The Dark Hunters

Chapter 23

    Odeya POV

I wake up in Braden's arms. The fire is out, Titan and Rosco are talking quietly.

I carefully detangle myself from Braden's arms, and walk over to where I left my backpack.

I dig through it, avoiding the compartment with the wedding dress.

I pull out my hairbrush and undo my braid, leaving the clothes I have on, on.

I brush my hair and hum quietly to myself.

I finish brushing, and before I can turn around, strong, caring hands wrap around my waist and swing me around.

Braden puts me down and hugs me. I smile, but pull away and walk back over to my backpack, pull out an apple, whatever is left of the water we have, and hand them both to him.

"No." He refuses, handing them back. "This is all we have left, isn't it?" He ask.

"Yes." I nod, and look down.

I put them back in his hands, and turn away to zip up the backpack.
    "I'm not hungry." I say with a shrug.
    Braden puts a hand on my shoulder. "What is it? What's wrong?"
    Titan comes up and saves me from answering.
    "It is time to leave." He growls. He walks back over to Rosco.
    I start to follow him, but Braden gently grabs my arm and turns me around.
    "Hey." He says, his voice filled with concern. "Are you alright, love?"

I bite my bottom lip and look away, crossing my arms, not sure what to say.
    "Odeya?" he asks me, putting his hand under my chin and turning it towards him.
    "Honestly I only sort of know what's happening to me." I say breathing fast. "I started having visions again...... and I'm scared. Worried. I don't know."

I put my face in my hands, and Braden hugs me.
    "Hush." He whispers into my hair. "It's ok. I won't let anything happen to you."
    He says it with such love and passion I almost believe him.
    Titan comes back over and says, "Come."

I pull away from Braden, give him as big of a smile as I can muster, grab my backpack, bow, quiver, and hop on Titan as he crouches.

Braden strides over to Rosco, and hops on his back.

I bury my face deep in Titan's fur as we run. We run for a while.

My eyes fall on the long, white, scar that lines the inside of my arm.
    I shudder at the memories, and cling tighter to Titan.

We ride all day and all night, only stopping for a couple short bathroom breaks.

I'm getting so tired, and stressed, I simply fall asleep in Titan's soft, warm fur. I half-wake up when I feel Braden gently lifting me off Titan.
    I half open my eyes and look up at him. He smiles and says, "Go back to sleep. We're stopping for a while to rest."
    I close my eyes again-
    I feel us lie down together-
    And I'm asleep.

                --------------------

I open my eyes and it's dark out.
    Braden is sleeping behind me, his breathing slow and steady, deep in sleep. One hand lightly resting on my hip.

I gently remove his hand, and careful not to wake him, I stand up and look around.

We are still in the protection of the trees, but there's also hill. With a single tree on it.

Entranced, I walk over to it. I take my shoes off, and walk barefoot through the soft, tall, grass.

To my surprise, Titan is standing at the top.