Unbroken

Chapter 13

"So Bella?" I ask. "What?" she asks sharply. "Where will I be staying when we get back." I ask. "You will be rooming with me and Kyla." she says. "Who's that?" I question. I can tell I'm pushing her boundaries but it's mildly entertaining. "She is my friend and you will treat her with respect." she snaps. I don't like being talked to that way. I don't really want to get on her bad side, but it's time for her to realize she can't push me around anymore. I narrow my eyes and walk strait up to her. "Then I think you should treat me with the same amount of respect." I snap. I hover over her medium sized frame and see a flicker of fear in her eyes. What gossip goes around here about me? Soon though, the fear is gone and stubborn Bella is back. But she still doesn't say anything. Good.

Out of nowhere I hear something behind us. It sounds like some sort of animal. Maybe this is a good opportunity for me to get me first kill as a rebel. I push Isabella behind a tree. She grunts through her teeth but when I put my index finger to my lips she is quiet. I have my cross bow slung on my back like always. A deep ache tugs at my heart when I remember my many days in the woods with Ryan. I shake my head and push the thought from my mind. I need to focus.

I crouch down to the forest floor. one hand on the bottom of my bow, the other tensed at the trigger. I hear the sound again, this animal is making it too easy. I take a deep breath through my nose and wait patiently for the creature to appear. The sounds get closer and all at once the figure comes out. I do not shoot. Instead I drop my bow and leap at the animal. My arms wrap around its large neck and my face buries in her short fur. A single tear slides sown my check. "Halley!" I sing happily in her over sized ears. She barks loudly with pleasure. I stand up and grab her caller.

"What the hell?" Bella asks, walking out from behind the tree. I stiffen as Halley growls next to me. Will they let me keep her? "This is my dog." I say, gesturing to her. I look at Bella and almost want to laugh. Her eyes are huge as she looks at my hand on Halley. She takes a step back. "T-thats y-your pet!" she stammers. "Yes." I say with pride. I look at Halley and can see why Bella is afraid. With her teeth showing and her black eyes narrowed, Halley looks like she could kill. Yes, shes a huge tough dog, but really if you get to know her, she is the biggest softy in the world. "She cant come." Bella says softly. "My father wont allow it!" she says with more force. "Well he has to, she is my hunting dog. You have no power over what I do. I will talk to Drake when we get back." I say with clenched teeth. I have to have this dog with me. I'll do whatever it takes.