Prompt Submission
This was written for a FlashFic (1000 words). Prompt: Werewolf adopted from the pound. (Skip to Chapter One to read the whole chapter, not just the original submission.
Happy Reading!
Nessa
“I know, Mom,” I sigh into the phone. She thinks I’m depressed. She’s not entirely wrong, but I’m not about to jump off a bridge or anything.
“Nessie, baby, please think about therapy,” she pleads, voice strained.
“Okay, gotta go. Love you!” I hang up before she can protest further. I know she means well—she’s a good mother who genuinely cares—but that doesn’t dull the sting Garrett left behind.
I flip open my laptop, drumming my fingers impatiently as I wait for it to awaken. Through the window beside my desk, the grass is dying, the trees already shifting from green to fiery reds and yellows. Autumn has arrived without my permission.
My computer finally prompts me for login credentials.
User: Nessa L.
Password: Garsie103115
I really need to change my password, I remind myself bitterly. Ten wasted years—ten years spent believing Garrett’s empty promises and lies. “Nessa, I don’t know what you’re on about.” I can still hear his gravelly voice echoing in my mind.
My inbox is mostly spam, except for an email from my apartment complex about a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. My eyes soften at the sight of countless adorable puppies and kittens. They tug at my heart in ways I’m completely vulnerable to right now.
Fuck it. Who needs therapy when they can adopt a puppy?
I glance again and notice the email date—last week. The fundraiser’s over. My heart sinks slightly, but at the bottom of the email, the shelter’s address catches my eye.
Impulse wins out. Grabbing my keys and wallet, I nearly dash out the door barefoot but quickly slip my socked feet into sneakers at the last second.
Let’s go adopt a puppy.
Within fifteen minutes, I’m parked outside a large rectangular building, its boring shape offset by colorful murals painted across its walls. The entrance door chimes pleasantly as I step inside.
“Welcome!” greets a plump, smiling older woman. “Are you here to volunteer or adopt?”
“Adopt,” I reply firmly.
“Oh, wonderful!” She beams, clapping her hands in delight.
After filling out paperwork confirming I’m mentally and financially stable enough to care for an animal, I’m directed toward the “dog wing.” Apparently, cats and dogs must remain separated—who knew?
“Just so you know,” says the woman—her name tag reads Kathy, “all the puppies found homes during last weekend’s event, but there are plenty of sweet angels still available. Take your time. It’s a big decision.”
I wander down aisles lined with kennels, greeted by eager barking and curious noses pressed against metal grates. My steps slow as I notice a striking dog—possibly a husky or shepherd mix—completely black with captivating golden eyes.
“Oh, what a cutie you are,” I whisper.
The dog perks up immediately, wagging its tail before standing and padding closer. It’s bigger than I initially thought—definitely male—and gently sniffs my fingers through the cage. Those eyes stare right into my soul, melting away whatever doubts I had.
“You might be too large for my apartment complex’s pet policy,” I sigh, “but I feel like I have to take you home.”
“Did you find a keeper?” Kathy asks, startling me slightly.
“Oh—yes. He’s perfect. What’s his name?”
“That’s Charlie. He’s a high-energy boy, so he’ll need lots of attention and plenty of exercise. Is that something you can manage?”
“I work from home, so we’ll have all the time in the world,” I assure her.
Kathy smiles brightly. “Fantastic! Let’s sign the paperwork, and I’ll have Levi take Charlie out for a potty break before you take him home.”
I reluctantly tear my gaze away from Charlie as Kathy leads me back to the front desk. A quick transaction of seventy-five dollars and copies of vaccination records later, I’m officially a dog mom.
Maybe impulsivity isn’t always a bad thing.
“Alright, Charlie! Welcome to your new home!” I announce proudly, opening the front door wide. Charlie cautiously steps inside, his nails clicking softly against the laminate floors. He pauses in front of my pristine white couch, his sleek black fur a stark contrast.
He sits and regards me with his piercing golden eyes, expression oddly human, as if he’s weighing his options about this new arrangement.
“Hey, don’t look at me like that,” I smile softly, kneeling down and scratching gently behind his ears. “You can stay here forever, if you’ll have me.”
Charlie leans into my touch, tilting his head into my palm. I grin, deciding I made the right impulsive decision today.
Later, I find myself sprawled across the once-white couch—now decorated liberally with black fur—as Charlie lounges comfortably beside me. We’ve been binge-watching Love Island, and every time I gasp or shout dramatically at the TV, Charlie lifts his head, amusement flickering behind those intelligent eyes.
BAM BAM BAM!
The harsh banging startles us both. Charlie springs up, teeth bared, growling fiercely toward the door.
“Easy, Charlie,” I murmur, heart hammering. “Let me check.” He obediently backs up, sitting attentively but still rumbling protectively.
“Nessa! Baby, open the door!” The slurred voice hits me like a punch.
My chest tightens painfully. “No! Garrett, go away!” I shout, my voice shaking.
But before I can move, the door bursts inward, wood splintering as Garrett crashes through. I leap backward, narrowly avoiding being hit by the broken door. My heart races in panic.
“Garrett, what the hell are you doing?!” I scream.
“Baby, stop fighting me,” Garrett drawls, staggering toward me. At six-foot-two and built like the former football player he is, he’s intimidating even when sober. Right now, he’s terrifying. His hand tangles roughly into my hair, jerking my head painfully.
Charlie barks sharply, lunging forward. Fear grips me.
“No, Charlie! Stay back!” I scream desperately. I can’t bear the thought of him being hurt.
But Charlie hesitates only briefly, determination blazing in his golden eyes.
And suddenly, impossibly, Charlie is gone.
Standing in his place is a massive, muscular, very naked man.
Shock paralyzes me. Garrett freezes, his grip loosening.
“Get your hands off her,” the man snarls, voice rumbling dangerously.
Garrett stumbles back, dropping me immediately, eyes wide with disbelief and terror.
“What—who the hell—?” Garrett stammers, tripping over his own feet.
“Leave,” the man growls again, stepping protectively between us.
Garrett scrambles backward, falling onto the shattered door before staggering to his feet and fleeing like the coward he truly is.
The naked stranger turns toward me, eyes softening instantly. I stare back, utterly speechless.
Charlie—the man, whoever he is—offers a sheepish half-smile. “I can explain.”
Thanks for reading! 👋
I’m Kayla, an indie author who shares early drafts on Inkitt to gather feedback before the final release.
You’ve just finished a slice of a flash-fiction challenge my friends and I tackled—the prompt was “You unknowingly adopt a werewolf.” I loved the idea so much I’m expanding it into a full story.
Up next is the official Chapter 1, where we switch to Charlie’s perspective.
Settle in and enjoy the ride! 🐺💕
