walking towards her waving. 

“Who’s Sheila?” A girl next to me says. 

“Isn’t that Sheila Jones in the red shoes?” I ask innocently.

“Huh! no” the girl replies sarcastically. “That’s Pippa woods, the bar manager” shaking her head from side to side in that condescending manner. 

“Really!” I feign shock at the news “wow! I could have sworn it was Sheila, no wonder she didn’t respond to me, I’m such an idiot sometimes” I laugh. She just gives one of those side eyed, almost smiling head tilts that finish with an eye roll, and walks away.

I get back in my car and drive home. Chris de Burgh’s on the radio singing “Lady in red”. I say to myself “don’t worry Rufus Canis, I will be your lady in red, just you wait and see”. 

***

That was yesterday, today I action the plan. I go to the bar where Pippa works asking if there are any job vacancies. She replies “not at the moment sorry, but if you want to leave your name and contact details, I’ll keep them for when there are”. 

“Of course” I reply politely and write my details down for her.

As I start walking away, she shouts “Wait! you’re Harper Vermilion?” 

“Yes” I respond hesitation in my voice, as I turn back slowly to see why she asked.

“I’m Pippa woods! Cutter woods daughter!” she adds seeing my puzzled expression. 

“Cutter Woods! Why does that name sound familiar?” I think. Then it dawns on me. Cutter was the man who chased down Ferrand Canis (Rufus’s father), when he broke into my grandparents house 10 years back.

Grandpa vermilion died of a heart attack after being rushed to hospital. The love of my life lost his father the same night. Ferrand and Cutter got into a fight ending with Cutter’s axe in Ferrand’s chest as he fell straight to his death, through the wooden floor at cascades creak, into the gurgling rapids beneath drowning instantly! This gives me mixed feelings. I’m both grateful to Cutter for saving my grandmother, and hate him for killing Rufus’s father. I think to myself, maybe this will be justice for both of them?

“Oh wow! Pippa I didn’t recognise you, it’s been years, it’s so good to see you again” I smile, keeping my fangs hidden from her. I hope I sound sincere when I add “We will have to catch up” she enthuses back “Sure” .

I respond “how about tonight? It’s my take away treat night, I’d love for you to join me”.

“I’d love to” she answers happily! 

“Great! I’ll see you at 8pm then” I insist. 

“yes 8 is perfect for me, look forward to it” she smiles.

“8pm it is, can’t wait” I mumble to myself, turning to leave as she says.”oh wait! I need you’re address”.

I reply “ it’s on the sheet, Ridings cowl, along Gory lane, it’s the red roofed one”. I add.

She replies “yes, I believe I know it, Later then” I nod and leave.

Arriving home I prepare for her, this will be the final part of my Rufous collection.

Rubbing my hands in glee, I set out my yoke dress, gloves, Indian headscarf and tights on the bed, and my crimson lipstick, Ruby Ring, necklace and roseate bronze ingot, onto my dresser then go take a shower. 

I’m finishing getting ready when I hear the doorbell go. “Wow! She’s prompt it’s bang on 8pm” I say out loud. 

I go and greet her “Pippa! You look lovely”.

“You too, red really is your colour Harper” she responds, handing me a bottle of claret. I’m a little surprised, but then she does have great taste in shoes, so why not wine! “I’ll put this in the kitchen, please take a seat” I point towards the already set up table. She does, I return, pour us a glass of wine from my bottle. Then as the doorbell rings again, I say “do you mind answering that it’ll be the food, I just remembered I forgot something”. 

“Yes, of course” she goes to answer. 

I swiftly grab my wine take it to the kitchen, pour it away, leave the empty glass and grab the other glass I poured, before adding the cyanide into the rest of the bottle earlier. I made sure it was only enough to paralyse her! I’m no murderer! I go back in, Pippa’s already set the food out nicely. “Oh thank you” I respond. 

“no problem, I manage a bar” she says, adding “did you get it?” I’m puzzled, but then remembering I quickly flash my ruby ring “Rufus won’t be happy if I don’t keep this on” I laugh. 

“Rufus?” She questions 

“oh yes he’s my fiancée” .“congratulations” she Giggles pouring herself another glass and offering me more “oh no! mines still full” I answer.

“Well do drink up we have lots to celebrate!” She insists. 

We tuck into the pilau rice, naan bread and tikka masala, it’s delicious! We drink, laugh, and reminisce our childhood days. She almost fools me into believing we were friends in the past. Then I start doubting if this was a good idea? Guilt rushes through my mind, I go to grab the wine glass from her and say “don’t drink anymore, it’s poison!” Only I’m too late, she’s started feeling weak and dizzy, I catch her helping her sit down. She slurs” I think, I may have had a little too much” she’s beginning to loose Consciousness, I quickly say “it’s ok, once I have my shoes, I’ll give you the antidote”. 

She looks confused and horrified as she responds “ what do you mean? I don’t have your shoes”. 

Feeling slightly irritated, I snap “then what are those on your feet?” 

“ my shoes!” her eyes start filling with tears when she realises she’s starting to find breathing difficult. “What’s happening!” She pleads already knowing the answer, but I give it anyway“its the poison! you wasn’t meant to fight me on this, you’ll be ok” she starts to shake, her head jerking, eyes widening with complete realisation, fearful at her current situation. 

“My shoes, Pippa please! ” Now I’m pleading.

“Nnn no” she manages just before her head tips back, she starts convulsing, foaming at the mouth until she blacks out completely. “No!” I yell, “not again” Now I’m panicking, all I’d needed was my shoes, but it’s all gone wrong. I press my fingers to her neck and find her pulse, it’s very weak. I need the antidote fast. I call Rufus “bring the antidote, she’s unconscious” Inside my stomach’s churning, why did these girls have to be so goddamn stubborn? Every one of them insisted my things were their own?

I’m still panicking when Rufus arrives with the antidote. To my horror her pulse has now completely stopped. “Noooo!” I yell again “I’m not a murderer!” I’m beside myself. Without thinking I grab the antidote from Rufus, inject it and try to resuscitate her “help me!”.  

“Its too late”, he says “she’s gone, we have to go the police are coming”. I hear sirens, he tries to grab me. I just sit rocking back and forth, my arms wrapped around myself in a hug, my eyes dry as dust from the shock, I feel the tears, they’re just not reaching my eyes“what have I done!” I can feel my chest tightening.

“Harper!” Rufus voice is desperate now but its too late the police are here. 

Rufus backs away and runs off. I don’t blame him, I wouldn’t want to be with a murderer either. I hear “hands up, move away from the body”. At the same time I see a reflection in the car window. “Tanya!”I manage, my voice is hoarse as I look into the eyes of the first girl I silenced, biting through her laryngeal nerve with my fangs. 

“yes” she says“ I can speak again and you’re going to jail” she looks at the officer nearest to me 

“I identify Harper vermillion, she’s the crazy girl who attacked me”. 

I feel the cold steal hit against my wrists, with a click he starts saying “Harper vermillion you are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent, anything you do say may be used against you in a court of law…” my head still hanging in shame. I realise I’ve one last howl in me. I throw my head back howling loudly just like the wolves do “hawooooooooooo”. It lasts a good few seconds, until my voice is completely gone. I now have laryngitis, just like all the girls I’ve attacked in my insanity.

I’m thinking that’s the end. When a real wolf howl is heard in response to mine. Looking straight ahead I see my wolf hasn’t abandoned me! I smile at this knowledge. 

Before anyone knows what’s happening! Rufus reappears with his pack stating “Harper Vermillion is no murder, she is my mate! As Alpha of this pack I order them to free my Luna from her captors, hawooooooooooooo”

My heart swells as my breath catches in my chest. One of the officers grabs his radio “we need back up, ridings cowl, gory lane, repeat, we need bac…” he’s cut off by one of the wolves bitting into his throat knocking him backwards, radio flying from his hand, it hits the floor with “officer pool come in, repeat officer pool, sending back up to ridings co” it goes silent as another wolf steps on it, flinging one of the other officers across our path. Tanya starts to run, another wolf has her before she can. 

My Alpha, grabs the chains of my handcuffs ripping them open, setting me free, I throw my arms around him planting a kiss on his lips. He pulls back saying “ we have plenty of time for that my love, now we must go”. Nodding I start moving away then stop “what?” He asks, I run back to Pippa, grab the shoes putting them on me. He smiles “ahh my Sanguine queen, there’s just one thing missing”. He pulls the anklet from his pocket and kneels down placing it around my left ankle. Then he picks me up in his arms, Carrying me to his Lamborghini, gently placing me into the passenger side. 

Wheels screech, as he pulls away to Chris De-burgh’s lady in red . Leaving the chaos behind, dust flies, new sirens are in the distance, and the rest of the pack runs along beside us, Howling in harmony! 

The end.