The Beast Inside

16.

I could barely see. My eyes were almost swollen completely shut. The man was relentless. I also couldn't move at all. Everything hurt. My breathing was labored. My ribs were in the most pain. At this point I was hoping for death.

"I have to say, no one has ever lasted as long as you." The man gunted.

I couldn't speak even if I wanted to. Tears were streaming down my face and my voice had left me from all the screaming I had done.

I hadn't said a word about Austin. I didn't know where he was anyway. The letter stated I wouldn't be able to find him. So why wouldn't this man stop?

I was currently curled up in a ball on the floor. From what I could see, blood was splattered all along the walls and floor. I could feel myself getting dizzy. I was losing too much blood. I rested my hand on the grimy floor, and tried to raise myself up into a sitting position. My arm couldn't take the pressure, and I smacked my head back on the ground.

Black dots entered my vision and I welcomed it.

I woke up in pure agony. My muscles were stiff from sleeping on the ground. I knew multiple bones were broken. I heard them crack. At least three of my ribs for sure.

I gave up trying to move. Every movement I made, had me screaming. I just stayed as still as I could, and cried.

I tensed when I heard the door open.

"You going to talk yet?" The deep voice asked.

I lightly shook my head no. I would never say a word to this horrid man. He was evil. He was a monster. Not Austin. Austin would of never done this to me. I'm sure if he was going to kill me, he would of made it quick. I know that. His beast would of never allowed it though. I was safe when I was with him.

A powerful kick was sent to my stomach once more. I flew to my back, laying sprawled out, and just stared at the ceiling. My vision was blurry again from all of the tears and black spots.

"I will kill you!" The man loomed over my figure.

For the first time since I had been there, I really looked at him. He was a big man, with large broad shoulders. He looked to be in his late 40s. His head was shaved bald, and his brown eyes looked almost black. He sneered at me again, giving me a view of his disgusting yellow teeth.

I smiled at him. "Do it." I was barely able to get the words out, before I started coughing. Blood spluttered from my mouth. 'That's not good.'

If he didn't kill me now, I would be dead soon anyways. I had been slowly losing blood since I got here, but with how many beatings I recieved I knew I was running low. I could feel the fatigue coming. I was becoming numb. The pain was unbearable.

"As you wish." He stated, pulling a gun from behind his back.

Time seemed to slow. I was staring down the barrel of the gun for what seemed like forever. My life didn't flash before my eyes like everyone says it does. No, the only think I could think of was Austin and his beast. How different but the same they both are.

Austin was hateful and his beast was kind. Austin would push me away, but his beast would hold me. Austin wants to kill me; his beast wants save me.

Austin showed me kindness by letting me be free. He apologized. He even stroked my hair when he knew I was upset. Those were him, not his beast.

Even if he doesn't completely realize it. They are one.

"Say good bye." They guy cocked the pistol.

'Good bye Austin.' I thought to myself, and closed my eyes.

Suddenly a loud roar was heard in the distance. I shot my eyes open and saw the man jerking his head from side to side.

The ceiling in the corner of the room then crumpled to the ground. I gritted my teeth together, and hissed through the pain as I turned my head. My beast was there, seething. His muscles buldged and his eyes flashed. They were jumping from black to their original color so fast, you could miss it if you blinked. His fangs and nails were lengthen to their full extent. He looked murderous.

I turned my head and looked at the man, seeing him frozen in place. Before I had time to register the movement, Austin was in his place. His hands shot out to the man's head, and twisted. A snap echoed through the room right before the man crumbled to the floor. Dead.

When Austin turned to face me he was no longer fighting his beast. His beautiful eyes slowly looked me over. He was by my side in a flash.

"I'm so sorry Natalie."

I smiled. "That's the first time you ever called me by my name." I whispered before I went into another coughing fit. When the spasm finally ended, Austin had his arms wrapped around me, being careful not to jar me too much. I sucked in a deep breath when I saw his eyes glistening with tears. It made his eyes look like they were glowing.

"I promise I didn't say anything." I told him, and watched as a small smile played on his lips. He looked breathtaking. He had never smiled for me before.

"I know baby." He softly said as he cupped my face.

My eyes starting feeling heavier. I felt so tired. As I closed them I heard Austin growl. "Stay awake Natalie!" I squinted and looked at him once more. I watched a tear fall down his face and land on my cheek.

"You're not evil." He shook his head at me.

"I am."

I smiled. "I could never fall in love with someone evil."

I don't know why I said it but it was true. I had grown used to him. Grown to care for him. I knew it was wrong. He wasn't human, but that didn't stop me. His beast helped him along the way. Always being there for me. But Austin was the one who made truly fall. I should of realized when I woke up in my home and felt so alone. I missed him.

He stayed silent and just studied me. I sucked in a breath, lifting my arm. I rested my hand on his cheek and smiled one last time. "I'm sorry." I whispered.

He looked confused. I couldn't stay awake any longer. "No." He gritted out, but it was to late. My eyes closed on their own accord. It didn't hurt that much anymore. I smiled to myself.