****
After she cut me off, I felt myself starting to wake up. As I slowly became aware of my surroundings, I heard Damian quietly talking to someone and prayed it wasn't Eva. I couldn't hear what they were saying. I didn't want them to know I was awake, yet, so I laid still and kept my breathing slow and even. 'Did they hear any of that? ... At least I don't know where they are. ... And they're safe. ... At least for now.'
Damian started to raise his voice, and I could just barely make out what he was saying. "I told you to watch for them." He sounded really pissed.
"We were." Naomi snapped just as angry.
"Apparently not good enough. Look at her. If it wasn't for her, we'd be dead."
"If it wasn't for her, they wouldn't have come."
"Yes, they would have. You owe her you're life. At least twice that I saw."
"I wouldn't have needed saving if she wasn't here."
"They weren't here for her. Either, get used to her being here or leave."
"Leave? You'd choose her over any of us, wouldn't you?" She accused, hatefully.
"As a matter of fact I would."
"I can't believe you. She's human."
"No, she's not. She's better than that ... or any of us for that matter."
"She already taken away your thirst. Why is she still so important to you?"
"THAT is none of your business. I suggest you go."
She huffed and said "I'm not saying I'm not grateful for what she did. I'm saying I think she's the reason they came." There was a long pause before I heard the door click shut.
Damian let out a heavy, frustrated sigh, and, a few seconds later, I felt him sit on the bed behind me. "I know you're awake. I'm sorry you had to hear any of that."
"She's right, you know?"
"No, she's not." He said quickly.
"If I wasn't here, would they have come?"
"Maybe not so soon, but yes. ... How are you feeling?"
"A little worn out, but I'm fine. ... Naomi sounds fine. What about Eva? Is she okay?"
"She'll be fine."
'She'll be fine? She's hurt. That's why I was able get Mel.' As I rolled over to face him, I asked "What happened to her?"
"She took one of those makeshift spears through the thigh."
As I winced, I said "Oh, damn. Bring her in here. I can -"
"She'll heal on her own."
"Yeah. In a weeks time." I shook my head and added "Let me help her."
"I'll think about it, after you've taken some time to rest and heal, too."
"How long have I been out?" I asked already knowing I had been out for at least a day.
"Just over twenty six hours."
"I'm already healed. I'm just tired. She shouldn't have to suffer for something that's my fault."
"It's not your fault."
"Yes, it is. I should've seen them coming. I wasn't paying attention." I said regrettably as I closed my eyes.
He put his hand on my arm and softly said "It's not your fault, Alexis. None of us were paying attention."
