When Darkness Comes: Book 1 Dark Trilogy

Chapter 12 Are You Ready?

Shockingly. I did fall asleep.

“Hey, Sang, time to get up.” Fingers gently stroke my hair from my forehead. I sleepily open my eyes, and for a moment I'm confused as to where I am and who with. It all comes back to me in the dim morning light when I look up at Victor's face, my head pillowed by his lap. I immediately sit up, as he helps me, to discover my legs are laying across North's. Swinging my feet onto the floor, my face heats and I rub the sleep from my eyes to hide it, “Was everything okay last night?” My voice is hoarse and croaky.

Victor grins as he stands and stretches his lean muscles, his t-shirt rising to reveal his tan and toned lower abdomen. I'm momentarily transfixed. “Nate has new tenants, but other than that, it got quiet once they all passed out.” He lets his arms drop to his sides.

North rolls his broad shoulders, “They'll probably make their way here tonight.”

I feel bad for Kota and Nathan, knowing their homes have or will be invaded, their privacy taken away. I don't care about my own house. I hate the place with the lonely and fearful memories it carries. There's nothing of value there anyway.

I pad my way to the bathroom and take care of my needs the best I can, brushing my teeth using the bottled water I set aside for it and washing my face and underarms, then apply clean bandages to my wound. I wish I could do more, but there's no time for it. I use the toilet and flush it with one of the buckets of water they had stored in the tub from Nathan's pool. Feeling awake and slightly refreshed, I make my way to the kitchen where they all are.

“Mornin' Sunshine,” Luke winks at me and places a small plate of scrambled eggs and fried potatoes on the table for me. “This is what was left safe to eat.”

“Thank you,” I feel bad eating their food, since I don't have any to share, but I've no other choice and dig in, not wanting to waste any.

Luke and Kota wipe the dishes and pans clean with damp paper towels, not wanting to leave a mess. I wonder if those who inevitably break in will appreciate it.

Owen gets our attention once we've eaten and all is put away. “Alright team, have you all checked and double checked your packs?”

I nod while they answer verbally.

“Good. Get your gear, we're heading out.”

My stomach flops and the eggs and fried potatoes threaten to rise. I'm really doing this. Taking off with some guys I barely know. I never would have done so before, but before, everything was different. The world was different. At least what I can see of it. All I can do right now is try to survive whatever is coming. Stick with these guys until they give me a reason not to, and make myself a useful member of their team so they keep me around in the meantime.

I lift my pack which I note is much lighter than the others. Gabe assists me with the other strap and holds it so I can easily slide my arm through. His blue eyes are lively and excited. “You ready for this?”

I give a nervous grin, “As ready as I can be.”

“Just stick with us and you'll be fine,” he assures.

The guys all load on their packs.....and weapons, which disappear from sight once they put them away. Wearing their cargo pants, military style boots and gear, they look almost like soldiers.

I'm definitely the odd man out with jean shorts, sneakers, and a pale green t-shirt. Owen had said that black, gray or brown would be better, but I didn't have any in those colors. Kota's sister's clothes were too small and his mom's were too big. We compromised with my green and blue shirts. Pink wasn't an option he said. Too noticeable.

North comes up to me and tightens the straps a bit, then his brown eyes bore into mine. “If we tell you to do something, don't hesitate, do it. You don't know us and I understand it will be hard, but you need to trust us. Do that and we'll keep you safe.”

I mutely nod.

Owen opens the back door to Kota's house. “It will most likely take longer than we originally planned to reach the shelter,” he glances at me, “However, I expect we'll still make good time keeping to the outskirts of towns and avoiding trouble. Stay alert, maintain communications, be aware of how your teammates are holding up.” He gives us all one last look and walks out the door, the rest of us filing after.

Kota's the last to leave and gives his home one last look before following with a determined expression on his face. I'm in the middle as we take a trail in the woods that follows along the road. Silas moves to the rear and Owen and Nathan are in the lead.

My hands grip the straps in front of my shoulders. Sweat already starts to bead on my forehead. Whether from the nerves or heat, I can't be sure. My senses are alert and I note the few sounds I hear. A squirrel playing in the brush, the birds greeting the early morning sun, our footsteps and rustling of our packs. Other than that, all is quiet. It's peaceful and frightening at the same time.

You never notice how noisy the world is until the volume is shut off.