Your Ring On My Skeleton

23 : Loud Killings

Nakatingin lamang ako sa labas ng bahay kung saan sa hindi kalayuan ay matatanaw si Nikolai at ang ilan sa mga parte ng pack na kausap niya. They seem to have a lot of conversations, a lot of laughs, and a lot of comfort. Surely Nikolai built a trust with the Loki pack without the scary feeling but pure respect. Kitang-kita ko iyon at sa mga mata ng aming pack. Even Tito Bana, who was ashamed to continue living is now living normal just like the rest.

Nikolai did this in a span of three months. We aren't living by fear of him and so much more. Of course, it is a lot to take in and a lot of things to learn as the Alphas. A lot of adjusting but one by one, slowly but surely, we are going there.

Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako nang marahan. Looking at him right now, I feel guilty for some reason. How can I hurt this pure man? It has been two days since that night and it still rings in me on what those crying conversations taught us exactly. It drew lines more and more. It made me look selfish day by day. I am learning to accept things, but it is getting harder.

Ignis is all I can see. No anyone, not even Nikolai who's ready to give his all to me.

"Weird." napapitlag ako nang maramdaman ko ang paglapat ng daliri ni Biya sa pisngi ko at pinipindot-pindot iyon.

"Biya, ahm, I didn't know you're already here."

"Wierd nga. Ni hindi mo namalayan ang pagpasok ko rito sa bahay. Hays. Is it because of Nikolai? Limang minuto ka nang nakatitig sa kaniya ah?"

I gave her a sigh and refused to answer her. Ipinagpatuloy ko na rin ang pagtingin sa labas kung saan hindi pa rin natatapos ang paglalaro nila Nikolai. He is now bonding with the pups.

I told Nikolai everything that I heard and everything the Alphas of the Inui homes have told me when I was abducted by Shawn Inui. I also told Anika and Biya about it. I did not expect Nikolai to talk the matter with Tita Belle and Tito Bana that same night, too. Nikolai is taking this very rationally with the help of the pack and I can see that as a good sign.

"Ang weirdo mo," mayamaya ay sambit na naman ni Biya. "You never look like that to any man excluding Ignis. Are you healing? Nafafall ka na kay Nikolai?"

"No."

"Sure. Sabi mo, e."

Natigil na rin siya matapos iyon. Nakita ko ring nagdiresto siya sa kusina at ako naman ay naisipang lumabas ng bahay. Nanood ako roon nang mas malapit. The pups gave me their respect before continuing to play. Nikolai waved at me a little and I gave him a smile.

"Good morning, Luna." some of the pups.

"Good morning din."

I watch them play. Sa ngayon ay dalawang pups ang kalaro ni Nikolai. They are both trying to attack him, and he is just letting them be. That is the play they are interested in. Despite that, all I can see are cute roaring pups. Nanlaki lang ang mga mata ko nang hindi ko inaasahang masusugatan si Nikolai sa pisngi dahil sa kalmot ng isa sa mga kalaro niya. The mother of the pup was quick to apologize and get the pup away from him. Natigil na rin ang paglalaro nila kahit alam ko at nakikita kong nag-eenjoy pa si Nikolai. It is just a little wound but the whole pack took it seriously. I understand their sudden fear. Hindi pa nila nakikitang magalit si Nikolai and they are just being careful.