HYBRID

CHAPTER 6

Tiffany went home full of rage, she threw her bag on the couch. ''Aahh!! So annoying!'' She kept on having tantrums. Her father saw her so he asked, ''What's wrong? Stop it or it will break,'' he said.

She sat on the sofa, crossed her arms while thinking, then she smiled evilly and said to her father. ''Dad, what will happen if a human sees us when we shift?'' she asked, ''What else? That human needs to die." her father said, as if it's just a normal thing to do.

"Is that by law?'' Tiffany asked, "OUR LAW," he said with a straight face. The Shadow Pack that is led by her father is known as one of the most brutal packs ever.

''Why did you ask? Did someone see you shifting?,'' her dad asked, ''Well.. none at the moment.'' she said, then smirked.

''Just tell me, I'll ask the boys to work.'' Then her father left her smiling while thinking about the scenario with Eli.

***

It was already lunch time but Eli didn't have the appetite to eat, she just kept on staring blankly outside their room. Nate hadn't contacted her for two days straight now.

"Hey! you ok?'' Cherry patted her slightly at her back, she nodded, ''Yeah, just thinking something.''. Eli answered. "Don't worry about him, wait for a few more days or maybe hours? He will definitely talk to you again. You know he can't stand you not talking to him.'' Cherry said,

''But this time he's the one who is mad at me.'' Eli said with a sad face. Then Cherry hugged her and patted her back. ''Come on let's grab some food, I'm starving.'' she asked Eli.

Inside the canteen, Tiffany's group are staring at Eli and Cherry while going in to get a tray. Then one of the girls put a banana peel on Eli's tray. Cherry pushed the girl and said ''What do you think you're doing?''

Eli held Cherry's hand to stop her friend from getting into more serious trouble. Tiffany, who was just watching from the side, stood up and walked in their direction.

She grabbed Cherry's collar and stared at her and whispered, ''Who said you could fight back?''. Eli then pushed Tiffany's hand away from her friend. ''Your friend started it,'' she stated.

Then Tiffany stared at her angrily but Eli was not shaken. She also looked at her without batting an eye. Students started to surround them.

Tyler, who just saw the commotion, had got in the crowd and got in between them '' Let's go,'' he took Eli and Cherry out. Tiffany is so furious to see Tyler so concerned about Eli.

She's really pissed off, Tyler is always around Eli wherever she goes. She wanted Eli gone.. then her face brightened. She remembered she had a way to do that.

''Keep enjoying your happy little days while you can'' she whispered, looking at Tyler and Eli walking side by side. "You know, you should get away as far as possible from Tiffany.

She'll only bring trouble.'' Tyler told both Eli and Cherry while handing over a sandwich and juice to them. They were sitting under a tree near the track and field area, where the athletes were practicing.

"Well.. for the record, she's always approaching us.'' Cherry said, annoyed but starting to bite her sandwich. "I know, she's a spoiled child.'' Tyler said. The two kept talking, while Eli remained quiet, then Tyler asked. ''Are you OK? Your face is red?''

''Yeah, Maybe I just can't get over what happened there. I still feel irritated.'' Eli said. She felt anxious because normally she doesn't get mad easily.

"Do you want to go to the infirmary?'' Tyler asked. "Yes, I think I'll do that." she needed something to calm her down. They went to the infirmary, then the nurse gave Eli some medicine.

Eli asked Tyler he could leave her there. But the latter wants to stay with her until she gets better. Eli then fell asleep. As for Tyler, he just kept looking at Eli's face while stroking her shoulder-length hair.

When Eli woke up, Tyler was not in the room. She feels like washing her face to be awake. The restroom in the infirmary is under renovation, so she has to go to the other one which is on the other side but in the same building.

When she was already outside, she saw a girl standing still in front of a door near the toilet. Then in an instant the girl turned into a huge gray dog! Eli was stunned.

She doesn't know what to do. She stepped back, still looking in front, when the dog turned around it looked at her, then started to walk towards her.

She can't explain what she's feeling. Yes, she is shocked to see a huge creature like this, but she doesn't feel afraid. It's more like she was familiar with it, but at the same time she didn't know how to deal with it.

While she's struggling with what to do, something jumps on top of her from behind. To her surprise, it's another one like the first one but light brown in color. It went to her side, then turned and looked at her.

She felt its presence was somewhat familiar. Then the gray dog started approaching them. The two started growling at each other. Eli can't believe that she is seeing this, she just stays there waiting for what will happen next.

She kept looking at the two, then realized something.. that they were not dogs, they were.. wolves! She covered her mouth when she remembered the dream she had. Maybe she is dreaming again? She told herself,

''Don't worry she won't be able to hurt you.'' she heard a familiar voice say. She looked around but saw no one. ''It's me,'' said the light brown wolf, while looking at her.

"Don't show her that you can hear me,'' Eli don't know why and how this is happening. She pinched her arm ''Ouch!'' she groan, ''Oh my gosh! It hurts, so I'm not dreaming!'' she said to herself.

Cherry went to the infirmary to check on Eli, but when she reached there no one was around. So she decided to go outside and saw Tyler coming, ''Cherry, did you come to see Eli? Is she awake now?'' Tyler asked.

''No, she was not there.'' she told him, ''What? I just left her there sleeping,'' Tyler said when suddenly he felt something unusual.

Ever since he knew about his identity, he started practicing his senses every now and then.

So he knows that this feeling is definitely related to his kind. "Cherry, I'll go out to find her,'' he told her, and gave her the food that he bought for Eli, then went outside and traced her scent.

When he stepped out, he closed his eyes, concentrated and focused on her. Tyler sensed her at the back of the building, so he ran there. He could also smell Nate nearby and, one more, the scent was familiar. He just doesn't remember from whom it's coming.

''Eli! are you there?'' he shouted. She turned her head to where she heard Tyler's voice, calling her. Then she saw that the gray wolf stepping back, then turned and ran off.

Then the other wolf turned and stared at her before leaving. It jumped back to where it came before. After a few seconds, Tyler came out. ''Eli! what are you doing here?'' he asked, ''Ahmm... I.. was looking for a washroom,'' she said.

''I see.. is someone here with you.. earlier?'' he asked. ''No.. no one.'' she lied, then went straight inside the toilet. Tyler knew for sure that Eli was not alone, but why was she lying? he asked himself. He was deep in thought when Eli came out.

"I'm done, let's go?'' she said, and walked out first. "Eli,'' he called, ''do you want to tell me something?'' he asked.

Eli turned and looked at him, then shook her head," Nothing,'' she said, then smiled at Tyler.

The class ended, "Eli, how are you feeling?'' Cherry asked, ''I'm alright now, I just needed rest.'' she told her friend. ''That's good, I'll see you tomorrow then, you too, Tyler.'' she said and then left the two.

"I'll take you home,'' Tyler offered, ''No need, I don't want to bother you so much, and you already spend a lot of time taking care of me earlier.'' she said then smile.

"I insist, and.. you know you're not a bother,'' he said, looking at her seriously. She smiled and nodded. The next day.. Eli doesn't feel like going anywhere, but it's Cherry's birthday.

She doesn't want her to get upset, but she feels heavy today. She doesn't even have the time to absorb everything that happened yesterday.

How in the world was she able to understand him? Her head is hurting again. Ever since she got injected with that drug, she feels like her body is getting weak, and she's also losing control of her actions like what happened in the race.

"Ha! This is not the time to think about these things, I need to get ready!'' she told herself.

RIIING... RIIINNG..

'Who is calling me?' she mumbled, while she put down her lipstick. She was happy when she saw who was calling,

''Nate? Hello?.. hello?,'' she answered excitedly. ''Hi Eli... how are you?'' Nate's voice sounded different.

"Missing you..'' she said, then she heard him take a deep sigh, ''Can you please, don't say words like that?'' Nate said, in a low voice. "Why? Am I not allowed to miss my best friend?'' she asked him.

''Exactly, I'm JUST your best friend, so don't miss me so much.'' he's acting weird again. Eli told herself, "Where have you been? Why are you not going to school? Are you still mad at me? I'm sorry OK? I was even surprised.'' she explained and couldn't help it anymore, she let it out and cried.

''Hey! Eli, don't cry! And ask me questions one at a time, alright?" he said. ''OK.. But when are you coming back?'' she asked in between her sobs.

''Soon...'' he said. ''OK, just try calling Cherry and tell her that you are not coming. She would get mad if you didn't.'' she warned him. "Alright, I'll see you, take care..'' Eli said.

''No.. YOU take care alright? I'll call you again.'' then he hung up. Eli was still crying after the call ended. She felt a little lighter. So this is one of the reasons why she's feeling blue, she just realized. At least now she knows that Nate is not mad at her anymore.

She went down and saw Tyler was already waiting for her. As always, he looked stunning even in a simple outfit. He was wearing a black t-shirt, top with a gray casual blazer paired with denim and sneakers.

"Eli? shall we?'' he asked, ''Yes,'' she said, didn't notice that he was already standing in front of her. 'This guy never failed to amaze me'. she told herself and smiled, thinking that he was her partner for tonight.

"Why are you smiling?'' he asked, "Oh! it's nothing. I just feel good today." then she gave him a sweet smile. They reached Cherry's birthday party venue. Tyler went out first and opened the door for her.

While entering the place, their classmates were staring at them. She felt conscious, she was not used to having people looking at her like that. Cherry came to welcome them with a big smile.

"Eli! Tyler! Thank you for coming, let's head inside.'' she said, guiding them to their tables. She held onto Cherry's arm and said, ''Cherry, Nate can't-- ,'' ''It's alright. He called me.'' She said, smiling at Eli.

The party started after a while. Everything was fine, until Eli felt someone was looking at her. She looked around and met Tiffany's eyes. She stared back when suddenly she felt a hand on her waist. It's Tyler!

''Can I have this dance?'' he asked, smiling at her, ''Of course'' she responded with a smile as well. He took her hands and placed them on his shoulders, then put his arms on her waist.

It gave her an electrifying sensation that she had never felt before, but yet it's soothing. His gaze was intoxicating, that made her heartbeat louder than the music.

She just hoped that he wouldn't hear it. Afterwards, he leans closer and puts his head on hers, while still looking into her eyes.

'Oh gosh he's so close! I can smell his perfume.' Eli told herself.

He looks so calm, while she, on the other hand, tries to breathe as normally as possible. They continued dancing in that position for a couple of songs. And enjoying their own little world, when they heard Tiffany's voice,

''Tyler, can you dance with me?'' she asked, then Tyler said without even looking at her, ''I need to rest,'' still holding onto Eli's waist, then went back to their table.

Eli glanced at Tiffany and saw the anger in her face. ''Why didn't you dance with her?'' she asked Tyler, ''Do you want me to dance with her?'' he returned the question to her.

She didn't answer him and just avoided his gaze. But honestly, it made her happy when he turned down Tiffany. The party was almost done. She told Tyler she would go to the powder room.

So Eli went and when she was already inside she heard a clicking sound. She ignored it, thinking that somebody had just come in. She was about to leave, when she realized that the door was locked.

Then Eli heard screaming outside, ''Fire! Fire!.'' someone shouted. She kept pounding on the door, hoping that someone would hear her. The smoke is starting to get inside where she's at and it's suffocating!

She still tried her best to call for help, but her throat was getting dry. She was starting to lose her voice and her eyes were getting blurry. The room is now filled with smoke.

Eli was having a hard time breathing. She felt like she would pass out soon. When she heard someone kicking the door, she tried to see who it was but her eyes were closing on their own.

TYLER'S POV

I went to Eli's dorm a little bit earlier than the time we agreed to. I'm excited about seeing her wear a dress. I sent her a message saying that I was about to arrive, but the truth is, I was already waiting outside.

It didn't take her long to come down, and she went out. I wanted to run to her and give her a hug, but I just controlled myself and slowly walked towards her to savor the moment.

She was so pretty in her dress, she looked like a model who came out from a magazine! I just kept my eyes on her, making her face a little bit red. I smiled, thinking that I was the one who made her blush.

I assisted her while going down the stairs, and getting inside the car. On the way, I couldn't stay still. I kept glancing at her. I would like to hold her hands again but, I refrain from doing so.

I want her to feel at ease around me, so I have to take things slowly. We reached the place. While going in, our classmates were staring at us. They were smiling, but I could feel Eli was uncomfortable, so I put my hand around her to make her relaxed.

The songs started playing, so I took the chance to ask Eli to dance, before the other guys who were getting on my nerves did so.

She looked tensed, that's why I took the initiative to place her hand on my shoulders, then I placed mine on her waist.

This is the moment that I've been waiting.. to be near her.. close to her. And as we moved to the flow of music, our eyes met and became the bridge that connects our souls. None of us attempted to start a conversation, we just stood looking at each other.

I wanted her to feel how special she is to me, then she smiled. I guess my message reached her, so I smiled back. We stayed like that for a few minutes, until we were disturbed by Tiffany.

I got pissed, so I decided to go back to our table. Eli asked me why I didn't dance with her, then I asked her back if she wanted to. But she didn't say anything and look away, so I guess she doesn't like to see me with other girls.

I just assume, but that's what it looks like, given how loud her heartbeat was when we were on the dance floor. Eli told me she was going to the powder room, so I told her I'd go out for a bit.

After a few moments, I smelled smoke coming from the party hall, then I heard screaming. I ran inside, the people were starting to panic, then I tracked Eli's scent, 'She's still inside!'.

So I pushed the crowd and made my way. But the security came and stopped me from going in, I got furious so I pushed them.

The fire was getting big, so I concentrated on finding her scent.

It was coming from the other side. I ran as fast as I could, then I reached a door in a small corridor. I kicked it and saw Eli unconscious. I carried her and turned back to where I came from but it was already blocked by fire.

I looked around to look for some exit, but there was nothing. So I put Eli down, then clenched my fist and started punching the wall beside us. I made a hole enough for us to get out.

I quickly got to my car and asked Danny to take us to the nearest hospital. But then I remembered something so I said, ''Danny.. let's go to our hospital instead,'' he looked at me with confused eyes but drove after.

We reached the hospital, and told the doctors what had happened. She was treated and now her vitals are stable. I talked to her doctor, ''Can you get a blood sample from her, and do some checking on her DNA as well.'' the doctor nodded.

''And.. put it in CONFIDENTIAL status, report to me right away once you have finished. Don't let anyone, not even my parents know about this.'' I instructed.

He went back inside Eli's room and took the blood sample.. If Nate doesn't want to tell me what is going on, I will do my own research. I called Sam and asked him to come to the hospital and look after Eli.

I need to go back to the venue and find out what happened. If this is really an accident, if not, whoever did this will pay for putting Eli's life in danger.