3; LOCKED UP AND LOST

ALBERTO THE FUTURE ALPHA

“Mariana, we’re almost there. I knew we’d make it. Soon, Dr. Gallo will treat you; he’s a genius.”

“Don’t lie to me. Even I can hear those jaguars catching up to us. And, by the way, you still haven’t answered whether you were the one who drove my boyfriend Miguel away.”

“Love, that doesn’t matter. Let’s just say I saw an opportunity and took it. That *#%&* was cheating on you right under your nose. I never understood how he got away with it. I remember one night I was on the rooftops, transformed into a wolf. Furthermore, I saw that guy with his other girlfriend, kissing on the next corner. You were heading there, and just as you were about to catch them, you turned back because you’d forgotten your phone. That same phone saved him another time too. You were so engrossed in social media, you didn’t even see him kissing her right in front of you.”

“That’s nothing. If you knew, I even stopped talking to a friend who told me my boyfriend was cheating. I thought she was gossip, trying to steal him from me. Later, I apologized, but she didn’t accept it because she was so hurt. And with good reason—she was the only one who tried to open my eyes. It turns out almost the whole neighborhood knew, but didn’t tell me to spare my feelings. In the end, I was the last to find out.”

“I noticed. A couple of times, some guys warned him you were coming, so he’d leave his other girlfriend or vice versa. She was just as innocent and deceived as you.”

“But my dear Alberto, you’re stalling. You still haven’t confirmed if you were behind Miguel’s disappearance.”

“I guess we’re close enough to be honest about some things. Let me tell you, I didn’t do anything wrong. One afternoon, while I was watching you, I also saw him with his other lover. A couple of his friends ran to warn him. I transformed into a werewolf right in front of those accomplices, scaring them half to death, so they couldn’t tip him off. That’s why, that time, you finally caught them, though you almost turned back for something. I tried to chase after you to make sure you saw them, and luckily, you didn’t change your mind.”

“That was tough for me, not because I loved him so much, but because I trusted him. It hurt to feel so betrayed and like an idiot for not believing my friend. Plus, I was used to his presence; we had been together for almost two years, and I even considered giving him my purity.”

“I know. That night, I heard you cry almost until morning. I nearly went into your room to comfort you, though I suppose that would’ve made things worse. Hearing your sobs broke my heart. I only calmed down after beating up Miguel, which made him leave the country.”

“I remember the next morning, I got a bouquet of roses, signed by an admirer. I imagine that was you, right?”

“I hate to break it to you, but that wasn’t me. It was one of Miguel’s friends who, upon learning about your breakup, wanted to take advantage and woo you. What’s worse is that he was a decent guy, very polite. I had to scare him off without a reason. I nearly ate him… or maybe I did… I don’t remember well; just kidding, I didn’t.”

“That’s too bad, about the roses. I was sure it was you.”

“Not that time, but the roses you got after that? Those were from me. I noticed you liked them, and it made me so happy to see you smile as you smelled those flowers.”

“Of course, those little gestures helped brighten my life. Even now, remembering that you were the one who sent them brings me joy, even in death.”

“Mariana, please hold on. We’re only a block away from the hospital.”

“Alberto, it’s too late. I can’t hold on any longer, and they’ve already caught up to us.”

“I know, but I still hope one of my men will come to help us.”

“That won’t happen. No one’s coming to save you, GR.” A massive jaguar roared as it blocked their path.

“Get out of here, Cacique Chancó. Take advantage of this chance while you can. We’re in my territory, and my reinforcements will be here soon.” Alberto finished his sentence with a howl, calling for help.

“Your tricks won’t work. We’ll finish you off before any of those mangy dogs can rescue you. Though… that girl has a familiar scent.” The shaman observed her, his pupils dilating as he tried to see her aura.

“Don’t you dare touch her. I swear if you do, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life because she is my beloved mate.”

“What nonsense you’re spouting, mutt. A human can’t be your mate unless you turn her, and even then, she’d have to survive the process. But someone on the verge of death doesn’t get to make threats.”

“Hold on, Shaman. You seem to know how we convert humans; I imagine your process is similar.”

“Not at all. Not just anyone can become a jaguar man. They must be descendants of the gods. A mere human isn’t blessed, and if they somehow survive a bite or something, they wouldn’t withstand the transformation.”

“Please, Shaman, let us go. I’ll give you anything you want. Name your price. I’ve lost already, but let us go. I swear I’ll give you whatever we agree upon.”

“That might have been a deal I couldn’t refuse if it weren’t for all the soldiers I lost because of yours. That won’t be possible. I live by the law of an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a fang. I’ll enjoy hearing your father’s howls of grief when he finds your remains hanging in the Central Park, just like the conquistadors did. Now, I order my men: Attack! Finish them off, boys!”

A group of jaguars lunged, claws ready to tear them to pieces. Alberto’s only option was to throw his beloved into a corner to defend himself. He charged at them, biting their throats, trying to finish them with one blow, but they outnumbered him, inflicting more wounds.

“It’s true, you’re the future Alpha, which is why you’re so strong. I have no choice but to join the fight. I can’t just stand here and watch in case one of those mangy wolves shows up to save you,” purred the great jaguar, leaping at Alberto, tearing into his back and slamming him against a wall. The other jaguars sank their teeth and claws into him as Mariana screamed in despair, seeing her beloved being massacred.

She couldn’t take it anymore and hurled herself onto the shaman’s back, trying to choke him. The shaman bucked like a bull, shaking her off to tear her apart.

“Foolish girl, I promise I’ll devour you and savor every bite.” With that declaration, the shaman flipped her over, pinning her beneath him. Feeling the weight of the massive beast and the blow from the ground, she freed her hands, now at the mercy of her opponent. He prepared his claws, licking his lips as he got ready to feast on her.