THE FALTERED BOND

Chapter 20 | Outsiders

AVA R.

-*-

A voice calls to me for the umpteenth time today. I blink, my vision snapping back to the broad, curly haired male in front of the group.

I swallow thickly, cheeks flushing red at the realization I had drifted off yet again.

"Yes...?" I stammer.

The tall male- who I remember to be Winston- raises an oak colored brow. "You and Zedekiah will head West. Report anything of interest; prey, human activity, trails. We regroup at this exact spot before dusk. Don't be late."

A collective nod sweeps the group. I join in with a casual nod of approval, although it is more to mask my storming mind. I loosen a weary sigh.

In truth, I hadn't gotten much rest since my conversation with Angel. I had hoped it would've gone away -perhaps if I had had a better night's sleep- but the gnawing pit in my stomach stubbornly remains. Even still, I am not usually this distracted.

Give yourself time. I ponder half heartedly.You're a long way from home, and haven't exactly had much time to relax.

''Oomf!!'' A gasp escapes me as I bump into something, my whole body plunging to the ground.

''Shit! Are you okay, love?''

Raising my eyes, I meet Zed's icy blue gaze, and only then do I realize what had happened; I'd been so caught up in my own thoughts, I'd carelessly wandered right into him, unaware he'd stopped in his tracks. How long had we been walking?

My cheeks grow red with shame. ''S-Sorry'' I stammer, hyper aware of how stupid I must've looked. ''I wasn't paying attention.''

He smiles softly, offering his hand to help me back to my feet. Pulling me up, he lets out a soft chuckle. ''Don't worry about it. I know I can be quite mesmerizing with my good looks, but do try to keep your eyes on the road, yeah?''

I raise a brow at his cockiness. Is he... flirting with me? Or did he try to impress me...?

I scoff, ''I was just distracted, but not by what you think...''

He pouts in response. ''Aw, come on baby, I'm just trying to be nice.''

Unease twists my stomach. ''After that stunt you pulled into the bunker? I'd rather not.'' Raising a cold hand to his face, I quickly add distance between us, heart racing in my chest. Footsteps follow suit and I can't help but loosen a weary sigh. His shadow looms over as he blocks my path, arms raised to his chest.

''Wait! I-I think we just got off on the wrong foot-'' Although his tone emanates sincerity, I cannot help but remain stone towards his approach. Just as I am about to walk away, he lifts his arm and offers me his hand. ''I'm Zedekiah North, but my friends call me Zed, actually, only Cade does but- you can too if you wish!''

I find myself to be taken aback by his whiplash-like change of tone. Is he flirting or just really bad at talking to girls? The thought forces a tiny smile to creep onto my lips, catching myself finding his demeanor to be a little cute.

As my discomfort begins to melt, I accept his hand. ''Ava Rose. Pleasure.'' I say in an attempt to portray a confidence I do not feel. Socializing was not one of my strengths, especially towards someone who seems to be just as nervous as I am.

Silence falls between us, both left in our own, seemingly awkward thoughts.

"So!" He claps his hands. "Shall we begin?"

I ponder a little on his words before they become clear. "Oh right- the hunt. Any idea where to start?

- If we're gonna track any prey down, we'll need to change form. Our senses are a lot sharper that way.'' He awkwardly raises an arm. ''There seems to be a good spot to hide if you wish.''