Page 19 of Scavenger's Oath

I could feel the tension in the air between us, thick and clinging like smoke after a fire. She'll remember every word. Every touch. Every promise.

Bright sunlight slants in through the blinds, casting a dusty haze over the leather couches. The air reeks of old books, and whatever burnt shit Phoenix has been cooking up while I played with my toy.

Now, I need something to do to shake off the feeling crawling under my skin.

Grabbing one of the broken radios off the side table, a screwdriver and plyers from the drawer, I drop down onto the couch in front of the coffee table.

Phoenix asked me to fix this ages ago, but I’ve had nointerest in tinkering for a while now.

It's elaborate work, replacing wires, and fuses all to fix something that hasn't worked in years. But it quiets my mind and gives my hands something to do.

The front door creaks open and the sound of boots come down the hall.

Zane.

I’d recognised his walk anywhere. That slight hesitation in his step like he's always bracing for an ambush.

“Back already?” Phoenix’s voice calls out from the kitchen.

Zane doesn't usually get back until noon at least. What’s got him throwing his routine out of whack? A girl that doesn’t belong to him.

“Yeah,” Zane mutters as he joins Phoenix in the kitchen. “Didn't go far. Couldn't…” His voice drops too low to make out the rest.

I freeze, plyers buried deep in the radio.

Couldn't what, Zane?

Rising to my feet, slow and quiet, the back of my neck prickles as I creep to the edge of the hallway. Just close enough to catch their silhouettes through the doorframe.

Phoenix has his back to me, stirring something in a frying pan. Zane leans against the counter, shirtless as usual, arms crossed over his chest. I can't quite see his face but neither of them speak.

“Couldn't what?” I bark, storming into the kitchen.

Both their heads snap towards me. Zane straightens and Phoenix sighs as if he already sees where this is going.

“You gave her that blanket?” I demand, pointing a finger straight at Zane.

He doesn't answer, just stares at me, face unreadable.

Phoenix sets the spoon down and turns to me. “Myles—”

“No,” I bark, cutting him off. “I locked her up last night with nothing but her conscience. And now she's got a blanket like some goddamn guest in a bed and breakfast!”

Zane's jaw tightens. “She was freezing,” he growls.

I step toward him. “Good. Let her freeze. She needs to be grateful for the shit she’s given.”

He just looks at me like he pities me. His judgement only makes me angrier.That arrogant prick.

“You're playing the hero. Trying to undermine everything I’m doing,” I sneer. “Think you’re gonna win her over with kindness? Maybe you're hoping she'll start batting her eyelashes and drop to her knees for you? To say thank you like a good little pet?”

Zane shoulders tense as he steps into me, his voice low, emphasising every word. “She's. Not. A. Pet.”

“No?” I laugh bitterly. “What is she then, Zane? Since you know her so well.”

“She’s a human being… who needed help,” he snaps.

That pisses me off more than anything else. Acting like he’s the only one who sees her as real. Like I’m just some monster for wanting her to need me.