Chapter4-The Road Ahead
1771 Words
It became clearer and I could see the reflection in the mirror.
More than five wolves were running toward the vehicle.
“They’re coming… they’re coming,” I whimpered.
The man turned slightly, glancing back at me.
“What did you say? Who’s coming?” he asked, confusion lacing his voice.
My hand flew to my mouth as the other pointed shakily at his side mirror.
“Them,” I whispered.
His eyes darted to the mirror.
“What the hell are those?” he said, shock breaking through his voice.
His foot slammed on the accelerator, and the car surged forward.
“What’s happening? Are they coming after us? No, wait. They’re coming after you !!” His voice rose, panic creeping in. “Oh no. I’m in a big mess because of you.”
I couldn’t explain. The words refused to come. I just kept crying.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” he snapped.
“I’m not going to die in the middle of nowhere because of your enemies,” he added, pressing harder on the accelerator.
The wolves were getting closer, despite how fast we were going.
“They’re coming… they’re coming!” I cried louder.
“Not today,” he muttered, pushing the car to its limit.
The engine roared as we sped forward, and slowly, we began to outrun them. When the distance finally grew, we both exhaled at the same time.
“That was close,” he said.
From the back seat, I could see the sweat running down his face, the tension in his shoulders. He was terrified.
Guilt settled heavily in my chest.
“I’m sorry,” I said quietly, lowering my head.
“Sorry?” he exclaimed. “That was not cool. You knew your life was in danger and said nothing. That’s not fair. I was just trying to help, and now you’ve dragged me into this mess.”
“I’m sorry,” I repeated. “I didn’t mean to. Please… forgive me.”
He looked at me through the rearview mirror, his expression softening when he saw my face.
“It’s fine,” he said after a moment. “The important thing is that you’re safe.”
He paused. “We’re close to town. Just hang in there.”
But before I could respond, something moved.
A massive wolf...much bigger than the others, shot out from behind us and leapt straight into the road ahead, blocking our path.
“Damn it!” he shouted.
Without hesitation, he pressed harder on the accelerator, aiming straight at it.
The impact was brutal.
The wolf was thrown to the side of the road, and the car jolted violently, but it didn’t stop. We kept moving.
“Woah… that was close,” he breathed.
After a few more minutes of driving, we finally reached town.
Streetlights glowed overhead. No bushes. No darkness closing in. Just roads, a few cars, and scattered people.
I was relieved.
“We’re finally here,” he said.
He glanced at me briefly.
“Where are you headed?”
“Nowhere,” I replied softly. “I… don’t know where I am.”
“Woah, woah, woah.” He frowned. “What do you mean nowhere? Okay, Where are you from?”
“I’m from Maple Grove, Alabama,” I said.
“Alabama?” he repeated, clearly surprised.
“Y-yes… why?” I asked.
“You’re very far from home,” he said. “How did you get here? What’s your story? Because this isn’t anywhere near Alabama.”
My expression changed instantly.
My story, it was dark and painful.
It's not something I could just hand over to a stranger.
I lowered my head, silently telling him I wasn’t ready.
He noticed.
“It’s fine if you don’t want to talk,” he said. “But I need to head home… and you also need to go.”
“I have nowhere to go,” I admitted.
He drove into a nearby filling station and parked. Pulling off his cap, he rubbed his head in frustration before glancing back at me.
Then he stepped out, walked around, and opened the back door, sliding in beside me.
For the first time, I saw his face clearly.
And for a moment, I forgot everything.
He was… stunning.
Our eyes met, and the world seemed to pause. My face grew warm, and I quickly looked away, snapping back to reality. I noticed he had paused too.
Silence fell between us.
“Look at me,” he said gently, placing his hands on my shoulders and turning me toward him.
“I’ve done my part by giving you a ride,” he continued, his tone firm but not unkind. “But I need to go home. Please, tell me something. Anything that can help.”
“Just… drop me here,” I said, softly removing his hands. “I’ll figure it out.”
I opened the door and stepped out.
Almost immediately, he followed.
“W-wait—what are you doing?” he asked, walking over to me.
The cold hit me all at once. I shivered, wrapping my arms around myself.
Then I remembered.
“Your jacket,” I said, quickly taking it off and handing it to him.
“What jacket?” he replied. “I didn’t come out here for my jacket.” His voice tightened. “Your life is in danger. There are rogue wolves after you. Your home is miles away. How do you expect me to leave you here alone?”
I crossed my legs, unsure of what to say.
His gaze dropped briefly.
“You’re not even wearing shoes,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
For a moment, he looked away...like he was fighting a decision.
Then suddenly, he grabbed my hand.
“Come on.”
Before I could protest, he led me back to the car, opened the front door, and ushered me in. The door shut firmly behind me.
He walked around, got into the driver’s seat, and started the engine.
I stared at him, stunned.
“W-where are we going?” I asked.
“We’re going home,” he said, eyes fixed on the road.
“Home?” I repeated slowly. “What home…?”
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