"You're hurt," Annette says, rubbing the bruise that I can feel forming on my face.
Her hands feel warm as I grab them and bring them to my lips.
"I'm fine."
But the hissing and evil screeching nearby tell me that a snake person is approaching. I quickly shift into my tiger form, pacing back and forth, ready to spring into action. My large paws thud against the ground as I stride.
"Annette, go home now."
She shakes her head. "I'm not leaving you." I watch as she transforms into her tiger form, a stunning white tiger, as pure as fresh falling snow.
"You will not disobey me." I try to command her with my deep voice, attempting to assert my dominance.
"Please, Abel." I can see the sadness in her eyes, even in her tiger shape.
I don't have time to argue; the growling of the beast grows louder. I know I must prepare to fight and protect Annette as well.
My eyes lock onto an unnatural green creature, its eyes glowing red and its teeth sharp like vampire fangs. I prepare to leap, but I'm taken aback when I see Annette attack first. My heart sinks as I hear her cry out in pain and fall to the ground.
I leap at the green creature, my claws scratching its face. When I hear it whine in agony, I resolve to end this quickly. I have no intention of torturing it; I simply want to end its misery. I open my mouth and bite into its neck, ripping out its throat. The metallic taste of blood fills my mouth, and the taste of flesh is indescribable. I watch as the creature falls lifeless to the floor.
Once by Annette's side, I transform back into my human form, adrenaline coursing through me as I assess her injury. It's just a bite taken out of her arm, which calms me slightly. Since we are unnatural tigers, we heal quickly, she will still need help with this injury, but she will be okay.
Lifting her into my arms, I carry her back toward our place. She nestles her head against my chest, and her soft whimpers of pain tug at my heart. I know she's hurting.
"You're going to be fine." I press my lips to her forehead, and she feels warm.
As I enter the camp, I notice Elias's concerned expression. He seems genuinely worried about Annette, more than just a casual interest. He quickly rises from the log and walks toward us.
"What happened?" His gaze is pointed, filled with aggravation.
"What do you think happened, Elias?" I reply, my tone sharper than intended.
"Well, why didn't you call for help, Abel?"
"Elias, you need to chill. As I said before, I don't answer to you, and I told her to go home, but she disobeyed me."
He runs a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath. "What were you thinking?" He touches his lips to her forehead.
"What do you have in the first aid kit? Do you have anything for stitching?" he asks, assessing her arm.
"Yeah."
Moments later, I return with the first aid kit. I watch as Annette sits in Elias's lap while he gently rubs her back. I can't help but feel confused about who Annette is more attracted to.
"I know how to do stitches; I can handle it," he reassures me.
I nod and hand him the kit.
I spot Abby sitting by the fire, and I notice Finn is no longer by her side.
"Where's Finn?" I ask.
Abby shyly looks up at me, her gray eyes barely meeting mine. "He's getting ready for a show."
"Okay."
I make my way to Finn's tent, remembering I told him he couldn't go to the show, but the logs are all moved as I asked, but he should already be at the show, so I'm curious about what happened.
"Abel," he greets me with a smile.
"They rescheduled the show for you or something?" I ask.
He shakes his head. "We're not just an amateur band anymore; we don't play first, but you made me miss the pre-party." He playfully rolls his eyes.
I chuckle.
"Look, don't kick Elias out of the group. Annette is not just a fling for him; he's crazy about her."
Swallowing hard, I realize he's right. I can see the way Elias looks at her and how gently he cares for her.
"I know I didn't mean to kiss her; it just happened so quickly."
"I get it, dude. I'm not busting your chops about who you're kissing, but you can't kick my homeboy out of the group."
We share a laugh; I really appreciate Finn's lightheartedness.
"I'll talk to him about everything in the morning."
He smiles. "That Abby over there is just adorable. If I were you, I'd make it my top priority to get in her pants."
I roll my eyes. "Have a good show."
I head back to the fire and sit down, smiling at the sight of Annette sleeping in Elias's arms. The strong pain medication he gave her must have knocked her out. I observe the beer can in his hand, unsure how easy it will be to speak with him. Maybe it's best to wait until morning.
Then I see Abby, watching me from across the flames.