The Guardian

Chapter 5

*

"Oh shit" I groaned at the sight of an entire crew running in my direction. I counted ten figures coming towards me as I parked the truck.

"Okay I know I'm in trouble-" I was practically dragged from Fane's truck.

"Hey! Hey!" I pulled away from them. "What the hell!"

"Let me go!" I growled and kicked out. I dropped four of them before Stone's body guards came out.

"Fuck" I started struggling more. James and Kai were practically buildings with feet. James was actually more like a friendly giant when you got passed the intimidating 'I don't have feelings' facial expression.

"James come on" I pleaded when he walked up.

"Just orders Rose" he grunted and pulled my arm behind my back while Kai grabbed the other one. With their strength together I was practically lifted through the gates.

"I can walk on my own! I won't go anywhere" I sighed.

"Fane said to bring you straight to him when you got back"

"Shit. I'd rather see Stone" I grumbled. Kai chuckled at me as we walked through the front doors of the building.

"James...what time is it?" I whispered at the sight of recruits in the hallways.

"6 in the morning"
"Shit I was gone longer than I planned" the older recruits always got up by 6. I stared straight ahead, refusing to give in under the judgemental stares.

"Stone and Fane together?" I started squirming "Don't be this cruel" I pleaded at the sight of Stone's double doors.

"Sorry princess" Kai grunted as they pushed me through the doors.

"James!" I spun around as they closed the doors, trapping me. I pulled and banged on the door. I took a breath before turning around slowly. The Elders sat with Fane and Stone at the table.

"Jesus, why doesn't someone just shoot me now" I threw my hands up helplessly.

"I think that would be too kind" One of the council members spoke. I fixed him with a cold gaze.

"Fair enough" I walked slowly toward the table.

"Rose where were you?" Stone's expression was hard.

"I..." I sighed and trailed off. I crossed my arms and tried to conjure up a realistic lie.

"Answer me" he demanded.

"I went to Elizabeth's warehouse" I pulled out the documents I had taken from him and set them on the table.

"Not only did you disobey orders but you stole from me?" He glared.

"Yes, but with a good reason-"

"Why couldn't you just listen to me!"

"Because I have to do something. I want to help" I pleaded.

"You can start by following orders"

"I will but Stone-"

"From now on you will be in your room by 10 every night and you will be accompanied by either James or Kai"

"That's ridiculous!" I exclaimed.

"Is it?" He raised an eyebrow at me. I felt my anger boil up.

"Stop treating me like a kid!" I growled.

"Then stop acting like one!" He stood up. "You aren't helping! Get it through your head Rose!" He yelled.

"But Stone I found-"

"What were you even doing there? Elizabeth isn't there. And you will not go looking for her again!" I flinched at his words.

"Do you understand me?"

"Stone-" frustrated tears stung my eyes.

"Do you understand me!"

"Yes" I slid Elizabeth's documents from my bag. "Do you understand me?" I hissed and threw the documents across the table. "Say what you want. I didn't follow orders. I'm stubborn. But I am not selfish. I'm good at what I was trained to do and I won't stop! Because without me, we wouldn't be where we are now!" I spat venomously.

"Rose" Fane stood up.

"Now you're gonna speak?" I hissed.

"Just listen-"
"Thanks for believing in me" I laughed sarcastically at him as tears spilled down my cheeks. He stopped in his tracks.

"I'm sorry that you all had to witness this immature conversation" I smiled at the Elders before storming to the door.

"James open this fucking door!" I banged on it.

"I can't do that" his voice was muffled. My frustration and anger built up until I couldn't contain it. It exploded from me as I sent my foot flying at the door. It flew apart and shattered, baffling James and Kai. I glared at them both and clenched my jaw as I walked passed the crowd that had gathered in the hallway.

*

"Rose" I bristled at the intruder. I hugged my legs tighter.

"You're ruining the sunset for me" I hadn't left my room the entire day after the huge argument with Stone. I felt bad for ignoring Raven, but I was frustrated. Sitting in the windowsill, watching the sunset had somehow become a ritual for me.

"Really? Because I'm pretty sure watching the sunset used to be our thing" I could hear the smile in Fane's voice.

"What do you want Fane" I sighed as I watched the sun begin touching the tops of the trees across the valley.

"The Elders have summoned you" I heard him take a step closer. I tore my eyes away from the beautiful landscape to look at him.

"Why?"

"To discuss your punishment"

"Right" I sighed and slid off the wooden sill.

"Rose, I'm sorry" Fane started as we walked.

"Fane I really don't wanna hear it" I quickened my pace.

"Please just let me explain" he caught my wrist. "I wasn't angry at you. I did believe in you. I still do. I knew what you were planning to do-"

"Raven" I accused and stomped my foot.

"She was worried about you. And she talked me out of being mad so go easy on her"

"Okay so what's this all about?"

"I kept Stone out of his office last night. And I'm the one who sent out the emergency call to get you over the wall"

"What? Then why did you send out extra patrols?" I asked in confusion.

"I just wanted to see if you still got it" he smirked.

"Fane!" I smacked him. He chuckled at me and caught my hands in his.

"So stop being mad at me" he studied my face.

"It's too hard to stay mad at you anyways" I admitted and stepped into his arms. I closed my eyes and laid my head on his chest.

"We've been fighting a lot lately" I whispered as a wave of sadness washed over me.

"I know, I'm sorry. I haven't been very understanding" Fane grabbed my face in his hands.

"Neither have I. I've just been stubborn and accusing"

"I love you" he smiled at me, brown eyes shining.

"I love you too. Now let's go face Stone" I kissed his cheek.