Lurking Shadows [Harry Styles]

Chapter 13

-Chapter 13-

*Hale's POV*

I awoke to a bright light in my eyes. The sun outside shone through my light blue curtains, softening the harsh light.

My throat burned, as well as the skin around my jaw. My head was pounding. It was then that I remembered the night before's events.

Closing my eyes and letting out a heavy breath, I thought about what had happened.

Me... Running. Trying to escape the one thing that frightened me the most. But encountering something even more terrifying.

That man... The tall one, with dark hair. His eyes I couldn't forget. The way the red overtook the blue, was like a sea being overtaken by blood. The image of the colors intertwining and changing failed to leave my mind.

I could still feel his hands crushing my windpipe, with his inhuman strength. Cutting off my air supply, making me think that it was the last breath I would take.

And I remember seeing him. My frightening hero. I remember seeing him standing there, eyes filled with rage at the man choking me. Moonlight lighting his skin to perfection.

Fright was what I had felt then. Now, I feel compassion. Gratitude. He saved my life, without thinking twice about it. He was angry at the man for touching me, hurting me...

And I am so compelled as to why he would do that. I wouldn't make it a big deal usually, but this is serious. He was so angry, I could see his rage. And I was terrified.

The rage I saw in his eyes... It was indescribable. His eyes weren't just red, they were a very dark, almost black.

He was angry... And that's what had frightened me so much... And now I look back at how afraid I was, and think that I shouldn't have tried to get away.

Or run into the forest. If I hadn't, he wouldn't have needed to save me.

And I wouldn't have this pounding in my head.

A small, sudden movement caught me out of my deep thought. My eyes blinked open again, and I peered to the left side of my bedroom.

Nothing.

I felt the movement on the right side of me again, a light, small movement.

And my heart sped up a little bit.

Turning my head slowly, I thought of all the worst possible things it could be.

It could be that man...

It could be some serial killer...

But, it could also be Harry.

That wouldn't be so bad...

My eyes brushed over my blanket, and came to rest upon a mess of dark chocolate curls.

That's all I could see of him. I knew it was Harry. I couldn't see his face, for his head was rested on his arm.

My eyes drifted over a little more, and saw that his big hand was enveloped over mine. Our hands were intertwined together.

I felt my cheeks suddenly get warm, and I looked away. Taking a deep breath, I turned to look at him again.

He moved once more, just like the first two times. But when he moved this time, his head fell to the side, exposing his face.

His curls covered some of his face, and I could see his mouth slightly agape. I saw his chest rising and falling while he breathed.

But what I could see of his face made my breath catch. Not for the reason you would think.

Scratches and bruises covered his smooth skin. The blood that had come from the cuts smeared across his cheeks.