Devin 's POV
My heart pounded while I ran quickly through the frenzy, my eyes searching for any potential threats. The sound of gunfire reverberated in the warehouse while I carried Angela 's body, navigating debris and hiding behind crates. The blast had opened up a route for us to flee, but it wouldn't remain unobstructed for very long.
Every time Angela breathed, a reminder of the consequences weighed heavily on my thoughts. I couldn't bear to let her go.
I felt the chilly night breeze like a surprise as we hurried through a side entrance, emerging into the outdoor space. However, we were not in a safe situation. The explosion's noise surely got noticed, and Nikolai's crew might be right behind us soon.
I had to locate a place to hide in order to protect Angela . The idea of being stuck in a car with her and being chased down made me shiver, even though my car was just one block away.
Angela moved a bit in my embrace, her blue eyes slowly opening. Despite her weakened state, they still showed strong resilience.
"Devin ..." she spoke softly but managed to break through the chatter in my mind. Need to finish my homework before going out with friends."
I have to complete my homework before meeting up with my friends. I am fine.
"I whispered that you're not okay as I held her closer." "But you will exist."
She maintained, "I am able to move on foot," as she fought to lift herself up. Even though her eyes showed pain, she declined my offer to carry her as if she were a helpless maiden.
"I've always known you to be headstrong," I whispered as I carefully placed her on the ground, ensuring to keep a grip on her arm. Good. However, it is necessary for us to proceed. "At this moment."
Together, we moved cautiously through the narrow streets, keeping a low profile to avoid being seen. Each shadow seemed menacing, and every step behind us made me feel uneasy.
At last, we arrived at a cramped passageway where I could easily place a brief phone call. Retrieving my phone, I called a number that had been unused for years.
"Devin , are you there?"
After two rings, a rough voice responded.
I am the one. I require a secure residence. Immediately.
There was a brief silence, then a quiet laugh. "Back in trouble, are you?"
"I demand to know the location, Marco," I stated angrily, my patience running low.
"Okay, okay." There is a vintage boathouse near the docks. It hasn't been used for years. You will be protected there temporarily.
"Share with me the coordinates." I hung up the phone and faced Angela . She leaned against the wall, taking shallow breaths, but nodded when our eyes connected.
"I said, urging her to move," I said, pulling her forward. We had little time before Nikolai bounced back from the ambush, and I wasn't going to wait to see what he had in store.
The boathouse met Marco's promise: empty, isolated, and off the beaten path. I assisted Angela into the room, leading her to a dusty old couch. She fell onto it, grimacing while she moved.
"I advise you to relax," I whispered as I squatted in front of her.
"I require responses," she retorted, her voice raspy yet brimming with passion. "Devin , what the heck is happening?" Why were they interested in me?
I breathed out deeply, running my hand across my face. This was the moment I had been fearing - how could I clarify everything without causing her to dislike me even more?
"I finally said that they only took you because of me." Nikolai, the vampire... he's been attempting to pressure me into forming an alliance for several months. He discovered that you hold significance to me and employed you as a bargaining tool.
"Relevant?" she snorted. "Do you recall how you left me at the restaurant?"
"I had to walk away," I said through clenched teeth. "In order to keep you safe."
Anger flashed in her eyes. "Do you believe that abandoning me offers any form of security?"
"I confessed, speaking softly, 'No'." "However, it is risky to be around me." And tonight clearly demonstrates that.
Angela reclined in her seat, her face becoming gentler as she gazed at me. "What is our strategy?" "Will we escape or conceal ourselves?"
I nodded my head vigorously. "No, we resist." Nikolai will persist until he captures us once more. I am determined not to allow him to succeed. We have to bring this to a close in our own way.
She arched her eyebrow in defiance. "How do you suggest we accomplish that?"
"I responded by meeting her gaze and said, "We discover allies."" Individuals who hold the same level of resentment towards Nikolai as we do. It hurt me to admit it, but she would need to return to her world, back to the werewolves.
Her breath hitched and I could detect the flicker of fear in her eyes. I comprehended what she had lost because of that world - her loved ones, her tranquility. If we hoped to survive, we required the strength and power that only her group could offer.
"I understand it's a big request," I murmured, "but I won't abandon you in dealing with this by yourself."
Angela maintained eye contact with me for an extended period before giving a slow nod. "Okay, Devin . In unison after that.
The two words resolved something profound inside me - a feeling of comfort blended with resolve. I was determined not to let her down, no matter how risky the situation became.
"I stood up, feeling determined," I said. "This war is only beginning."