There was a wolf in Laura's bed. The wolf had a name. He said his name was Gary. He was pretty hot, but he had fleas, and he also kind of had an appetite for humans.
"You should put a hand in my mouth," Gary said.
"Will you bite me? You're … drooling."
Gary's stomach rumbled. "Kinky." He laughed. "Of course. Won't break the skin, I promise."
"Then why are you holding a whole plate of barbeque seasoning behind your back?"
"It's just a wolf thing," he said. "You wouldn't understand."
Laura took a step back. "I'm not sure if I can trust you."
Gary rolled his eyes. "I swear I'm not like other wolves."
Laura shook her head. "I don't know about that."
"Wow, no wolf will ever want you if you keep acting like that."
Laura sighed. "I'm probably overreacting. I suppose it's all about trust, and I'm not taking a chance here."
Gary shrugged. "The worst that could happen is that I say no." He pulled out a steel file and started sharpening his claws.
Laura took a hesitant step forward. "Gary, do you have fleas? In my bed?"
Gary stopped scratching his balls. "No? I'm offended you would even ask."
"Oh good," Laura said. "I hate fleas."
"You just have to deal with it," Gary said. "That's what dating a wolf is like."
"My best friend got eaten by a wolf. So pardon me if I'm a little hesitant. Please give me some time to warm up to you."
Gary jumped out of the bed at Laura and growled. Laura screamed as Gary tackled and pinned her to the floor, and he snarled, revealing his long, sharp white teeth.
"Haha, just kidding," Gary said, and got off her and sat politely by the foot of the bed. "I got ya, didn't I?"
Laura couldn't even speak. She was wiping away tears. Her skirt was torn a little at the hem.
"You're so dramatic," Gary said. "I was just joking around."
Laura sniffled and managed to compose herself a little. She laughed halfheartedly, shallow little noises. "Wow, you're so funny. I'm sure that was just a joke. Sure, I might be traumatized by my best friend's death, but that's okay, I'll just suck it up because it's been so long and I gotta move on eventually."
Gary smiled.
Later that night, Gary ate her.