EXTRACT FOR
Petra And The Wolf
(Kelly Addams)

A breath caught I her throat, and her heart skipped a beat as suddenly she saw him. Quite how she had missed him until that point she couldn't say, one moment the path had been clear as far as the eye could see, and the next, there he was, a tall man wearing a dark cloak and cowl, the hood so deep that she couldn't see his face, only a pair of smouldering red eyes.

But he can't be bad she told herself, he couldn't walk the path if he was evil.

And I have no time to cover myself she added as he drew closer to where she stood, hesitating, debating if she should turn and run, and wondering what he was thinking as he studied her semi nudity.

"Good Morning." his voice was deep and husky.

"Good Morning Sir." she replied, always polite.

"And where might you be going on this fine Spring morning?" he asked, as Petra sensed him sniffing the air, "A picnic I think, bread and ham and cheese... and something else, a more interesting and intimate aroma."

"Fruit." she stammered, knowing that he was no ordinary traveller if he could identify the contents of her basket with a single sniff.

"No, not fruit," he chuckled, "I catch the faint aroma of something warm and wet, I sense excitement and frustration... and a deep longing."

Petra flushed almost as red as the cape she had tucked away in her basket. How did he know she was wet, and excited. And how can he be so sure that I'm frustrated.

"Pause for a while," he said softly as he stepped toward the shade cast by the looming trees, "Come, join me my pretty one. I know that you are in no hurry this morning, you can spare a few minutes to give company to a weary traveller."

"I am in a hurry, actually." she replied and resisted the urge to join him in the shade, "My grandma is unwell, I am rushing to her house now... so I'm sorry, but I don't have the time to spare."

The stranger chuckled softly as the intensity of his gaze strengthened, the red glow flaring for a moment.

"But Petra, your grandmother is quite well, I saw her not more than an hour ago, she was collecting wood and wild mushrooms beside the path... so you do have the time to spare... so come, sit with me a while."

"How do you know my name?" she gasped.

"Everyone knows your name," he replied, his tone calm and reassuring, "So often we see you pass along the path, always wearing your red cape and hood... although I must admit I prefer what you have chosen to wear today. Black suits you my dear. So come, sit with me... I don't bite."

"Everyone knows my name? And who is everyone?" Petra suppressed a grin, his words had set a fire smouldering inside, she was well known, there were those who recognised her, maybe even fantasised and lusted over her. And he mentioned my attire today, he likes what he sees.

"Yes, black suits you very well," he added ignoring her questions, "It makes you look sultry and sexy... I doubt that there is a man or beast alive that could resist you dressed like that... you have definitely affected me Petra... shall I show you?"