Chapter 42: Chapter 42

I was pacing back and forth, biting on my nails, which is one of my mannerisms whenever I'm having a terror onslaught. I stopped and then looked up at the clock to see the time. It's already past midnight. He was gone for about twelve hours, and he hasn't come back yet. Every second I checked the windows, expecting he would go home any minute, but not a single strand of his hair was shown to my disheartenment.

I heaved a deep sighed then closed my eyes, trying to calm my mind. I know panicking wouldn't be helped, but I can't help it. He told me not to do anything stupid, such as following him. It's tempting, but it's been hours. I haven't slept or eaten anything since this morning. I was going off the deep end. I shuddered and then looked for the remote. I should try to entertain myself. Maybe watching some television would ease my nervousness. I inhaled the stress, then let it all out. I sat down on the couch, turning on the television.

Don't look at the clock, Natasha. Don't think of anything that has negative energy. Think of something that will boost your serotonin. I squeezed my brain, but my shoulder dropped when I realized Ethan was my source of emotional state. My vision blurred with tears, but I shook them away. I have no one aside from Ethan. I chuckled to myself. Why did I forget about it? I live alone. I have no friends, no parents…only Ethan.

I glance at the television, dumbfounded. I don't understand what's the show all about. All I think about is how lonely my life was. I heaved a deep sigh, then caresses on my chest because it felt like something sharp was buried in it. I parted my lips, trying to breathe in air.

"Today's Midnight News is about a man killed in his apartment. The victim's name is Tyler, twenty-five years old. The police tracked down who was responsible for the murder. However, what they saw was ou of this world."

I paused on what I was doing, then focused on the television, listening to what the reporter said. My body got tensed when I saw live footage of a real-life murder. I almost threw up, even though I hadn't eaten anything. This is awful. I feel so sorry for the man's situation. This world is becoming more barbarous than before.

"I have known Tyler ever since we were kids. He's my best friend. He was such a cool guy." Drake, Tyler's Best Friend, was interviewed by the reporter. He was crying gravely, not minding what the world might say to him. It's understandable because I would be cast down if I had a best friend, and he got killed for no legitimate reason.

"He texted me to come to his house, guys night, but what I saw was terrifying. It sends chills to my whole body. It was faster than light the way it disappeared with just a blink of an eye, but I know what I saw."

I gulp the knot in my throat. Suddenly, I couldn't move a muscle in my spot as I anticipated Drake's reply to the reporter. I didn't notice that I was scratching the couch, and my knees were getting cold and powerless.

"It's a creature, not any normal creature you would encounter every day. It's immense, its body is like a person's trunk, but its face is baleful as if everything it touched destructs. Its fur is thick and bimestrial, it has long claws, and its tremendous hands can tear your body apart."

Drake trembled in fear, looking at his surroundings as if he was being observed. The reporter was quiet, not knowing what to comment on his description. Drake exhaled, relaxing his tense shoulders, but he didn't stop squeezing himself.

"I know it sounds fake and unreal, but trust me. I saw it with my own two eyes. I'm not fooling anyone."

When he said the last three words, my whole body froze, my heart throbbing painfully, and my eyes widened in horror. I dropped the remote controller in my arms as they went stiff. I slowly got up from my seat while shaking my head.

"No…no."

I hurriedly went into the kitchen to look for the car keys. I took the coat from the wall hooks and then stormed out of the house when I found it. The last three words are still imprinted in my mind.

Werewolves are real.

My hands were shaking when I tried to insert the keys into the car. I yelled in frustration when I dropped them on the ground. I wanted to cry and punch on something, but I focused because Ethan needed me. I knew it was a horrible idea to get out without someone beside him. I know there's no concrete evidence of him being the werewolf Drake talked about in the News, but still, being careful wouldn't hurt.

I looked down at the steering wheel. I bit my tongue, thrusting the clip of myself getting a car crash out of my brain cells. I closed my eyes, murmuring some prayers underneath my breath. I don't know how to drive, I don't have any experience, but Ethan needs me. There is no more taxi at this time. I blew out a harsh breath and then turned on the engine.

The car accelerated to full speed. I lose control of the wheel because of how heavy it is to grip. I winced as the car's tires made a shrill sound. I staggered down the road. I can't control the steering wheel because I don't know how to operate a car. I burst into tears and closed my eyes, ready to give up my life, when I suddenly remembered Ethan's face. His sly and beauteous eyes were fixed on me, his attention not being taken away from my face.

My lips parted when he nodded his head, encouraging me everything would be okay. Somehow, my whole body relaxed at the point I opened my eyes. I focus my vision on the road. Think of it, Natasha, like you're riding a bike. My chest rises and then falls when I balance the car smoothly while in the right lane. I slowly smiled, proud of myself.

Don't worry, Ethan, I'm coming for you.

I actually don't have any idea where am I going. I don't have any lead, someone who will take me to Ethan, all I have is myself. I looked around the neighborhood, trying to seek a wolf or his human form. Ethan isn't hard to find because of his towering figure, the intimidating aura around him, and his hair that's bedraggled all the time. I didn't notice that I was too preoccupied when I almost hit someone in front.

"Oh my god!" I stepped on the brake when an officer halted me from going elsewhere. I cursed when it inspected the car. Seriously? There's police out here that's loitering in this time? T walks up to my side. Its eyes are not leaving the driver's seat, which is on my spot. I gulp, relaxing my shoulders. I look around inside the car. When I saw a pair of glasses and a rubber, I snatched them. I heard a low tap of fingers on the window to my side. I put on the glasses and fixed my hair before rolling down the window.

"Hey officer, what's shaking?" I casually asked, pretending to be someone else.

The officer's lips pursed, then he glanced inside the car, looking if I was with someone. My smile didn't falter.

"You aren't with someone else?" he asked, and I nodded. His eyes squinted then he stood up straight.

"It's dangerous to wander around at this late, Ma'am. We were ordered to survey the whole city, looking for the werewolf. In any case, have you ever countered something strange?"

My lips trembled, but I bit it before he could notice it. I shake my head in disagreement.

"I was hanging around one of my friend's houses earlier, going home, when you stopped me," I muttered. The officer raised his brow and then fished something in his pockets. It's a phone. He scrolled through something before showing me his screen. I lowered my glasses, trying to have a better look.

"The victim, Tyler, posted this on his media, and the next morning, he was found dead in his apartment. His body was reaped into pieces like paper. His best friend, Drake, witnessed the murder. The way he describes the creature is the same as the picture Tyler posted."

He zoomed in on the picture, giving me a closer look at what was in the background. When I noticed it, my whole body paused in horror. I gulp, then I slowly gaze at the officer giving me an alarming look.

"In any case, do you know this girl in the background?"

I didn't say anything as my throat went dry and my mind went ballistic.

It's me.