Chapter 60: Chapter 60

I was lost in my own introspections. I feel like a pall floating into the atmosphere, unhurriedly pacing. I took my time to move ahead, but it was deliberate and steady. Even the turtle can run faster than me. I closed my eyes, letting out a tremendous sigh. I don't know how many hours we have been here. It's suffocating. Even if I wanted to get out, we couldn't.

"Let's get out of this place."

I peeked down behind me, watching him gather his pieces of equipment. I felt a fur on my lap, so I glanced at Bobby, wiggling his tail at me, curious to know what was going on. I couldn't let out a smile as something knife-liked plugged through my heart, weighing down my sentiments. I feel something thwarting my throat, so I have tribulation in breathing. Whatever I do to get these train of thoughts out of my brain, it keeps coming back.

"Natasha? What are you still doing there? You know we can't stay here anymore." his baritone-voiced echoed throughout the room. Bobby barked, then ran up to him. I felt his presence behind me, anticipating for me to say something.

However, I didn't even bother to open my mouth just to let him hear me say a word. Instead, I stood up then walked past him, starting to assemble my belongings. I felt his eyes watching my back, confused about what was happening. I have been deadly quiet for hours after our argument earlier.

It drained me, and I couldn't find my battery to recharge just yet. I bit my tongue, restraining the tears pushing to let out. Not here, Natasha. You just cried earlier. Please stop wailing every time; I'm so sick of it. I took my backpack. I was about to open the wardrobe when I felt an assertive pair of hands wrapped around my tiny waist, turning me and pushing my back on the divider. I was now facing the beast, longing for answers why I had been silent.

"What's the matter again? You've been acting strangely. I know what I had done earlier, and I'm sorry for pushing you away-"

"It's not about that, Ethan," I mumbled, not meeting his eyes. I don't want to make contact with his eyes for now. I know it will push me again into a hole and fall endlessly.

He didn't say anything for a minute, just gaping at my face. He let out a sigh of defeat, then rested his head on the wall, on top of my head. We remained in our spot, feeling each other's presence. Below us is Bobby watching us silently. His tail is not waggling, and his eras were plunged down.

"You don't want to move out?" he mumbled underneath his breath. His minty scent taunts in my nostrils, making my inner demons twitch.

I didn't say anything because I knew my answer would sound selfish on his part. He pinched my chin between his fingers and then lifted my face to see them. Our eyes locked, and he was shocked to see my expression. I wasn't crying or anything. Yet, the guilt is vividly seen in my stares.

None of us said a word. We were just staring at each other's countenances, trying to search for our misplaced soul. When we found it, it was lurking, almost vanishing.

"I don't want to be selfish. You know that, Ethan." I whispered, my voice breaking. I breathe in, taking up some courage.

"But I don't want to move to another place anymore." I choked back a sob making it difficult for me to keep going. However, he hushed me and then held both of my cheeks. He nodded, pushing to go on even though I could see the hurt in his eyes. How can I if it was tearing him apart?

"Don't worry, I can take it," he said. His voice was soothing and encouraging, but his eyes tell otherwise. I shook my head and pushed him away. I can't continue this. It pains me to see him sorrowing because of my words. I was about to step out when he grabbed me by my elbow and spun me until I crashed on his boulder chest.

"Please," he begged, slowly kneeling down on the floor. My eyes widen. I slapped his hands, telling him to stop, but he didn't listen. He dropped to the ground, knees on the floor. He holds my hands firmly. He was grinning as if he was happy to look at me from that view.

"Go on, my love." he motioned me to continue. I bit my lower lip, trying to shake away from his grip. He can't force me if he's doing this. My conscience can't handle it.

"No, Ethan. Please let go of me. I can't say things to you if you are kneeling-"

"Please, Natasha. I am willing to listen-"

"Ethan, enough. Please don't force me-"

"Natasha-"

"I SAID ENOUGH!" I yelled, then slapped him on his cheeks. My heart started to pound so fast and loud. My face was heating up, not in a flustering way, and I was clenching my hands. This is outrageous!

"I'm terrified of you, okay?! Because you killed someone again when I told you to keep yourself clean! You have caused enough trouble for the both of us, and now I am fucking stuck with you even if I could just leave you behind because of this mess you fucking started!"

"You should have just stayed in that Asylum. You deserve to be there."

I looked away, scared to see his expression. My hands were shaking terribly as I secured them. My tears fell off my cheeks, and I was gasping for air. Silence filled the room between the two of us. I saw Bobby on the side, crawling in the corner of the room, looking terrified. That's when I snapped back to reality.

Oh god, what have I said?

"I-i see."

I glanced back at him only to see him change his form. My neck almost broke because of how soaring and immense he was. I was used to seeing him looking ominous, eerie, and peckish for blood with this form. However, it was contrary to what I had anticipated. He was looking down at the floor as his eyes were shut closed. Something gleamed from his cheeks. It was unbearable to see.

He was crying in his wolf form.

"E-ethan, I didn't mean to-" I covered my mouth. My voice snapped. I shook my head, motioning to him I didn't mean any of my words. However, he turned his back on me and was about to go through the door when I blocked his way.

"Please..." I begged him to listen to me. I was out of control earlier, and none of those wretched words were unconsciously part of my thoughts.

Ethan's eyes looked down at mine, watching me until he shook his head in disappointment, causing my heart to drop, then repeatedly stomped.

"The damage has been done, Natasha. You can't put a band-aid on  broken glass."

He pushed me to the side. I called his name when he opened the door, but we froze in stupefaction when we saw someone outside our room. I felt my whole body numb for a minute when she looked at me, then slowly trailed her eyes to Ethan.

A long deafening silence enveloped us three when Bobby suddenly barked. That's the queue for Ethan to shut the door close. He changed back into his average body, then he run-up to my spot.

"We need to make a run, now!"

He grabbed my arm and then forced me to gather our things, which I was obliged to do this time. The Landlord saw Ethan, and any minute now, she will call the police. What is she even doing inside our apartment in the first place?!

"Hurry!" Ethan is pressured when he's done. He slung the bag over his shoulder and helped me put my things in order. Every move made my hands tremble and made me afraid of what might happen to us. It seems like I didn't want to leave this place a while ago because I was somehow loved by the people here. I even had a new friend. This was the first time I had someone I knew would support me every step of life, but destiny was deliberately deceitful because it took back from me in just a snap.

"Let's go!" Ethan picked up bobby and then put it in his bag in front, securing him. Bobby barked excitingly.

Ethan was about to open the door when someone banged on it, forcing it to open.

"This is the police department! You are completely surrounded!"

We both stopped dead in our tracks, unable to know what is our next move. I glanced at Ethan, who moved his jaw, but the fear was seen.

"What now?" I whispered to him.

He stomped on the floor. I waited for his answer, but he was just stunned at the door, not knowing what to do. He trudged on foot, almost crying in frustration.

"Stay here," he told me. I followed him with my gaze to see him change his arms to his wolf shape. I was confused about what he wanted to do when he started to smash the wall behind us, causing the floor the move.

"We're bailing us out of here!" he told me while repeatedly smashing the thick wall.

I was about to run to his place when the door suddenly slammed open. I turned around and saw that some members of Allen's team had entered. The wall that Ethan was pounding exploded just in time, and pieces fell to the floor.

"Come on!" he offered his hand, but I heard a gunshot behind me. I looked from behind me and saw the gun was pointing at Ethan.

The cop pulled the trigger, and Ethan's scream was the last I heard before my vision darkened.