The Boy and the Wolf

Chapter 9

Okay, okay lemme just say I might just fix all the chapters and update them, spamming your notifications. But it is easier than writing it somewhere else. I try not update quickly because that annoys me sometimes. Brace yourselves

[Elijah's POV]

"I think I found the perfect job."

Well, it's not perfect, but it's up to par with my standards enough that I can say my occupation out loud and not feel embarrassed.

Lately Chris had been a bit more pushy on finding me a job. Or, rather, telling me to go find a job. But I found an editorial position at a local newspaper shoppe. They said I could also start on a mural on their walls whenever I have free time. This was a great opportunity to show off my painting skills while also earning a good income.

After being called and hearing the news, I couldn't help but want to tell someone. My mind was running wild with excitement. And in all that running, I forgot that I had no one to tell. No one at all. No family, no friends, no one. That's when I decided to make some.

I wasn't going to ask Chris, one of his friends is already enough. Maybe if I went out more and did less dorky things, I could meet new people to hang out with.

I found the friends I've been praying for in the place I least expected it. I was heading to the store to get groceries for the apartment. I had to convince Chris to let me go as he didn't like the idea of me going by myself. I assured him I was fine and I was going to go the long way. I knew I shouldn't lie to him about such small things but I'd grown up alongside a city full of alleyways so what was the worst that could've happened? Besides, it's heaven! Who's heard of a murderer in heaven?

As I was passing the alleyways however, I did feel watched. I felt like I was not alone, and I had to hurry if I wanted to get home in time. I started walking a little faster with a fake pep in my step. I reached the corner to turn and a tall figure was there to block me. I stopped in my tracks with wide eyes. Who was this man? Could he just ignore me and let me through instead of face me with his cold blue eyes?

I had to admit, I was scared. I took all the rules of stranger danger taught as a kid and swallowed them, hard. He stepped forward menacingly, making me jump back into another person's chest. I didn't dare to look back, but I could hear a female chuckle blended with the man's heavy breathing. In retrospect, it was obviously an intimidation tactic, and it was working. He came up to my face, so close I had to close my eyes and turn my head to brace myself. Just then I heard him chuckle, and the woman behind me chuckle, and several other people chuckle. I opened my eyes to see multiple people gathered around us. Some in masks like Chris's, some with writing on their bare skin, some hiding under bandanas and hospital masks for when sicknesses are airborne.

By now I was terrified. I needed to ask what they wanted quick, but I was too scared to offend anyone to do anything.

The man stepped back confidentially. He lifted the hood of his jacket he had under his trench coat off his head so I could see him. When we were a good seven feet apart he raised his arms like a god. He wore a smirk on his lips like he had won, and I was pretty sure he did. He looked around at the people we attracted, or was it people who were in hiding too? He spoke in a low voice with the volume to reach everyone but the street.

"Clansmen, we've found him. The prophecy as it has been told was true. Our destiny, set in stone by the ones that came before, we will see in person." The crows cheered and roared, beating the walls and pipes behind them for noise. The man seemed proud looking around, waiting for his turn to speak again. He turned to me and my wide-eyed expression.

"You are late, Eli. The ones who've predicted your arrival are now gone." He stepped closer to me again and I couldn't help but try to back up to the person behind me again. Instead I fall backwards onto the wet and dirty road.

The crowd laughed, making me feel small. What were they talking about? Prophecy? Clan? I didn't ask for any of this, I just had a grocery back at Joe's Market ready with my name on it. I looked at my feet where two pairs of combat boots stood in front of me. I see a hand, calloused in texture but gentle in nature, held out to me. I watch as it extends it's tattooed fingers for more grip. I grab it and am helped up onto my feet where I see the man who was once so confident was the owner of such hand. His smile was calm now, friendly. It was promising something I'd been looking for this whole time.

"Your name is Eli, right?" He squinted one eye and lifted the other bushy eyebrow to accommodate the question.

"Elijah, I've never been called Eli."

He shrugged, letting go of my hand. "Elijah. They were three letters short, but predictions are weird like that." He chuckled kindly and I reciprocated. "My name is Blaine, that is Shema," He pointed behind to a woman with curly hair and black lipstick painted on her lips. "The rest you can get to know at the bunker, c'mon." He put a hand behind my shoulder to push me forward as he walks but I stopped him before he took his first step.

"Wait-- I have to pick something up at the store for my roommate. He will be pissed if he found out I wasn't where I told him I was going to be." Chris wouldn't be pissed at me for lying, he would be disappointed and feel like it was not safe.

"Why does your roommate care if you have detours? You can take care of yourself, can't you?"

"He's protective of me because I'm smaller. . . He's my guardian." I heard chuckles in the crowd.

"Well what a guardian." He bit his lip in thought. "Go. Run your errand and tell your boyfriend you went the safe route. But we will find you again, as we need you as much as you need us."

I looked around and Blaine stepped right up to me, keeping my attention on his eyes. "The rebellion will come, and the revolution will come with it. You are the sign." My breath hitched as his forehead pressed against mine. I closed my eyes and when I reopened them they were all gone.