Loving the enemy

Chapter 10

The next morning is one from a dream

I lie naked with Shane behind me, his arm wrapped around me holding him close. He is still sleeping, his chest lifting and falling. The movement calms me. My fingers are intertwined with his, and though the air is muggy and the room cold, I couldn't care less as long as he is keeping me warm.

I gave him all of myself last night.

It felt right. I dont know what this means for my vengeance or our relationship, but it felt right.

I close my eyes and let out a small sigh. There is a loud noise, the sound of metal scraping against metal. Shane jets upright, his eyes blazing ready for attack. I pull the blanket up around myself as the door to the bomb shelter screams open. Dan climbs down, when he sees us he lets out a surprised noise and covers his eyes with his arm.

"Shane, it's urgent. Alphas men are looking everywhere for you. They want you home, urgently." Shane climbs out of the bed and quickly pulls on his clothes.

"Max, will you be alright." He asks, worry glistening in his eyes.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me, I can handle myself." he leans forward and kisses my forehead.

"Don't hurt yourself, Max. Be safe." then he vanishes up the ladder with Dan.

I already know what I'm going to do today.

••••••••

The walk is unfamiliar and many hours long, but after following many street signs I stand outside the hospital doors.

The city is a cold and unfamiliar place, and the hospital seems to be the coldest. I step forward and the doors automatically open for me, the smell of death pouring out.

Remember what you are here for.

I step inside the building. It takes fifteen minutes of lost wandering until I look through the window that holds my little brother. I let out a small gasp, a needle is inserted into his hands and machines surround his bed, beeping rhythmically.

I push open the door after a small moments hesitation. "Able...?" I coo as I step into the blinding white of the hospital room. I slowly click the door shut behind me and slowly walk to his side, terrified of the machines attached to him and what they mean. "Li-little brother?" I crouch beside him, sliding my hand on top of his. I trace my thumb over the needle in his hand. I gently pinch it with the fingers of my other hand, ready to pull it out of his skin. Suddenly a hand falls weakly upon mine, I look up into the open eyes of my little brother.

The needle is forgotten and tears fall down my face, I lean forward quickly and wrap my arms around him.

"Um... hey." I pull away and look at my brother, guilty and ashamed but happy he is alive.

"I'm so sorry, Able. You have to understand I had no choice. Please, please know I didn't want to do this. You would have died otherwise." Ables face is one of confusion.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I know you."

My heart stops in my chest, and my throat clenches.

"Able, it's me. Max." He slowly shakes his head.

"I'm sorry, I don't remember you."

"I'm your sister. Your only family." tears heavily start pouring down my face "please don't forget me, I need you little brother. I can't do this alone."

Able looks at me in shock. "I- I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry." I stare at him in disbelief.

"You don't remember me? At all?" I say, no throat clenching and tongue feeling thick.

"Maybe you should go." he says, looking down at his hands to avoid my gaze.

"If I leave, I won't come back. I can't come back."

"Why?"

"There is no point in trying to explain if you don't know me. Maybe your life will be better without me, a new start at being normal." Ables eyes are flooded with confusion and slight fear. I lean forward and kiss his forehead. "If you remember don't come looking for me little brother. I won't be at home. I can't go back after what happened to you, it's not safe now."

"I don't.. understand.."

"That's okay." I say with a small smile "maybe we will meet again and you will know who I am. Maybe you can forgive me."

Then without another word I stand and leave the hospital. Tears streaming as I take the long walk back to the forest.