Barely Breathing

Once we were out of sight and into the shelter of towering trees, I almost stumbled as he attacked me in an embrace, holding me
tight. His body molding into mine as he buried his face onto the crook of my neck. I shivered by the contact and the gesture hit
me straight through my heart. A tear formed in my eyes and I was so tempted to wrap my arms on his shoulders.
He was so vulnerable in this position. Holding me tight like his life depends on me. Like he is too afraid to let go of me.
"Xyrus..." I whispered above his ear. He shivered and held me tighter. My back arched as he pulled me closer.
"You have to let me go so we could talk." I tried but a traitorous part of me wants him to never let me go. His warmth warms my
heart more than anything.
He sighed defeatedly and loosen his hold. His forehead connects with mine and I tried to pry but his eyes were closed. He took
slow and even breathes before he released me fully, standing a foot away from me.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that." He apologized but his actions tell a different story, of longing and pain. Like he wants to
hold me again but he was restraining his self. He almost looked pained.
"So," I started, shifting from foot to foot. "We've met before huh, when we were kids, stuff like that."
A sad smile formed on his lips. His eyes were shining with joy and mischief, as If he knows me too well. "You were so fat then, a
cute little ball of fat."
"You would always cry whenever you see me though. I can't blame you, I was always a trouble to you." He continued with a
chuckle.
"And what trouble do you say you were?" I asked, entertained with his story-telling of my lost childhood memories.
"A lot of sorts if you ask me." He playfully brushed his hands on my hair, holding a few strands on his fingertips, and gently
cupped the side of my face, smoothing my cheeks with his thumb. "You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now."
"Uh – " I gulped and tried to tore away but his eyes held me captivated. I can't even hear anything other than the loud beating of
my heart as he drew closer...and closer.
"Xyrus..." I murmured. He cupped my face with both of his hands and inched closer and closer. His eyes were captivating, full of
emotions that might drown me into its depths. My mind went black as all I could think of was one thing I never thought I would
want so bad.

I felt his lips lightly brushed my lips until he claimed me fully, pulling me closer. I was on fire, my skin was tingling, I felt like
exploding. My knees felt weak and I gripped the front of his shirt. He groaned and deepened the kiss. And I find myself drowning
in his kisses.
Something wet damped on my cheeks and there I realized, I was crying all the while. Like how my tears cleared my eyes, I could
see it clearly – I am in love with him.
We walked in silence after that, both of us fully aware of the impact of that kiss. It somehow officially made us together even if we
don't voice it out.
We reached the boulder where the end of forest trees meet the human road. A memory lingers in my mind, the first time I saw
Xyrus in this very place.
"Did you know it was me when you saw me here that day?" I asked curiously.
"When I saw you, I remembered the little girl I used to play with. I can't believe you were alive. I thought you died a long time
ago. Father and I went to where your pack was, but it was burnt, nothing but ashes."
I nodded in understanding. We kept walking hand in hand until Xyrus suddenly stopped. He stiffened.
"What is it Xyrus?"
He was looking around.
"You owe me one wish do you remember?" He inquired.
"And?" I released his hand and put mine together in my back.
"You have to grant my wish." He tucked my hair behind my ear and put his hand on my shoulder. I was not yet used to this lovey-
dovey but I'm kinda liking it.
"You need to promise me, Willow." He looked behind me. His brows furrowing as he pushed me behind him. Him facing the
woods. "When I said you run, you run. No buts."
He was back to being the cold Xyrus as he scanned the woods, growling as if he can see something I can't.
"What is it Xyrus? Tell me." I tried to use my werewolf sight but I can't see anything other than towering trees.

"I already warned father and mother; the warriors are coming too. I will stop them as long as I can. You have to get out of here
now."
"How did they surpass the warriors guarding the borders? I was nervous. The council is here already, how fast could they be? I
thought at least we have days left to prepare.
"They're already dead." He said rigidly. I gasped when I caught a glimpse of his eyes, they were slowly shifting to red. Sky
wanted to be out.
"Willow." He growled. Two voices combining, a man and an inhuman sound like a growl. "Be safe."
"Who said I would leave you here!" I stood beside him facing the forest too. "I will fight with you."
He growled at me angrily. "I don't have time to fight with you now. Just go!"
"No! I won't let you fight alone." I looked into his eyes, determined. His irises transformed from red to their normal color.
"Have you forgotten who I am and what is inside of me?" He held me by the shoulder and shook me lightly. "I can hold them until
the warriors come. But once Sky is out. I can't promise to protect you."
Realization dawned on me, he would let out Sky. And I was more scared for him rather than myself. Once his beast is out. What
guarantee I could have Xyrus back?
"There is no more time. Now go!" He shouted just as men showed up from the woods, some in wolf forms. They were so many
like sand in the desert.
I took off and transformed into my wolf, running as fast as I can.
'Xyrus, I will be safe, but promise me you'll come back to me.'
I mind-liked. And what I feared happened. He didn't respond. Sky must be out by now.