Fury, rage, and utter disgust clouded Lan Zhan’s mind staring at Wen Chao and Jin Zixuan. Seeing Wei Ying on his knees, hands behind his back only brought forth a bit of fierceness that Lan Zhan wasn’t sure would go away unless the two bullies were also on their knees, begging for mercy. 

Eyes of wrath remained pierced on the two bullies, “Wei Ying, are you okay?” Was the first words spilled from Lan Zhan’s mouth. For a split second, the heat in his face evaporated, and his voice calmed. “Did they hurt you?”

Wei Ying struggled out of Jin Zixuan's grip. Stumbling his way up, Wei Ying dusted off himself, fixed the heap of mess on top of his head, and gave a nervous chuckle in Lan Zhan's direction. Lan Zhan looked mad, and truth be told, Wei Ying did not want him to start a fight. Lan Zhan could get thrown in jail if he does something stupid and tomorrow's the full moon. 

"Ah Lan Zhan," Wei Ying beamed tensely, "what brought you here? We were just having a friendly conversation, nothing to be bothered about."

Wen Chao tsked, and Jin Zixuan rolled his eyes at Wei Ying lies. Though Lan Zhan looked frightening, Wen Chao wasn't going to cower in the corner, after all, he did have a reputation to withhold. "And who's this?" Wen Chao taunted, stepping away from Wei Ying, "Mary Poppins?" 

Both Wen Chao and Jin Zixuan burst into a fit of laughter at Wen Chao's dry humor. Wei Ying arched a brow. He hated the two bullies guts, but he must hand it to Wen Chao, Lan Zhan did look like Mary Poppins in some sort. For one, the ruffle high neck white shirt with the blue bowtie he wore wasn't helping his case. All Lan Zhan needed now was an umbrella and hat, and he's good to go.

Cheeks puffed, Wei Ying desperately tried holding back his laughter. "Lan Zhan, let's just go." Wen Ying said, holding onto Lan Zhan's left arm. Wei Ying pulled, but Lan Zhan didn't budge, his eyes never leaving the two laughing men. "Lan Zhan?"

Palms balled into fists, "not until those two apologize first," Lan Zhan gritted out. 

"Pfft," Wen Chao laughed, wiping an imaginary tear from his eye, "us apologize to that nimrod? Not in a million years."

Jin Zixuan straightened himself and nodded in agreement, "that's right, even if you beg us too, we wouldn't."

"Apologize." Wei Ying tugged at his arm, but Lan Zhan ignored him. He knew Wei Ying had been constantly bullied through college, that needed to end, and since no one's willing to help, Lan Zhan would. 

Wen Chao moved forward, "in your dreams, pretty boy. Why don't you go lie in a ditch and wait for your little pal, cause when we're done with him, that's where he'll end up, in a ditch."

That did it. Lan Zhan growled an actual growl. Eyes glowing a bright red, almost demon-like, Lan Zhan no longer mind if anyone saw. If Wen Chao and Jin Zixuan will not listen, they will learn. "Alright then." Lan Zhan smirk, a cocky grin when both Wen Chao and Jin Zixuan seemed taken back by his unnatural appearance. "I warned you."

Wei Ying gulped. He knew what was about to happen, and he knew there was nothing he could do to stop it. "Lan Zhan, let's go," Wei Ying whispered a final plea in Lan Zhan's ear. 

"No," Lan Zhan harshly tugged his arm away, and like a hunter, Lan Zhan stepped up to his prey until he stood face up inches against Wen Chao.

Lan Zhan has given in, casting his sane mind aside, allowing the wolf inside to take absolute control. The two bullies should've known that nothing ever comes without consequences. Lan Zhan had given them a chance to apologize, they refused. Now, not even the gods in heaven can save them from the sin that Lan Zhan's about to commit.

Despite Lan Zhan's deep glowing eyes, Wen Chao remained cocky. Wanting to appear brave beside his friend, who found a place to cower behind him. Folding his arms, Wen Chao chuckled mockingly, "Oh please, those cheap contacts can't scare me. If I were you, I'd -"

Wen Chao didn't get to complete his sentence. A hand like steel caught his throat before he could even comprehend what was happening, lifting him off his feet and into the air. Wen Chao struggled, and Lan Zhan enjoyed seeing him trashed his arms and kicked his feet, attempting to break free from the iron grip. 

"Wei Ying," Lan Zhan's voice changed into a darker tone as he twisted his head around, neglecting Wen Chao's gasp for breath. Wei Ying looked scared, he's trembling in fear. Was it fear of Lan Zhan? Lan Zhan did not know, nor at the moment did he care. He wanted Wei Ying to understand that sometimes this is the only way to deal with bullies.  

"Sometimes," Lan Zhan smiled softly, reminding Wei Ying that he's still there, "you have to be cold if you want to make it in this world. That's the price you have to pay if you want to make it out alive. As for this," Lan Zhan glared back at Wen Chao, "he needed to be taught how to respect his peers. Don't you think so?" 

Wen Chao was losing focus, he was sure he's seconds away from dying, and the madman who's holding him doesn't seem like he's about to let go anytime soon. So like a frail defeated loser, Wen Chao nodded his head as much as he could muster in hopes that Lan Zhan would spare him.

"Lan Zhan, that's enough," Wen Ying voiced from the corner. 

Like an obedient puppy, Lan Zhan obeyed. When Wen Chao was dropped to the floor, he was heaving heavily. Gasping for air as he ushered Jin Zixuan over. "Zixuan, help me," Wen Chao rasped out. Jin Zixuan was hesitant from where he stood, just like Wei Ying, his legs trembled.

"I'm not done with you just yet," Lan Zhan spoke, the wolf's voice gradually fading. Lan Zhan gripped him by the hair and lifted Wen Chao off his feet and onto his knees. "You," Lan Zhan motioned Jin Zixuan with a glare to come over. "Kneel beside your friend."

From the corner, Wei Ying spoke, "Lan Zhan, you don't have to do this, I don't want you to do this."

Lan Zhan replied, "This is the only way, Wei Ying. I'm doing this for you, now they won't dare bother you again."

When both bullies were on their knees. One, trembling like a delicate left, while the other held half-lidded his and on the verge of collapsing. "Come here Wei Ying."

Wei Ying didn't move. This man was not Lan Zhan, for he did not behave like Lan Zhan, but a monster instead. It made Wei Ying remember the time he crushed Wen Chao's hand and loved the feeling of it. It felt like power, ultimate control. And that's how Lan Zhan appeared. Like he was in ultimate control. 

The wolf had taken over, leaving a hollow shell of a man. It made Wei Ying wonder if Lan Zhan would ever lose himself to the wolf side if ever given a chance. Lan Zhan had once stated about werewolves needing an anchor to stay in control of their human self. Wei Ying now realized Lan Zhan never mentioned having an anchor for himself. Could it be that all this time, Lan Zhan doesn't have one? 

"Wei Ying," Lan Zhan repeated, snapping Wei Ying back to reality.

"I'm coming," Wei Ying muttered, taking baby steps over to the three. 

"Now, apologize," Lan Zhan gritted out.

Jin Zixuan was the first to palm his hands together and beg, "I'm sorry, Wei Ying, please don't let him kill me. I promise I won't cause you any more trouble, hey, if you like we can even be friends. What you say, buddy?"

Wei Ying nodded, unsure what to say. Though the two made it a habit to bully him, Wei Ying felt sorry for them. He'd always thought it would be satisfying to see them on their knees one day. Now the day arrived, Wei Ying took it all back, for it was anything but satisfying.

Wen Chao was next. He held onto his neck, giving the bruised flesh a few rubs. This entire situation was hurting his pride, if people were to find out, he would be the laughing stock of the whole school. There was no way he would mention this to anyone. Gulping down, Wen Chao muttered, "I'm sorry." It didn't sound sincere, not that he cared.

Lan Zhan growled. That pathetic excuse of an apology wasn't good enough. "You can do better than that -"

"Lan Zhan," Wei Ying stopped him. He wanted to stop Lan Zhan from the very beginning. Since he didn't have the guts to do it, Wei Ying let it slide, but now, it was too much to bear. Lan Zhan was too much. "That's enough," Wei Ying placed a hand on Lan Zhan's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Lan Zhan sighed, a weight seemed to have lifted off his shoulder when Wei Ying touched him, calming him instantly. Immediately, his eyes were back to normal, and his face calmer. When Lan Zhan turned to look at Wei Ying, a part of him shattered. He now realized Wei Ying had been scared of him. It wasn't his intention. "I'm sorry," Lan Zhan found himself saying.

Wei Ying smiled faintly and patted him on the shoulder, "I know."

From down below, Jin Zixuan waved his hand in the air, "um, can we go now?"

When Lan Zhan made no indication of uttering a word, Wei Ying nodded. Within a second, Jin Zixuan was on his head, helping Wen Chao up, and together the two limped over to the door. 

Seeing them both gone, Wei Ying lashed out, "what the hell is wrong with you, you could've killed him. Do you know what would happen if they decide to go to the police? You will be in jail, that's what."

Back to his old self, Lan Zhan pouted, "I'm sorry, forgive me?"

Wei Ying tsked, "tell that to the cops when they throw you in jail, now come on, we have to get you out of here before anyone sees you."

Completely pissed off, Wei Ying hauled a smiling Lan Zhan by the sleeve of his shirt out the door and into the school's parking lot. Wei Ying planned on taking the troubled werewolf home. It's not like anyone would even know of his disappearance as everyone from school was busy with the play of Romeo and Juliet that went on inside. 

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