THE WOLFS HEART BEAT

CHAPTER ONE – THE BIRTH

7:50PM "Rush her to the emergency ward, quickly! She'll soon give birth. Call the doctor. Hurry up, will you!", Troy yelled and he speedily wheeled his wife into St. Gregory's Hospital. He was extremely worried about his wife's condition as he had returned from work only to meet her almost unconscious outside their house. He kept praying incessantly throughout the operation."What happened? How did she get outside the house? Why was she bleeding so profusely from her arm? What had happened? Had Zinah not been with her? What is going on?" These were the questions he pondered upon while pacing back and forth outside the operating room. Minutes later, Zinah, Troy's half-sister, arrived at the hospital."Where were you, Zin? I left my wife in your care. Why all this?", Troy asked her, holding her by the collar of her shirt."I'm so sorry, Troy. I had to see a friend who promised to help me look for a job. Franca was fast asleep when I left and I hoped to return before she awoke. But by the time I returned, the neighbors told me you had brought her here. I am so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen", Zinah apologized with her head low, tears filling up her eyes."Just pray very fervently that nothing bad happens to her. You have no conscience. You left a heavily pregnant woman all alone? Did you not think about her condition before leaving? I'm so disappointed in you. I'm so disgusted by your actions. Why are you even here?""Accept my most sincere apologies, brother. I didn't mean..."Just then, the doctor walks in."Are you her husband, young man?", he asked."Yes, I am. Doc, how is she?""The wound on her arm is very deep. It's a bite. Not just any ordinary bite. Some strange specie must have bitten her. Do you live close to any forests?""The closest one to us is about a mile from our home. I hope my wife and child are safe Doc right?""Yes, they're both alive and well. We had to deliver the baby through a Cesarean Section as the mother is too shocked to push a baby. They're just a little traumatized from the whole episode that happened with whatever bit her. However, we are still running some tests to understand what exactly happened to her arm. We just have to give her and the baby some time to recover from the shock, especially your wife.""Can I see my family now?""Of course, sir. Just remember not to stress them. Congratulations on your baby, and so sorry for what happened to your wife. You may go in now"."Thank you so much doctor. You saved my family", Troy said tearfully and rushed into the ward before the doctor could even respond "You're welcome".Zinah followed behind Troy into the ward and Troy then told her "Thank your lucky stars that nothing happened to them. I would have sent you to join them as well". Zinah lowered her head in shame.Then Troy went to sit next to Franca on the bed. "Baby, what happened to you? Tell me, how are you feeling? Does it hurt a lot? I wish I could take the pain you're feeling and be in your place!" H e started crying."No baby. It's not your fault. Neither is it Zinah's fault. I left the house to stroll for a bit and ended up getting close to the forest. I decided to look for some forest berries when I suddenly heard a sound. It was deafening and scary too"."Did you see what it was baby?""No, but I did feel that it was huge. I felt its breath on my neck .Before I could turn around to look at it, something just pierced through my arm. I thought it was chopped off. I got scared and panicked, saw blood and passed out. After a while, I remember not being able to move my legs but I felt I was being carried. Next thing I know, I see myself in the hospital. I'm just glad to be alive. I never thought I'd make it, or get to see you again", Franca narrated slowly, stroking Troy's chin and crying too."This is so much pain for you baby. I'm here to support you okay", Troy replied."Aunty, I'm really sorry I left you all alone in the house. If I didn't go out, maybe things would have been different and you wouldn't be here under so much pain. Please forgive me. I'm deeply sorry", Zinah said kneeling beside Franca's bed with teary eyes."Zinah, please don't blame yourself for this okay. It's not your fault. I forgive you. Get up. Right now, as long as I have my family, I will make it out of this hospital strong and healthy. I just need your prayers and support", Franca replied, smiling at her husband and gesturing to Zinah to stand up.A nurse the walks in with the baby she had just delivered. He was all cleaned up and clothed and wrapped in swaddling clothes. "Here's your baby ma'am", she said as she laid him in his mother's arms."He's so cute, just like his father", Franca said smiling."Congratulations Troy. Congratulations auntie. Thank you, God for keeping this precious baby up till now. We will forever be indebted to you", Zinah prayed while hugging her brother and smiling at the happy parents."We need to find out what creature it was that bit you. Also, this baby is the best thing that has ever happened to me, after meeting you of course. I just hope the bite didn't do anything funny to him. He's so cute!", Troy said."Indeed brother", Zin added.Amidst all this happiness, Franca smiled herself to sleep.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CHAPTER TWO - ALARMING"

It's such a warm feeling to finally be home after such a horrific experience!", France exclaimed as soon as she stepped into the house. "It is indeed, away from a lot of trouble and happy with our baby", Troy added. "I just keep wondering what could have bitten you so badly", Zinah said. "The hospital is still conducting tests from my blood sample they took, to verify what it was. I just hope they find answers soon"."What shall we have for breakfast?", Franca asked to no one in particular."Scrambled eggs and toast bread with some warm milk. It's your favorite breakfast", Zinah answered sharply.Just then, the baby started crying. He had woken up from his sleep."Speaking of milk, I think baby Vicky needs some right now", Troy said winking to his wife."Vicky? As in Victor? That's what you guys named him?", Zinah asked surprised."Yes Zinah. We both thought that it's a perfect name for him since he's such a strong baby who survived what he went through in my womb. We both like the name", Franca replied, dusting off the dining table and setting up the table flowers."Okay, first of all nobody asked me if I wanted to suggest a name too. That's not fair. But then Vicky is a good name", Zinah said and shrugged.Troy then turned on the TV and caught up with an interesting topic on the news channel."Look, they're talking about some animal on the news", he called out and slightly increases the volume of the TV. "They say some hunters saw strange paw prints along the forest track, about the size of a mundane beast. Many trees were damaged and it seems the animal is on the loose. We'll have to be very careful around here from now on"."What if it's the same animal that attacked me?", Franca asked. "You have a point but let's wait and see what would be the result of the ongoing investigation. I pray the authorities do something about this before more people get hurt", Troy replied."Breakfast is ready!", Zinah announced as she served the food. Everyone ate in silence and soon Vicky was set to sleep in his cradle. Franca then lay down to sleep on her bed next to the cradle."I have to go to work later today baby. I have a few things I need to round up at the office. I will be back by evening okay", Troy said to Franca. He then asked Zinah to take care of them while he was gone to which she agreed. Then, soon after, Troy left for work.On getting to the office, the staff of the bank where he worked had already arranged a mini-party to congratulate him on becoming a dad. Upon arrival, he was heartily welcomed with so many gifts from his co-workers."Troy, you're a hardworking lad; industrious and a wonderful co-worker and employee. You deserve a day off. Your wife needs you at this moment. After the party, you can go home okay?", the manager Mr. Berger said."But what about the business meeting scheduled for later today?", Troy asked."It has been rescheduled, so do not worry yourself"."Okay then. Let's party!" Troy exclaimed and everyone cheered.They all went to the event hall of the bank and celebrated greatly. While the party was going on, at one point, Troy began to feel uneasy. He wanted to go home as soon as possible. Something didn't feel right. As he walked towards the door to leave, something shook the door handle, as though someone wanted to open it from the other side. He got scared."Who's there? Is that you Mr. Berger?" he asked but nobody responded.He brought out his phone from his pocket to call his wife, but as soon as he unlocked the phone, his lock screen wallpaper began to flicker and change through several pictures all at the same time, until suddenly; it stops at the picture of a very scary looking demon with horns. Troy immediately panicked, dropped his phone and ran back into the main party hall.His boss noticed his uneasiness and walked up to him where he stood, breathing heavily and asked him if he was okay. Troy tried explaining what just happened to him but couldn't make sense of his words. Frustrated, Troy asked to borrow his phone as he wanted to call his wife. Mr. Berger gave him his phone. Frantically, Troy kept dialing his wife's number but no one answered the phone. His heart began pounding fast. "What has happened again?" he thought. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. He screamed; loudly and fell down. "Please take me home. I really have to go home. Help me", Troy begged his manager who immediately rushed him home.On getting home, a lot had happened. There were ambulances everywhere and sounds of sirens rented the air. The police were there. It's chaos. Troy looked around for his wife and baby but they were not in the house. He then saw Zinah staring into space and shaking. Troy then walked up to her."Where is Franca and Vicky? You were home this time. What the hell is going on?""Troy, the creature came again! I'm so scared now! Let's follow the ambulance. They're taking Franca and the baby to the hospital. I'll explain everything at the hospital", Zinah replied."Let's go. My car is over there".As they hurried to the car, Zinah stopped to tell one of the officers, "Please do everything you can to solve this. We need answers okay!"The officer nodded and they hurriedly sped off behind the ambulance, in tears and fearful of the future.

CHAPTER THREE - THE NIGHTMARE

Upon arrival at the hospital, Troy couldn't wait any longer. "Zinah, please tell me what happened'."Troy, I was cooking lunch when I heard Vicky's cry. It was unusually loud. Franca woke up too and went to check on him. We were very confused and scared as to why he was crying so much. It seemed as though something was standing right in front of us but we couldn't see it except Vicky. It seemed like he was scared of that thing. Then, suddenly a shadow passed by the wall, a very scary shadow. It was huge with three horns and a tail large enough to strangle someone. I have never seen such in my life Troy!", Zinah narrated, her voice trembling."So how then did Franca and Vicky get hurt?", Troy asked."The shadow slashed its hand through the wall and Franca and Vicky fell unconscious. They both started bleeding everywhere so I had to call 911 and then the police arrived soon after the ambulance came"."And you, why aren't you hurt too?""I don't know honestly. It's strange. I'm really scared it might come for me later"."I want to believe that you know nothing about what has been happening to my family. If this is some kind of prank, it's not funny!""Troy, how could you think I'd do that to you or Franca? I have nothing to do with this. It's not my fault I didn't get hurt too, Zinah responded wide-eyed.Troy walked a distance from her, eyes to the ground. "I felt this sharp pain in my chest earlier. I think that was the exact same time this whole shit-show happened", he muttered."I feel like whatever this is, it wants Vicky and Franca only", Zinah said."I feel the same way too. But I won't let anything happen to my family", Troy responded. His eyes welled up with tears.Soon, the doctor came out to meet Troy and Zin. "Your wife is in a critical condition, but your son is stable. He is a fighter. However, your wife will recover soon. We just have to give her some time"."Can I see them?""You can see your son. For now, your wife is still under medical observation. Excuse me sir", said the doctor and left.As both siblings approached the ward, Troy sighted his wife from the window and broke down. Crying, he entered the room, sat beside Vicky's bed and said "Vicky, my boy. Please be strong. I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you from whatever it was. Your mom will be fine okay? I'll take you home soon, I promise"."Troy, pull yourself together. Vicky needs you to be strong right now. Franca wouldn't be happy seeing you like this", Zinah stated."I will find out who or what is behind this. I don't care what it will cost me!', Troy said."Our house, does it have a history of ghosts or being haunted?""No, it doesn't. I am shocked by what is happening", Troy answered. After a brief pause, he turned around to look at Zin. "Have you murdered someone?", he asked her."Hell no! Jesus Troy! Why would you even say that?"Troy, still looking at her, told her that he would be staying the night at the hospital, while Zinah agreed to go home and grab some snacks and food.About three hours later, Franca woke up and Troy rushed to her bedside. "You're up. Thank God! I was so worried about you"."The creature! It was the creature!", Franca gasped."The one that bit you? Is that the one you're talking about?"Franca nodded, visibly afraid."Why is it after you and Vicky? That is just something I do not understand", Troy asked in confusion."Let's leave, Troy. Let us go to another country, far away from here. We could live in Austria. We need to be far from this place", Franca begged."I thought so too babe. Once you and Vicky are good to leave the hospital, we'll leave here I promise", Troy agreed, "Right now, I just need you to get some rest okay?""Where is Vicky? Is he okay?" Franca asked, still weak."Yes, he's fine. You just have to recover soon", Troy replied.Three days later, Franca and Vicky were discharged and Troy was free to take them home. The following day, Troy arranged for his family to move to Austria .By the end of that week, the family had settled in an apartment in a little neighborhood in a small town in Austria. On the night they settled in the apartment, Troy had a nightmare. In the dream, he was walking along a pathway when someone touched his shoulder from behind. He turned around to see who it was that touched him. Suddenly, he panicked and started running. As he ran, a voice spoke to him, "I am a son of the Sendonkans, an all-powerful group of super immortals. Your son is one of our own, and it is his destiny to fight humanity and lead us into victory. Earth is ours, and we shall wipe out your kind and dominate Earth as our new world. Your son will lead us in this revolution. We were sent out many years ago, but now we shall reclaim what should be ours!".With those words, Troy woke up sweating profusely, breathing heavily.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

When it was morning, Troy was unusually quiet. He only stared at Vicky as he lay in his cradle. "Troy, what's going on? You look pale as hell. You look like you've seen a ghost or something", Franca asked on observing his countenance."I had a nightmare", Troy responded, his voice was shaky.Franca dropped the blanket she had in her hand and sat beside him. "Talk to me. What happened?""I saw a demon. I was walking some place I don't even know, when this demon started talking to me, telling me that our son is part of them. He called them Sendonkans. He said our son would lead them to take over Earth. This is some form of revenge for being expelled from Earth many years ago", Troy said.Franca was shook. "Our Vicky will lead them? How is he even one of them when I gave birth to him?""Do you remember the creature that bit you? What if it was this demon? What if it did something to Vicky?""Oh God, this is ridiculous! What is this, 'BLADE'?""Franca, trust me I'm just as confused as you are. I don't even know what to think at this point. I'm just scared for Vicky", Troy said."We need someone to exorcise Vicky now!", Zinah suggested walking into the room."Were you listening to our conversation?", Franca asked."This house isn't really that big. Besides, Vicky is my nephew. I know an exorcist we can call", Zinah responded."Since when do you know exorcists and demons Zinah?", Franca asked."Everybody calm down. Nobody is calling an exorcist for my son. That is final. We will take him to church for prayers and that is it. It's just a dream. Nothing will happen to my son. We won't discuss this again", Troy stated firmly and left the room. Franca and Zinah just looked at themselves and shrugged.