The Monster In Me

Chapter Twenty-Five

Nalea - Present

Sitting here in my apartment isn't helping my current mood. I feel dizzy, beyond just a typical migraine. More feverish and I don't know exactly why that is. It felt like nothing was real like I've spent too much time in some sort of virtual reality. Everything feels fake and delayed.

Maybe some fresh air will help. It's better than sitting in my living room with my books, unable to look at them without feeling completely nauseated.

I didn't know healing humans took this much out of people. It's already done, it's not like I can just go and take it back. I drag myself to the bathroom, popping two too many painkillers. Splashing my face with water. I walked into my bedroom, opting for a change of clothes, and immediately regretting it.

My eyes latch on to the space where the missing vase once was. It brought me back to him. Zaiden. He hasn't left my mind since last night, the sex, our fight this morning. Something about it didn't feel right. Maybe I'd been too emotional this morning, but thinking too hard about any of it now makes the banging in my head worse.

Still, it was strange. And completely unnecessary. I owe him an apology.

I'll apologize whenever I see him again. Right now, I need to go outside. I throw on a random pair of leggings, a tank top, and running sneakers. My eyes catch the empty spot again, lingering for a moment. I need to get something to put there.

I grab my keys, leaving my phone behind. It's not like I'll need it. The stairs were my best option right now, I felt too claustrophobic in my apartment to use the elevator. I chose a direction I'd never been in before. If I remember correctly, this way led to a trail in the woods. I think I need a bit of nature in my life.

I take off in a light jog, following the path towards the trees. Feeling the vibrant life of all the trees and animals living here. It made things better. At least until the voices of nature, all decided to whisper to me at the same time. It was like an attack on my ears, like yesterday, but nowhere as bad.

I close my eyes, tired of it all, trying to concentrate. To listen. To figure out what they want from me. Nothing. I might have even made it worse. My eyes screwed shot and my fist clench as I waited for the wave of pain to pass.

I hunched over and clung to a tree for support. It felt like I'd run a marathon without any prior warm up and my chest hurt but my head hurts more. A panic attack maybe? But I didn't have anything particularly stressful to cause this, at least not by my usual standard.

My little display of panic is interrupted by a pained howl. That's not right. I don't think any wolves live on this side of town. Hell, it's the reason I chose to move here. Wolves are usually very territorial, it would definitely complicate things. Hell, Zaiden living near here was news to me the first time we had met.

Wait—

"Zaiden?" I called out, trying my luck. He was the only one I knew. Sure Emily lived close by, but that had more to do with her found independence than her wolf-like nature. I don't even think she'd ever shift near here. "Zaiden!" I shout, looking for him.

I stopped, feeling the pain in my chest grow. But it isn't just pain this time. My shirt sticks to my skin, damp. I look down at the material. Raising the black shirt to show my flesh. I'm met with a gaping angry, bloody wound.

That's not good. I sink to my knees, ignoring the rocks piercing my flesh, trying to catch my breath. What are they doing to him? It took a second for me to realize, but this definitely had something to do with Lance.

Fucking hell.

I bite down on my lower lip. I'm not healing as fast as I should and it doesn't surprise me. Today is just not my day. I roll my eyes, sitting still on the dirt-covered ground, waiting it out.