Chapter 46: Chapter 46

I was pacing back and forth in front of a door, and I had no idea how many hours I had been biting my finger uneasily. Harry was behind that door. The operation on his condition has been ongoing for quite some time now. He asked me to call his family doctor for him, and it arrived quickly. I lost track of my time, and I couldn't even feel my fingers from nipping it too much when I felt a pair of arms cloaked around my waist, pulling me closer to his barrel curved like chest. My breathing hitched, and for a moment there, I forgot how to think.

"You have been walking there. Your feet might give up on you," he whispered against my ear lobe. His breath caressed my flesh, fondling on my skin. I couldn't move appropriately as I could hear the beating of his heart. He was tall, so my ear was placed right beside his chest. I let out a tremendous sigh before spinning around to face him. His eyes were laced with concern for my condition.

"He'll live on, okay? He will." he stroked my head soothingly, kissing my forehead gently. I close my eyes, savoring his lips that linger on my head. After minutes of standing there and feeling each other's presence, Ethan guided me towards a seat, caressing my shoulders to calm my nerves.

"Breath, then relax. Harry is brave." Ethan tapped my lap, holding my fingers closely. I did the breathing technique, closing my eyes for a minute. When I finally calmed down, I slowly rested my head on his shoulder, inhaling crisply.

"I still couldn't believe you're finally awake. I thought I would die there-"

"Don't say that. You know I can't lose you," he mumbled, snarling. I chuckled, pinching his nose. He tried to pry away but failed since he kissed my fingers, sucking them naughtily.

"But seriously, how did you know I was back in our city?" I asked curiously since I wanted to know how he escaped Harry's mansion without anyone noticing him. I went here just in time.

Ethan placed my hand above his chest, playing with my fingers. His thumb stroked the back of my palm, staring at the door right ahead. He didn't say anything for a whole minute, but I waited. I was looking up at him, anticipating when he opened his mouth.

"I could hear you while I was sleeping. You were talking to me every day, begging me to wake up instantly. You know I tried, right?" he asked, and I nodded. He blinks rapidly, coating his lower lip.

"I couldn't stand you crying on my chest every day. I could hear everything, it was as if my mind was awake, but my body was immobilized. I fought and did everything I could to move my muscles, joints, or anything from my body, but nothing happened."

"And then…you said you were going away for two days." Ethan trailed off, looking at me with his side eyes.

"I got scared that time because you know how dangerous to set feet out there within those time limits. You can go out for an hour but what days? Fuck, I almost lost my sanity. I was banging this invincible force field restraining me from waking up. I did not stop from punching it, clawing it, kicking it until it made a crack."

His shoulders relaxed, leaning his head on mine. We stayed in that position, just holding each other's hand while he explained to me what happened to him while he was asleep.

"I was frightened and wanted to halt you, but you already flew away. However, I didn't stop cracking the seal. I was yelling at the top of my lungs, begging and kneeling on the ground, that please give me another chance to see you because I would fucking trade lives with the devil if ever something bad happens to you. At the same time, I just lay there on the bed, sleeping and doing nothing for your sake."

Ethan's voice got weaker and almost cracked, but he caught himself. He inhaled a sharp breath, looking at the ceiling. I stroke his back, telling him he can continue because I listen attentively. Ethan gestures his head, seeking up some spirit to continue.

"Of course, even though I felt hopeless, I didn't stop there. I threw more punches until I finally opened the seal. My heart was beating promptly against my chest when I woke up. I saw a woman inside the room, standing and looking at me as if I were an alien from another planet…."

Rena…

"But she told me one thing: you were taken away." Ethan clenched his hands, and I could feel they were trembling with rage when I had to stroke his hands, easing his anger. Ethan calmed down somehow, but his hand was still clenched.

"I didn't waste any more time. I know where they will take you when I heard Allen got you. I shifted to my wolf form and almost flew my way here just to save you." Ethan closed his eyes, and the lump in his throat bobbed up and down.

"You don't have any idea how scared I was. I thought I was going to lose you. I almost flew in the air, and while sprinting my way here, I did the most incredible thing I would never, ever imagine myself I would do it." Ethan went silent for a second, unsure if he would continue it or not.

"What is it?" I asked, holding on for his answer.

Ethan exhaled, chuckling to himself. He shook his head, but I cupped his cheek. Ethan stared at my eyes for a moment, and when he saw how sincere I was, he breathed out in defeat.

"I prayed and talked to the heavens above." he bit his lower lip, and this time a tear streamed down his cheek. He clenched his jaw, averting his eyes. He looked embarrassed to cry in front of me.

"I prayed and did my best to reach Him, asking for forgiveness and repenting for my sins before asking a favor. I mean, I'm so fuck up, right? I don't even read holy scriptures or listen to preachers. However,"

He leaned his face closer, cupping my side cheek. When our lips touched, he was soft and passionate. He tilted his head to the side, biting and sucking on my tender lips, making my insides twist a knot. It was a quick make-out because he backed away to look me in the eyes. He blinks, giving me that jaw-dropping smile of his.

"If you are involved, I would do any impracticable things that no one could imagine I can do, even me."

He cups both of my cheeks, "That's how important you are to me, and I wouldn't let anyone lay a finger on you. Ever, mark my words, Natasha."

I nodded, smiling at him. "I was scared too, Ethan. The moment they took me away from that house, away from you, I couldn't think straight. I was disquieted, and queasy I didn't know what to do. I was ready to sacrifice myself. I was ready to die, Ethan. I was ready to get killed for you when Harry arrived."

"He will help us," I mumbled, my lips forming into uncontrollable sobs. Ethan hushed me, then embraced me tightly between his arms, stroking my back gently. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to Harry. He was willing to die for me. I wouldn't let that. I wouldn't let anyone important to me would be taken away.

"I know he would. He's a nice man," he said, followed by a long deafening silence before he broke it.

"I fucking hate to say this… but if ever something will happen to me while they are chasing us. If ever everything turns upside down and went chaotic…and if I won't survive-"

"Ethan, no-" I shook my head, but he placed his finger above my lips, motioning me to listen to him.

"If I won't live that long, please…" he grabbed both of my hands and then rested his forehead against it. I felt my knuckles getting wet, and it was his tears. I tried to remove my hands from his and tell him that nothing would happen to him. He will survive. Harry will help us.

"E-Ethan…" my voice became hoarse, and my vision was blurry from crying. I parted my lips to catch my breath. I could see his shoulders shaking uncontrollably. The hallway was filled with cries and grunts of agony when Ethan finally dropped the bomb.

"Please, marry Harry. You will be safer with him. I could only trust him when I die-"

"Ethan! Fucking stop talking about death! You will not die! You hear me?! You'll not!" I pushed him away, sobbing uncontrollably. I cursed, wiping off the tears from my cheeks.

"You're being pathetic. Please, consider what will I feel if they took you away from me." I averted my eyes, looking away.

Ethan was speechless, but I could feel his stares piercing my soul. I sniff, gazing at the wall. He was just saying the possibilities, but I don't want to entertain those thoughts. I might lose myself. I might go ballistic and won't believe in anything anymore. I suspire a breath, inclining my head on the wall when the door finally opens, almost making me jump in perturbation. I hurriedly stood up and then ran towards the surgeon. Ethan followed me, halting behind me.

"Hi, how is he?" I asked, playing with my fingers uneasily. I felt Ethan wrap his arms around my waist, tapping on it gently. Please, bring me some good news. I had enough bad news for today.

"Well…" the man trailed off, removing his gloves. He glanced at both of us, staring at us for one minute when he finally fell the bomb.

"He's stable for now."

It was as if a thorn was pulled out of my chest. I sighed, letting myself fall on Ethan's chest.