The Nexus

Chapter Twelve

Arrow sighed heavily, as he watched the group. They had been searching the whole day, gathering up important documents and equipment that had survived the attack. Peterson was tending to Rose, holding a rag over her wound. Arrow felt terrible for what happened to the poor girl, especially since she was with Asher when she was attacked. Guilt filled his chest, they had to do something to help her.

Asher had disappeared somewhere in camp, so Arrow convinced everyone to stay to wait for him, but they did not have time. Rose was losing blood and the threat of those wolf things returning had him on edge. Everyone knew about the creatures that hated light and the Dracotine, but these wolf men were something new.

Dawson spent her time studying the body, her dark brown eyes were mixed with horror and worry. "What in the hell is this thing?" Dawson asked aloud, voice drawing out with curiosity and fear.

Arrow stood beside her, shaking his head. "I don't know. Whatever it was, I just hope it's bite won't kill Peterson's daughter like the other monsters. She's already going to lose one child."

Before Dawson could speak, Leighton scoffed. "Foolish girl knew better than to come out here. Just like your sister knew better than to walk off."

Arrow felt his anger growing, when he felt a gentle hand clamp down on his, squeezing gently. The gesture made his pulse flutter and somehow seemed to ease his anger. Dawson was standing at full height now, holding his hand. He felt his stomach roll with nerves. He wanted to run away from these feelings, but he couldn't. Something in his heart would not let him.

Dawson stared Leighton down.

"That child was here to protect her mother. Parents and children are naturally going to protect each other. Now kindly leave us be and do your job of keeping us safe from whatever beings that are out there that might attempt to kill us." Dawson replied in a deceivingly polite, calm tone underlined with a hint of anger.

Leighton glared at the woman and said nothing more. Arrow had never seen Dawson act so fierce, especially in front of a guy like Leighton. He had to admit, he was impressed.

Arrow turned to Dawson, tilting his head. "Are you ok?"

Dawson shook her head, trying to speak past the lump in her throat. "No. Every time I look at that poor child, I think about my son. He would do anything to protect me."

Arrow felt his heart crack, Dawson missed her family and every day in this place was likely to be her last. Still there was another reason his heart broke. Dawson had a son. There was no doubt she was married. But why would this thought bother him?

He sighed and withdrew his hand from hers as politely as he could. "I bet your kid would protect you. He's got to be a great kid with a mom like you. What's his name? How old is he? What's his father like?"

In his mind, Arrow was scolding himself like crazy. He was really letting his guard down and that was not good.

Dawson raised an eyebrow, a smile playing at her lips at all of Arrow's sudden questions. "My son is a sweet boy. His name is Ethan and he is five years old. As for his father....." She stopped talking suddenly, narrowing her eyes, almost as if she was angry. "And his father isn't in the picture. He could not be bothered to care about his son. Or me. It's why we are divorced."

Arrow felt really guilty for upsetting Dawson and asking her such private questions. He knew better. He kept everything about his life private so it could not be used against him. What right did he have to ask her about her personal life?

Dawson shook her head and plastered on a smile. "It doesn't matter anyway. Besides, at least I know there is a big teddy bear under that big, tough soldier. I've seen you with Harper."