Chapter 10: Stranger

Caitlyn and Nadine hastened down the hall towards Enora who was being examined by a pack medic. She tried to call out to them, but the gauze in her mouth muffled her words.

"Oh my gosh what happened?!" Caitlyn yelled as she got closer. "Allen! Send everyone home! The party's over!" Her husband shouted a confirmation and cut off the music moments later.

"Enora! What–!" Nadine began, putting her hands to her mouth in horror.

Enora was about to answer again, when the door opened to reveal the stranger being carried out. A quick scan of his body showed no wounds and his chest moved, but he was unconscious.

"Who is that?! He attacked you?! And how did these guys get here so fast?!" Caitlyn shouted again, seeing the state of her friend. The sleeve on Enora's dress had been torn and her hair had fallen out of its bun. Her face was sore and swelling; mouth slightly bleeding from where her gums were cut. This was definitely not good.

Gil stepped in beside them, "These are old cop buddies of mine. They were nearby." He placed a hand on her arm and gave a light squeeze, "Luckily, Enora was able to text me about the potential danger."

Enora nodded along, clearing her throat so she could speak. "I'm ok, really. That man was after my ex-boyfriend. He kept saying he owed him money and that he would get it through me."

"What? Michael? You haven't spoken to him in three years! My gosh, he could've gotten you killed!" Nadine exclaimed.

"I know. I was confused and tried to calm him down, but he seemed very intoxicated. He may have just attacked me because I tried to run, but these are because I fell. Honest."

There was a silence as her friends searched her face, possibly already aware that there must be something else going on, but they gave her a relieved smile and went in for a group hug.

"I'm just glad it was nothing worse," Nadine said.

"Me too." Caitlyn added softly.

"I was wondering if you could show me your security footage. We can use it to give to the police and see if anyone else was involved," Gil suggested, catching Enora's eye and nodding towards the room.

"Oh, yes! Of course. Let's get that now," Caitlyn replied, giving her another squeeze before scurrying off.

"I'll go with you guys. I need a drink or something," Nadine added. "Are you coming down Enny?"

"I'll be there in a bit. I need a minute," she smiled.

They nodded, heading downstairs with Nadine peppering Gil with more questions.

Enora took a deep breath. Her nerves crawled all over her body and her heart began to race as she entered the room. Victor had his back to her, facing the ceiling. He was taking in measured breaths as his fists clenched at his sides. She noticed the indentation in the opposite wall where he had held the stranger up against. The cracks and dust on the floor displayed how much power had gone into it and she thought back to how quickly he had moved.

She took a step, ready to speak, but Victor pulled her into his arms before she could let a word out. The comfort of his embrace flooded her senses with its familiarity, his smell, the curves of his body, and the strength in his hold. It broke down her pretense and she let out a small sob. In that moment of danger, she could only think of never having his hugs; of never seeing his smiling face again. It hurt.

He pulled back and took her face into his hands, wiping the tears. He searched her body carefully while she watched an array of emotions cross his face. Her hands slid up to hold onto his, "Talk to me."

He inhaled deeply before answering, "He hurt you. He touched you. He threatened you." The air felt staticky and the rage within him bubbled to the surface. "His filthy hands planned to take you away from me and if I hadn't made it in time–"

"But you did," she interrupted, squeezing his hands to distract him. "You made it on time and I'm safe because of you. As I am unfailingly so."

"I wanted to kill him. To rip him to shreds. I almost did."

"But you didn't and that proved how much control you have. How powerful you are."

Enora stroked his cheek tenderly. The beginnings of dark circles were on his face and she felt guilt, worry, and a mix of other emotions well up in her chest. Leave it to him to not take care of himself in her absence.

"Don't look at me like that," he said, leaning into her hand.

"Like what?"

"Accusingly so."

She scoffed, "Then you knew I'd notice and didn't try to hide it. You're getting sloppy Mr. Chu. Tsk, tsk."

A smile spread on his lips, "Ouch. That hurt."

Caitlyn, Nadine, and Gil arrived as Enora and Victor were on their way to them. Victor stepped off to the side with Gil and the girls turned to her with information,

"Turns out that guy was with someone else. He got dropped off earlier when the party had just started and waited for a larger crowd to come in," Caitlyn began. "That same car came back for him a few minutes before the cops came rushing in. We figured he was supposed to have the information he needed from you by then."

"They probably would have gone looking for Michael after," Nadine added.

Enora nodded thoughtfully, remembering the plans the shifter had for her. Would he have taken her straight to the enemy territory or waited until her transformation was complete?

"Anyway, we decided it would be best for you to stay here tonight. I already set up the guest rooms," Caitlyn said.

Enora shook her head, "What? Oh no, I've been too much trouble already. It's my fault that a stranger risked coming in here and causing trouble."

"Exactly why you should stay. Someone else could be waiting for you at your apartment."

"Or waiting to follow you on the drive. There's safety in numbers," Nadine voiced, grabbing onto Enora's hand.

"I have a large house for a reason, girl. For special occasions and circumstances. This is one of those circumstances, so I won't take no for an answer," Caitlyn said, hands on her hips.

"Plus, you know us. If you insist on going home, we'll go back to your apartment too. No big deal," Nadine shrugged.

"I know. You two are more than stubborn," Enora sighed.

"I'll be going now. I'd like to follow up with the police and see what is happening on their end," Gil announced.

"Oh, you're welcome to stay. I have room. It's a long drive," Caitlyn replied.

"Thanks, but I'll be alright. I also have some engagements I have to keep in the morning."

"Well, if, you're sure. Drive safe."

He smiled, "Thanks. You all have a good rest."

"Are you ready to go?" Victor asked, taking her hand.

"I decided to stay the night. We figure it's safer than my going home."

"Good thinking. Then I'll stay the night with you. Let me get my bag from the car."

"Yeah, so I'll see you to– Wait, what?"