Page 6

Elliott

I stare up at the ceiling as the silent ringing in my ears starts again.

I shift on the bed and the tray of food that Marcus brought in earlier this morning rattles on its edge.

I’m not hungry. I don't feel like there’s any room alongside this knot that’s forming, rolling around in the pit of my stomach.

Even just laying here on the mattress feels like too much work.

The way I have to tell my muscles to move in order for air to reach my lungs feels like the most exhausting task.

Existing is hard when you don't feel there is anything worth moving towards.

It’s been days since I last ate. I drank some water but I left it to a minimum because I know if I drink too much I’ll need to use the restroom. Getting out of this bed isn't an option for me right now. Even with my bladder starting to blare its warning of fullness, I just brush it off .

I turn over and the pain in my stomach roars to life again with more intensity but I squash it down, I've felt worse than this. At least I was feeling something other than the slimy coat of shame that covers my skin.

Hunter and Marcus dressed me in a shirt and a pair of sweats that were way too big for me. I don't remember much about getting undressed, but I’m not about to argue or dwell on it. I was just happy that that dress was off. I don't know where it is in this room, but it’s here somewhere, mocking me.

You can cut it up and fucking burn the thing. I promise. Kameron's voice echoed in my head.

I reach for a pillow, curling my body around it as I hold it close.

I need him. I don't want to, but I do. How could he make me leave without him?

Somewhere deep down, I know he wanted to come with me.

I understand the circumstances, but I don't give a crap.

I need him to feel safe in this house, to feel safe with these strange men.

How was I supposed to be okay without him near?

When he told me he was going to get me out of Everton, the one thing that gave me the courage to agree was knowing that I wouldn't be alone.

And while yes, Marcus and Hunter are here, they aren't Kameron. I learned a bit about Kam throughout everything and while it’s not much, it was more than I knew about these two. These men…I didn't know them.

My head spins as a million thoughts slam into me at once.

I try and fail to calm myself down. I pull closer to the pillow, burrowing my face into it.

The tray rattles again before hitting the floor with a loud smash and I snap my head towards it, pieces of the plate scatter across the hardwood flooring.

Food splatters the surface and I exhale a painful breath.

I try to get to my feet but sway as I lift myself off of the bed.

My head tilts as the room shifts at the sudden change from laying in bed to standing for the first time in days.

I brace myself on the nightstand and lower myself onto the ground.

Footsteps boom down the hallway and the door swings open as Hunter rushes to my side while Marcus holds a gun and scans the room.

I fall back, hitting the edge of the bedframe with my back, a shriek leaves my lungs. "What the—" I breathe out sharply.

"Hey, are you okay?" Hunter's eyes don't leave mine until I nod. My eyes flick to Marcus who’s now kicking open the bathroom door and looking for—something?

"What is he doing?" I ask Hunter.

"Making sure everything is clear." He offers me his hand but I don't take it.

"We thought someone broke into the house." Marcus adds as he returns the gun to the back pocket of his jeans. He doesn't look at me as he leans against the bathroom door frame. "What, get mad and throw a tantrum, princess ?"

"Marcus, shut it." Hunter snaps at him.

"I-I accidentally knocked over the tray." I try to sound annoyed but it comes out more of a whimper. Under normal circumstances that would piss me off, but I don't have the energy to care right now.

"It's okay, I got it." Hunter says, already starting to clean up.

"Not like you were gonna eat it anyways." Marcus huffs out under his breath. His words have me wincing.

"I can get tha-at." I try to bend forward but the room tilts again and I lay back against the bed frame.

"You haven't eaten or moved out of this bed in days. You’re in no state to exert yourself." Hunter is just about done picking everything up and places it back on the tray.

"Thank you for doing that." I whisper. Hunter is still kneeling on the ground before he lifts the tray to Marcus, who looks annoyed but takes it before leaving the room without saying a word.

"My pleasure." He says, his eyes looking a touch softer. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"No." My throat contracts as I let the admission fall off my lips.

"I didn't think so."

I look away and crawl back into bed. Hunter stands again, towering over me as I cocoon myself in the blanket once again.

"I know you’re having a really hard time with whatever you battled in Everton.

And when you are ready to talk, I’m here and so is Marcus.

" I groan at the mention of his name. That guy would be happier if I never even existed.

The last thing he wants to hear is my sob story.

As if reading my mind Hunter adds, "He is. Marcus can be—"

"An ass." I breathe out.

Hunter chuckles, "Yes. He can be an ass but he cares for the people in his life more than most, Kameron being one of those people. He just needs to warm up to you first."

"What is he, a dog?"

His deep laugh engulfs the room again, "I'd say more like a cat." He winks as I meet his gaze, surprised by his answer. "I'll let you relax. Just know we're here." He gives me a small smile and then walks to the door.

"Have you heard from him?" I rush out before he can close the door behind him. "From Kam?" I clarify even though he knows exactly who I’m talking about.

"No, not yet. But Kam has been in worse situations than this. He’s probably just laying low until everything cools off from your departure." I nod, unsure if it’s true.

What if Samuel realizes what Kam did? That Kameron was the one that took me– his Chosen –away from him.

I thought I knew Samuel, but he proved to be something entirely different.

I don't know who he is now, or what he’s capable of and that is what scares me the most. Tears try to form as I push back the sting at the back of my throat, swallowing hard but the dryness only makes it form a bigger knot.

"The minute he reaches out, I’ll let you know." He goes to shut the door fully.

"Promise?" The single-worded question sounds strained as my throat closes up .

"I promise." He reassures me, before leaving me to fall back asleep. I try to swallow down the relief that bubbles up inside me. I have to believe in his faith that Kameron will return.