It's Our Pride Deep Inside

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"Why are you here again?" I asked in exasperation. Ethan only smirked while he wrapped an arm around me and kissed my cheek.

"Because I want to be," he replied simply. I huffed in frustration. He's like a guard dog or something. He just won't leave me alone. I guess my actions yesterday were what caused this. I can't find it in me to mind his company at all. It brings me security and comfort.

"Fine," I sighed. "Let's go." I lead him through the zoo. "You know. You're around a lot since you came back."

"So?"

"You should consider getting a job here," I suggested. He chuckled.

"Missed me that much?" Ethan teased. I rolled my eyes.

"Hardly."

"I missed you, too, Liebe."

"Please just pick a stupid language and stick with it."

"¿Por qué?" I groaned in frustration.

"I give up." I walked faster to leave, but he caught my waist like he expected that to happen.

"Now, now. I'm teasing."

"Leave me go," I pouted, struggling against him. "It's not funny!" I shouted to his snickering behind me.

"Your expression is just too perfect, Liebe. I love it's beauty."

"Sh-shut up," I blushed.

"Cally-!" Sammie yelled frantically before freezing like someone hit pause on their movie or show. She just blinked at mine and Ethan's position for a moment. "Aww...I knew it! Anyways...there is an African leopard in the chimpanzees' cage! Two of them!"

"How?" I demanded.

"Someone must have broke in and let them loose. It must have been about an hour before the zoo opened. Whoever it was, they cut out a hole in the fencing and released them. The leopards are still in there!" Sammie explained.

"Then let's go!" Ethan placed a gentle kiss to the nape of my neck.

"I'll be there soon. Be careful, Señorita."

"I will." I took off running on the trail with Sammie. This isn't good. That means someone has something against us and wants to ruin my father's facility to prove it. It won't end well for neither of us.

§ § § § § § §

"Dad! Drasson!" I called out when we made it to the office. It was about five minutes on foot from the chimp habitat.

"Hey, now. Take deep breath. Nice and slow. Calm down. What happened?" Dad soothed.

"There's leopards in the chimpanzee habitat!"

"What?" Drasson growled.

"We better hurry. There's people down there," Dad ordered. We all sprinted towards the enclosure to see people scattering. There were crying monkeys and fierce roars from inside. One of our younger chimps escaped from his home. He was shaking and looking around for safety. I cautiously stepped towards him. He freaked out, not realizing it was me, and he darted.

"Dave! Wait!" I called. Dave jumped up onto someone, immediately finding comfort. Walking closer, I rememorized Ethan's features. His father and brother were with him, too.

"I believe this little one is yours?" He asked. I nodded, holding my arms out for Dave to come to me.

"Come here, Baby Boy. I've got you," I murmured as he climbed onto me. "Good boy," I praised as he settled onto me. A loud cry sounded inside, and the fathers looked at each other.

"Cally, Sammie, stay here," my father ordered. I nodded in fear. Dave cried out at the painfully obvious scream of torture.

"I'll be right back, Liebe," Ethan whispered, cupping my cheeks. "You're safe right here. Don't move." He pecked my forehead gently before taking off after the other four. I held the terrified chimp tightly.

"Do you think they'll be okay?" Sammie asked worriedly.

"I'm sure they will." A lot of the panic died down, and now everyone just watched and prayed for them to come out alive and well. I buried my head in the little chimp's neck as the sun beat down.

Translations:

Liebe - German for Love

¿Por qué? - Spanish for Why?

Señorita - Spanish for Miss