Chapter XVII

XVII

Sitting, constantly moving her legs with her cell phone in her hand, attentive to the local news that unfortunately was already beginning to be published such as: “El Mitotero” “Bichicori news*” “Telemax informs*” “Shooting reported at the northern exit of the city” “Police mobilization north of the city” while her cell phone received messages like: “how lucky are those who don’t bathe” “how good that you are on vacation” “this urgency is crazy” those messages did not relax Secundina’s nerves at all and the fact that Darío was spinning around like a caged lion did not help although she did not realize he occasionally sniffed the air, Secundina lets out a scream when the door suddenly opens, and even Darío jumped in her place, without wasting time the Greek got to work on the wounded man.

—I know I'm not your Alpha, but you have orders to follow, right?

• Save my brother.

With that said he returns in a few minutes he manages to get up, the bones in his hands creak they change to humanoid, strong claws blinded by rage although he is twice his height he attacks the one who is finishing off Susan, he falls on the beast's back he sinks his claws into its back, but instead of opening it up he begins to pray the beast loses strength until it leaves him on its knees, three beasts listen and release their victims to attack the young man, they run towards him they did not count on Alf getting on two legs and facing them.

The Norwegian looked just as imposing as they were, although he fought, he could have killed those three, he howls victorious, the few that remain retreat, all of them badly wounded, Elián changes into a human, sees the scene, squats down, Idelfonso arrives behind him, they exchange words, both turn abruptly when they hear Omar continue praying until the beast changes into human, on his back the skin of a werewolf, he removes it bringing with it the skin of his opponent, he lets them fall at Idelfonso's feet. Without touching it with his hands, he folds it into a ball to save it. The dark-skinned man (short in stature compared to the others) gives the order to retreat, the most serious ones are taken to Darío's house to receive medical attention, by the time the Greek arrived they knew they had already finished with Alejo, no doubt the dark-skinned one was going to live, but he should be at rest for several days.

The house suddenly filled with wounded, suddenly there was a rush of strangers and acquaintances coming and going, the noise made it hard to hear one's own or another's thoughts, the house seemed like a war zone, blood not only on the floor but also on the walls, Felipe's people arrived to help, cries of doctors asking for supplies, giving directions. Night gave way to day and the workload still didn't lessen, it wasn't until after eight at night that the house was clean and empty, Darío was still covered in blood, not caring about anything, he removed his clothes to bathe, Elián, who had already been treated, took charge of his clothes by burning them, as well as saying goodbye to the last wounded who were being transferred to the Hacienda in Bahía de Kino, he saw Secundina sitting on the floor with her head leaning against the wall as if she were sleeping.

• You should go upstairs to take a bath.

—Hm? I'm sleepy, I'm hungry, and I'm wondering what to do first: sleep or eat.

• Take a shower, go to the bathroom, miss nurse.

"Yeah, Darío's coming out," he says without opening his eyes. He opens his eyes when Elian takes off his sneakers. "What are you doing?"

• Help you undress, you always help me in one way or another, it's my turn.

—Ha! I'm going to pay for it, let me get back on my feet. —He offers to help, and for the first time she accepts. —Thanks.

Elian's passion

"Aah! Nice bath, I'm hungry. What are we having for dinner?" asks Darío, standing in front of the two of them as God brought him into the world. She looks away in embarrassment, and her brother gives him a dirty look. "What? I'm hungry."

• She's here, don't be cheeky, cover yourself.

—Heh! Sorry about the spectacle, Secu. He covers himself with whatever he can.

What are we going to eat?

—I don't know, I'm sleepy.

"Shower, my love! You stink!" Darío points to the bathroom. Seeing that she doesn't even move, he pushes her into the bathroom. "Don't just stand there. Go to my room and get her some clothes. Second drawer: underwear, the camel-colored sweatpants, and the matching sports bra. It's hot, so the blue Superman shorts pajamas are in the closet on the left side."

—Hey! No, I'm going to be embarrassed if he sees my underwear.

—It's not like I didn't know them, I remind you that he was married and has three daughters.

—But, but…

—No buts and don't make me angry or I swear to my God I'll spank you myself.

—You win, but let me go.

• Besides, Elian has already seen more than your underwear.
• “Shut up!” — embarrassed.

—My brother is a good man. Listen to his affection.

Darío is still naked, she turns around so she is face to face, but with her eyes closed.

• You know I know how to be a good friend, I've never been a girlfriend, people never flirt with me... I don't know if I'm good enough for him.

• Tell me the truth. What do you want to do?
  • I want to tell her yes, I accept, I want to feel for the first time in my life what it feels like to be loved.

• But? …
  • I'm afraid of being his laughingstock, I'm afraid of being laughed at, of being singled out for being with someone like me.
  • He doesn't mind being singled out; he's used to it. My Secu, trust my brother, let yourself be guided by what you feel, don't be afraid, and you'll be happy by his side, and you'll make me immensely happy too.