The Beast's Possession

**Bane

pov**

By some twisted luck of fate, we weren't caught. They got pretty close but since my savior was pretty familiar with our surroundings, he found a perfect place for us to hide and soon enough, we lost those fuckers.

Now, since the night was nearing and forests weren't safe even for us, we decided to stop and get some rest inside a cave. It was perfectly hidden from everyone's view, but it also provided an amazing view from us. If anyone were to approach the cave, we would see them before they would notice the cave.

As we sat on the rocks and gazed out, I realized I needed to thank him properly. Just a quick thanks couldn't cut it for everything he did and risked to save my ass.

"Thank you for everything you did. Seriously, I'm beyond grateful. If you wouldn't have taken the risk, I would probably die in that cell," I whispered, just in case someone was around and could hear us talk.

"Consider us even now." He muttered and grinned.

Looking at the guy, I raised an eyebrow. I didn't know him. I had never met him. How were we even, if I hadn't done anything for him?

"Ah," he chuckled and shook his head. "I see the wheels in your head turning. Don't overthink it. I owed you, trust me I did, big time. I got you out of there only because I wanted to repay you for everything you did for me and my mother," he grinned and offered me a sandwich he pulled out of the pocket.

I took the food, but still stared at him like an idiot. I couldn't understand what I could possibly have done, let alone remember when. He had to have mistaken me for someone. I never did anything good for others. I was known for slaughtering packs, not saving them.

As truly thankful I was for this guy, I couldn't get over the fact that he had to be one of those delusional, mad fucks who worshipped serial killers and horror movie characters.

"You don't remember me?" He suddenly asked, sounding genuinely offended and somewhat sad.

I took a few more minutes to take him in. If I had to be completely honest, he looked like any other average guy I had met millions of times before. Nothing outstanding or worth remembering. Sighing, I looked down and shook my head. "Sorry, I don't. I've met far too many people in my lifetime so I'm having trouble remembering faces," I admitted.

The guy hummed, seemingly deep in thought and then started laughing. I had no idea what was so funny about the situation, but I let him have a laugh. The mood was too damp anyway, at least one of us could be somewhat happy. "No, it's actually my fault, you don't need to feel sorry about anything. I didn't think of a few details, just assumed you would remember me after all those years." He explained, still leaving me in the dark.

I looked at him again and tried to recall the face. Nothing, empty fucking picture.

Groaning and ignoring the pain, I ran my hand through my hair. "I would appreciate it if you could tell me a little more because I truly can't pinpoint the moment we might have met before. And what did I do to actually earn the kindness you're showing me? Why would you save me and then well me we're even?"

"You saved us. You gave her hope," he whispered.

"Details, I really need details."

His face twisted into an expression of pain and I instantly regretted asking the question. Sadly, it wasn't like I could just take it back and pretend I never asked it. "Sorry."

"No," he whispered and shook his head again. "I knew this day might come. In fact, I hoped it would. I really hoped I could face you again and tell you about everything we experienced, thank you for everything you gave us.'

He was struggling. I could see it in his body language, in his eyes and hear it in his voice. The selfish part of me wanted to hear everything, but the newfound understanding part of me, the part Aife would be proud of, knew it was better to distract him and provide an out.

So, without focusing on anything but the need to change the topic, I offered him my hand and spoke, "my name is Bane. Can I know yours too? You know, so I can properly thank you for everything you did for me out there."

"I know your name, silly," he laughed but still grabbed my hand. "I'm Chris."

"Nice to meet you, Chris. And thank you. I know I already said it, but really, thank you."

He held my hand a little longer than anyone would and focused his gaze on my wrist. "It looks really bad. After we rest, we need to find a better hideout and tend to those wounds," he stated.

I just nodded. "Who's getting some sleep first? I assume we will take turns. If you're tired, I can watch the surroundings for an hour or two and then we can switch," I offered, still intent on doing anything to avoid the topic that clearly haunted the guy.

The worst part was that now that I could look at him, actually see his face and features, I realized he couldn't be a day older than sixteen. How this guy managed to carry me like I weighed nothing was beyond me. "How old are you, Chris?" I blurted out the question before I could hold myself back.

"Fifteen," he grinned.

"Only fifteen? How the hell could you carry me? I'm heavy, you know," I laughed to ease the situation.

"Yeah, I know you're heavy. Just like you said, I carried you. And as for how - I'm visiting gym at least three times a day and I joined the top tier warrior training last year, that's also why I look like a grown man, not a teenager." Goddess, the questions, I had so many damn questions...

"My mom said I should give you a hug, by the way. She left the territory as soon as they brought you in and chained you to that wall. She is the mastermind behind this escape, she guided me and came up with a plan." Chris announced with nothing but pride lacing his words.

I offered him a smile. "You should tell her I'm very grateful for what you both did for me."

"And she will tell you the same thing I did - we owe you that much. Don't think I'm stupid just because I'm younger. I noticed how you're trying to hold back from asking questions and how you keep avoiding this conversation about this mess. Do you remember what you did five years ago?"

I actually took a moment to think, yet couldn't recall anything. "Honestly? No, I don't." I admitted.

"You burned down a pack. Wiped it off the planet. And then, you killed the Alpha. I watched you rip that asshole in pieces. And let me tell you - it was glorious. You freed us. Thanks to you, we could escape and live. We survived because of you."