Chapter 2: Suspense

It was a few minutes before the paralysis of Enora's mind and body had lifted. Enough of her senses had returned to realize she was with a stranger, which rightfully prompted kicking and screaming.

"Let go! Put me down!" she yelled, trying to wriggle out of his grasp.

The stranger didn't spare her a glance, only tightened his hold. It was only when she managed to dig a concealed knife out of her purse and attempted to swing, that he addressed her.

"Hey! I'm helping you escape! Put that away!"

"Helping? I don't even know you!"

"Victor told me to get you back to your apartment no matter what. I'll explain once there." He responded quickly; voice full of authority.

At the mention of Victor's name, her words faltered. The last she saw before they were no longer within sight, were both wolves leaping towards one another with claws raised.

"What's your name? How do I really know you're a friend of Victor's?" she asked quietly.

"I'm Gil. Gil Contreras. I'm the beta of the pack and I've known Victor since grade school. Uh, I guess I could try to find pictures of us back then. If that would serve as proof."

She didn't respond, taking some time to observe him; he was a big guy. Wide and solid like Victor, but with a rounder face and heavier brow. His full, thick beard and short, curly hair made him handsome in a lumberjack sort of way. She turned her gaze away to stifle a chuckle at the thought and observed their destination nearing; her interrogation would continue there.

Gil let her down gently, taking a few steps back with his hands up to allow her space. A heavy sigh escaped her as she fished the keys out of her purse and waved for him to follow. She took a seat on the windowsill of the lobby and patted the space beside her.

"Alright, I need answers. What was going on back there? And why was...Victor, joining them?" she asked with a wavered voice and trembling hands.

"What you saw, was another rogue wolf on the loose. They've been looking for this particular one for the past few days. And as for Victor's involvement, well, that is his business to tell." he answered, expression serious.

She wanted to ask about Victor again, but moved on to the mention of a rogue wolf instead,

"Wait, another wolf? Meaning more than one?"

"Yes. I'm guessing you don't watch the news?"

She shook her head slowly in response.

Gil sighed, putting a hand through his hair, "There have been an increasing number of rogues lately. It's odd and... worrying. At first, they were in random locations outside of New York City, but they've gradually made their way here." he explained, gaze distant.

The erratic fluttering of her heart began again, like a bird flying around in its cage. Rogue wolves were supposed to be rare now–a thing of the past.

"And since they're in our vicinity now, it makes it our problem and responsibility. I was young the last time an incident like this had detrimental effects, and I'm hoping something like it doesn't happen again."

The information sunk in like molten lava, "So, all of this is going on and I didn't know. Was I ever going to know?!" Enora exclaimed, more to herself than him. She jumped up as the anger continued in steady, boiling rivulets; how could he do this to her? Did he think her naïve? Was she a game to him this whole time? Her fists clenched and her eyes stung. This was betrayal.

Enora looked at Gil again. His expression was sympathetic but also understanding. She felt no discomfort with him, surprisingly, and she felt his words to be sincere.

"Sorry. I'm... This is a lot."

He gave a gentle nod, "I get it."

"So, what now?"

"My orders are to guard you; therefore, I shall check the perimeter and report outside your apartment to keep watch all night." he stated, turning his head to crack his neck.

The information surprised her, "Huh? Why? No, I would feel guilty having you stand outside. Just knock when you get back, you can stay inside with me."

"That was not Alpha's orders..."

It took a moment for her to understand that he meant Victor, and it made her bristle again, "If he has a problem with it, he can take it up with me. Plus, I would feel safer with someone inside." she countered.

Gil went to respond but hesitated at the stern look she gave him, "Alright. You win."

She smiled in triumph and took the stairs to her apartment.

***

Enora sat in her living room hours later, staring out of the window from the couch, body curled up in a fleece blanket. Though anger continued to simmer inside of her, she couldn't help but be worried about Victor. Her mind refused to cease the replay of what she had witnessed earlier, feeding into the anxiety of the whole situation.

Beyond the first wolf that had entered the scene, were three others that appeared to be chasing it down. It released a terrifying roar at seeing them closing in, and it slashed at a person that had gotten too close in retaliation–their body sent flying several feet as a result. Enora had felt ice creep into her blood; this creature could kill her within the blink of an eye.

The black wolf took another step however, eyes locking onto hers in order to obscure her view. It was powerful and overwhelming, haunting in the way that gave her goosebumps, but it allowed her to breathe. Arms were around her moments later, lifting her bridal style and running away from the scene, as her eyes remained on the wolf's.

The man–or should she say, shifter–that sat in the room with her, glanced over at her again for the umpteenth time in the last hour.

"I'm fine, Gil. Stop looking at me please."

"But you haven't eaten. It's been hours." he stated.

"I'm not hungry."

He sighed in defeat and left the room.

She fastened the blanket more securely around herself in response to the cold breeze that came in. The streets were dark. In all the panic, several blocks in the vicinity of the incident had lost some power, effecting the streetlamps and traffic lights. The symphony of sirens and helicopter whirs had finally died down and the streets were devoid of cars and buses, likely closed off by law enforcement. It felt foreign and wrong.

"Uh, you wanna watch a movie? Or a show? It looks like we're going to be here a while and I feel bad about invading your space." Gil's voice said, breaking the silence.

She gave him a pensive look, tempted to decline.

"Sure. I could use a distraction." she replied instead and reached forward to grab the remote.

"And don't feel bad about being here, it isn't necessarily your fault."

He paused, "You a mind reader?"

She laughed. "I wish! It was a lucky guess."

He gave a light chuckle, "My ma says I'm a sympathizer. Can't help it."

"I appreciate the honesty then. Thank you."

He hummed, turning to the television as she flicked through the options.

***

Enora's head lulled back in exhaustion–the temptress of sleep tickling the edges of her consciousness with every minute that passed. Where was Victor? Was he not going to face her? What if something had happened?

As if on cue, a bang at the door banished her thoughts,

"Enora!" Victor's powerful timbre resounded.

She was on her feet faster than she would have thought possible by the time he had burst through the door. Their bodies synced, pausing at the sight of each other with held breaths.