Chapter 33.

Franklin's POV

I watched Scarlett sleep. I've had a lot on my mind, but it seemed like she had her fair share too. We had watched a movie, and she slept off while we watched the movie.

I paced round the room, unable to properly articulate my thoughts. I was disturbed. I was greatly disturbed, and it's always around this time of the year.

Scarlett was intent on saving me, and she called me ‘Smith’. How long till she finds out who I really am? How long till she finds out my genealogy?

I carried her to her room, gently placed her on the bed, and then I headed out for the night.

Inability to sleep, and this body has been my curse and burden for more than 4 years. I wondered how Scarlett could come close to me. I wondered how she was comfortable around me. I've seen myself in a mirror, and nothing looks desirable about me.

I stayed on top of a tree, waiting and waiting patiently, just to see if he'd show up. He hadn't shown up for the last three years, and somehow, I expect him to show up now. My hopes might be up, but I've gotten used to disappointment.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the fresh breeze of the sky, as it was the next comforting thing when compared to Scarlett's warm touch.

I was about to give up again when I heard rustling footsteps in the woods. I immediately opened my eyes and looked down. I could see him coming through the woods, all alone, trying to find his way.

The anticipation my heart had builded, and the disappointment I had prepared to face collided, and I just didn't know how to feel anymore. I was just numb. When he got closer to the tree, I jumped down.

He was startled by my appearance that he almost fell to the ground. I stood, looking at him.

“Orion.” He called, and I realised a guttural growl. The anticipation I had built had become anger. I was pissed off, and I wanted to tear him apart.

“Don't call me that!” I growled, and he moved back for a minute.

“Orion, I'm sorry.” He begged.

“For what exactly?” I asked, growling. “For leaving me here for four years when you promised to be here yearly? For making me into a beast just because it's a stupid ass family tradition and you needed someone to make the sacrifice? For ruining my life and making me miserable? Or for the life I live now? What exactly are you sorry for?!”

The trees shook as I shouted. The wind got very destructive, and it was like they were all tuning into my emotions.

“I'm sorry for everything.” He begged. “I… I… I didn't know how to face you.”

“Well, here I am.” I shrugged, feeling the urge to tear him apart.

“Here you are.” He muttered. “Ha.. Uhm… how have you been?”

I scoffed at the question, shaking my head.

“How have I been?” I repeated. “Well, how every beast is.” I shrugged.

“I guess I have you to thank for the house.” I muttered. “The structures are amazing, and the books are also good, and it hurts that I won't finish reading them.”

My head hurt, and my chest tightened as I remembered the several sacrifices that came with my position as the beast that carried their burdens.

“Orion, I'm…”

“Don't fucking call me that!” I snapped, and he shook. “Call me Franklin for fuck's sake!”

“I'm sorry.” He swallowed hard, keeping his hands out to show that he wasn't a threat, like I'd harm him even if he wanted to kill me. “Franklin, I can't begin to imagine how it must feel to…”

“No, you can't!” I snapped. “You can't imagine what it's like not to have had any sleep for four years. You can't imagine what it's like to have every sense heightened than it normally is for a wolf. I have a hundred times better sight than you do.”

I felt pangs of tears prick against the walls of my eyes as I spoke.

“You can't imagine what it's like to know that I'd be dead in a year from now, or even less, because of something I have no fucking control over!” I snapped. “And I can't even try to break free without releasing a spiral effect.”

“Franklin…”

“You know what the worst part of all these is?” I asked, shaking my head, and feeling so much pain. “I can't kiss the girl I love. Fuck, I don't even have lips!”

“I can only growl and destroy!” I snapped, hitting a tree close to me. Tears rolled down my furry face, and I was sure that he couldn't see it.

The tree fractured into two, but it didn't fall.

“Franklin, there's nothing I'd say that can calm you down, but I want you to know that I…”

“Why did you come this time?” I asked, looking at him. “You've never been here for four years. Why now?” I asked.

“Erm… I just wanted to see you again.” He muttered, and the hole in my heart grew bigger. I felt weak in my knees, but I would never show him how hurt I am.

“Now that you've seen me, and it'd probably be the last time, can you make me a promise?” I asked, and he gently nodded.

“Whatever you want!” He said.

“Bury me beside the house.” I said. “Don't take me out of these woods. They've been more of a family than anyone else has.”

I could see the hurt in his eyes, and how he stubbornly held them back.

“I will, I promise.” He whispered, and I nodded.

I turned to leave, already done with this conversation. Why hurt myself further?

“Franklin.” He called, and I turned back to look at him. “Who are you?”

I growled, remembering the game of confidence we used to play when I was still human.

I was silent, unsure about what to do. I could choose to ignore him or just move on with my life.

“I am Franklin Orion Vargr, the Prince of the South.” I said, walking away.

I am Orion Vargr, the Prince of the South.