Running from Fate (A werewolf romance)

Chapter 6

 

2. So i Met Her - SAO II OST (for the last Howl and Iris scene of this chapter)

Edited (2/28/16)

<><><><><><><>

Chapter Six

My apartment building was on fire. With a blank mind, I quickly pushed the passenger door open and stepped out, walking closer to the chaos

"What happened," I asked into the wind. Stepping onto the sidewalk, I watched the dingy apartment complex go up in flames, helpless to stop it. I felt Howl's presence come up behind me and even he was at a loss for words. It wasn't every day you saw something so saddening.

"Sir, Miss, excuse me but i'm going to have to ask you to step back from the scene," A police officer ushered us back a few paces.

"What was the cause of the fire," Howl spoke to the officer. The human cop had to have felt the overwhelming air in the presence of an Alpha because I noted that he gave a slight shiver when the question was directed towards him.

"The cause still remains a mystery," The officer cleared his throat, "but we have investigators on their way just as soon as we put out the flames."

"Was anyone injured," I asked him.

"No ma'am, the manager indicated that everyone was out of the building. It's very fortunate news, now if you'll excuse me, I must get back to my job," The officer tipped his hat and walked back into the chaos.

I tried remembering if I had anything of importance within my apartment, but besides the cash I had stashed in various places, I didn't have anything.

"We'll need to pickpocket again," Lupus's voice murmured in my head and I despised the thought.

"I'm just glad you're not hurt," Howl exhaled, turning towards me.

"Yeah," I answered slowly, preoccupied with the thought of how I was going to get food tonight.

"You could always go with-" Lupus suggested.

"Lupus," I stopped him, knowing what he was going to say.

"What," I turned towards Howl and realized that I spoke out loud instead of internally.

"Oh, nothing," I spoke quickly.

"Okay, well I know it's not what was planned, but why don't you come stay with us at the pack house."

"No, thank you. I'm fine," But Howl stepped forward at my words.

"Iris, sweetheart, please don't make this difficult," He touched my shoulder.

"I'm not," I answered, "I can take care of myself."

"Iris, let's argue about this later. Just get back in the truck," He said firmly.

"Really, thanks for the offer but I'm fine. I'll see you later," I swiftly turned on my heel, crossing the busy street to put as much distance between us as possible.

I heard Howl call my name, asking for me to come back, but I began jogging. As I came to a particularly crowded intersection, I bumped into someone and quickly apologized before continuing to jog away. Slowing down a block later, I pulled out the wallet from my cardigan.

"I'm sorry," I thought as I opened it, checking the contents. Checking the drivers license I noted that the person I pick pocketed was a 27 year old man named Jesse Andrews. Quickly pulling the cash out, I threw the wallet into a nearby trashcan and continued until I found a sub shop. I ordered two sandwiches, a bag of chips and a bottled water.