Waveland

Chapter 17

She glanced at the house she had grown accustomed to. She had only been here for a week, but she got used to seeing each house, the garden in the center of the town, and the large square building the resembled an old elementary school. It that was used for teaching the younger ones basic knowledge and a place for social gatherings for the rest. It was where she had met Xavier's friends even if sometimes their stupidity got underneath her skin. 

She walked past in the dark night. The air refreshing. She fully appreciated her surroundings, especially the lack of people around her. It was peaceful and thanks to David she had no reason to look over her shoulder. Not anymore. Thankfully he haven't seen the leader around since she walked back through his wall. 

She approached Xavier's house stepping in. The door creaked behind her. She prayed it wasn't loud enough for his mother or brother to hear. She couldn't bear the thought of conversing with either of them. She lost her real family she didn't need a fake one.

She pushed the open door slightly. Laying peaceful was Xavier. She smiled seeing his unconscious form. She spent so many nights next to him. In his warm embrace, something she never realized she needed. Her frown dissolved, and she closed the door. She didn't deserve the tiniest bit of happiness Xavier brought her. It was too risky. The more she got close the more likely chance he would find out about the things she had to do to survive. Or worse he would find a way to betray her. Just like everyone else. Even with Xavier's golden heart he would never forgive her for the things she had to do to stay alive. He would look down at her darkness. He would have no choice but to betray her. She vowed to herself that she would never let a single person hurt her ever again. 

She strolled back down the stairs to the living room. Where a nice isolated coach remained in the center. She would make sure to slip out early in the morning so she wouldn't have to face any member of Xavier's family.

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Voices. The creaking of the door. The almost silent sounds took her out of the darkness of her sleep. She could feel the tall and dark presence of the figures approaching her. The pressure of three bodies luring into the exact room she was in. She kept her eyes closed shut so she would appear weak in her unconscious state, but in reality she was measuring the threat.

"There she is." A voice murmured. She could hear the breaths of the others. She could hear every individual breath. She tracked the exhales like a huntsman tracks footprints. 

A breath. The hot air close enough to graze her cheek. Someone was hovering over her. His steps made the tiniest creak through the old wooden floor. Almost silent but not to her. 

She laid still. Expect for the hidden hand reaching for the knife tied against the back of her thigh. She just needed to grab the handle and then place the sharp edge against the man's throat. Rose had to control her emotions from relieving the thrill she gets during an attack. 

More hot air attacked her skin. Whoever the male was, crouched down to her eye level. She tried to hide her movements attempting to grab the weapon. It touched the edge of her figertips. Just a little farther and she could spill the strangers blood. 

She zoomed out the whispered conversation between the individuals. With one last pull of her arm she grabbed the petite knife. It was in her grip. The male over her still had no idea. It wouldn't be long before he made his attack, but she was ready. 

The softest cool metal touched her skin. A blade resting against her open throat. The touch vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. She could feel the male lean away almost like he was hesitating. Whoever these people they were no threat. For a second Rose was afraid that the enemy came back. But she wasn't afraid for herself she knew she could handle herself. Even if they manage to kidnap her she would always escape. She was concerned about someone taking Xavier.