My fangs sink deep into Laiths shoulder earning a roaring exclaim.
He shoves me and attempts to pin me before I use my hind legs to throw him off.
But before I can scurry away a claw his embedded on my back forcing me to the floor.
'Erza! Calm down.' He roars his fangs of water bared.
But I am too pissed. This is Layla's so called father. This is the man she longed to meet. He knew Varian stood by while she was injured and did nothing. How long did he know she was out hiding in public.
Turning round I swipe a paw out catching his forearm pinning me down. Laith growls before stumbling back off me.
'Erza listen to me. I wasnt going to tell Layla until she was settled and safe!'
Standing up I arch my back in warning. Typical cat behaviour its like my instincts are taking over. Shit, I cant fall pray to them right now.
'SAFE AND SETTLED! She could of been that if you found and took her in from the start.' A growl erupts from my throat as my anger reaches its peak.
I jump to action swiping my paws as Laith jumps onto the desk to avoid my slashes.
Frustration boils as I open my jaw wide and dive towards Laith who dodges too late and now whose hind leg is yanked backwards by me until Laith is on the floor.
But Laith is still a Lion at heart and lions cant lose their pride so runs at me.
Knocking me with brute strength which sends me flying into the door knocking it through and sliding me across the hall.
Before I can react I am blinded with water and cannot see for everything is now blurry.
'Nice try Laith. But they didnt call me the Purple Predator for nothing.'
Using my smells and hearing I gage Laith is 5 metres away as he walks over the broken door that rings with creaks. Gotcha.
'I will admit your skills as an animal are brilliant but we need to talk this out.'
'We are past talking this out Laith. You abandoned your daughter to the the cruelty of the world and for what?! A building full of strangers!'
A snarl erupts from Laith as with every creak he moves closer. The fight is getting real now.
'Dont tell me I abandoned anyone. You dont know a damn thing about me or Layla's mother. You have idea how hard it was to leave them behind and why I did. Your a fucking child who was moulded into a soldier before you even knew the world.'
A snarl now erupts from me.
'You dont know anything about me. But i can sure as hell tell you Layla could of died and you could of prevented that!'
In that moment the creaking stops and a jolt is heard and so on instinct I jump too.
We clash midair as jaws snap at each other and eyes are wild with ferocity. This isnt a fight for dominance this is a fight of morality.
Pushing away from each other both of us land harshly on the floor. My breaths are coming in gasps as my abdomen folds in on itself relinquishing the pain for punishment.
A sigh comes from Laith who seems to be struggling for energy.
'Erza you have to believe me. I love Layla and when I found out she was alive and free I could of died happy. But I was scared..I have never had to raise a kid and barely handled my own survival in our world.'
I force myself to stand but fail and plonk to the ground paws outstretched but I meet eyes with Laith.
'I aint no expert in life Laith like you said I never got to know the world before i was sold to that shithole. But I know one thing. Layla just wants you to show up. She doesnt give a shit if your the best dad. She wont care unlike me that you were scared because she already loves you. Layla has dreamed of her dad for years Laith. Years. After her mum got taken away she felt so alone and scared...then i found her. She helped fix the parts of me i thought i lost and when i saw her dying in that road..I died too. She is warm, kind and loves life. Her powers represent her, her water is ever changing and growing but always there. That is who Layla is and that is who she deserves Laith. She just wants you there and present. To be able to hug you and feel a dads love will be enough. She doesnt want gifts Layla is smart enough to know the world we live in, but by god does she want to fight it at your side. Your her father Laith so rise to challenge because by hell she deserves that.'
Releasing a breath I lower my head to the ground enjoying the cool feeling on my sore body.
Laith stands on his all four legs despite his bloody one. The look of realisation on his face and he walks towards me. He lowers his mouth to the scruff of my neck and before I can protest lifts me like a kitten as he drags me back to the office. How bloody embarrassing.
Once Im in the office Laith transforms and if his haggard appearance is anything to go by I hurt him bad....I feel slightly..insignificantly...bad.
He presses a red button before plopping down in his broken chair.
I force myself to transform and with every creak..crack and twinge I force myself to human form.
My middle pangs with pain and despite myself I curl inwards desperate to stop the pain.
'I will admit Erza..you put up one hell of a fight.' Laith drags a hand down his face.
This is so awkward.
'Yea you too...sorry about the bite.'
Laith looks up and chuckles.
'Eh? Its cool I reckon I deserved that for Layla's injury.'
'HM.' I cross my arms.
All too soon voices exclaim along the hall way.
'What happened?!'
'Is the authorities?!'
'Did they get in!'
'Is Laith okay?'
'Hide the children!'
Laith stands and shuffles to the door grimacing with every step.
'Dont panic everyone. Im alright things are fine. Me and Erza here were seeing whose the stronger mammal you see! Aint that right Erza?'
Laith gives me a cold look which spells out 'Back me up now.'
Rolling my eyes I nod.
'Yep thats what happened.'
A community based panic was avoided and people rush round getting medical supplies ...brooms etc.
As Abek stands there arms crossed with a disapproving look on his face. Other than that me and Laith sag in relief as we reckon we are in the clear.
But all too soon three voices I really didnt want to deal walk in the room.
'E? Whats going on...' Shit Layla. Layla stands there hopping from toe to toe in nervousness as her eyes are wide at the damage.
'You pushed to hard again. Can you not follow instructions? Stupid girl.' A cold hand touches my middle. Double shit Mara.
Even Laith looks nervous at Mara's scowl.
'WHAT THE FUCK?!'
Triple shit. Varian.
Jesus how do we explain this now.
I am too tired for this.
I look to Laith for help but he looks as done as I am. Here we go..