Only The Strong Survive (Sequel to Survival)

Flashback

A Few Months Later

I take a seat at the far end of the room and sit at an empty table with my tray of food. I only have a few minutes to eat before I check on Aidan after leaving him alone to sleep in the room.

After a few minutes of eating alone, someone sits in front of me. I look up to see it's Bell.

Things between us have been weird. I found out she's been sleeping with Luke and others to keep Aidan and I safe as possible.

"Hey." I whisper. At least she looks better. Healthier.

"Hi." And she's silent for the rest of the time.

A few minutes pass again and I decide to speak what's been on my mind for a while.

"I can't let you."

She looks at me confused, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, is that I can't let you hurt yourself for my sake. Or Aidan's. I-I never asked you to and I feel guilty every time I look at you. So, stop it. Stop giving in to him. If you continue then I don't know. I don't want to think about it."

I stand up and pick up my tray before she can say anything.

There's one more person I need to see.

When I walk out of the room, I see him right across the hall. My legs pick up speed as I walk towards him. My heart beatsrapidly.

Face-to-face, I take a deep breath before opening my mouth.

"Leave her alone, Luke. I want you to leave Bell alone."

He just smirks at me as he steps closer. One of his hands grabs the back of my head and fists my hair, while his other arm travels up my legs and wraps around my waist bringing me closer until his front is pressed against mine.

I feel sick.

"Why would I do that? We have a good deal going." His mouth is just by my ear.

I start to get worried when his hands travel lower. I push him away before he starts anything. Again.

"Stop! And stop whatever your deal with Bell is."

"You realize what your asking, right? There's a reason I've been easy with you," He hisses.

"I know. But, leave her alone. Stop hurting her!" My voice comes out shaky and it gets worse when he gets closer.

"As you wish. But remember you're the one who told me leave her alone."

And that's that. No hits, no yelling, no threats. It was almost too easy.

It's never easy.

He walks away as I try to catch my breath. I hate talking to him. Your just never know what he might do next.

•*•*•*•

I finish putting my underwear and shorts on as the guy buckles his pants and leaves the room.

He was my last one for the day.

It's about one in the morning or so. And I really need to check on Aidan. He's been growing more and more and time passes. Luckily, he's starting to sleep through the whole night, maybe only crying once or twice.

But because I was on duty I'm in a separate building from the house and they need to drive all the girls back and fetch the new ones. This only happens during the night. During the day I'm on duty in the house.

It's confusing.

•

When we get to the house they take off the bags we're wearing over out heads to not know where we go. I'm back into the house downstairs.

I walk into the empty hallway just wanting to see my baby. He's the only thing I have that brings me to a happy mood after I finish my shifts.

When I open the door my eyes go wide in shock.

"Aidan!"