DEVIANT [H.S.]

37 - Alive

"I don't understand why you have to go alone. Without me," Harry breathes, holding me close.

It's already time for us to part our separate ways and do what we have to do in separate locations: Harry, Niall, Malachi, and Caleb at the Core's headquarters, and I at the Royal London Hospital.

Liam is staying with the children at Euphoria, hiding them away in case Patrols come snooping around.

Everyone is saying their farewells to each other at the moment.

I let out a sigh, leaning my forehead on Harry's chest. "Malachi has a good reason for me to go on my own. I can do this."

Harry's arms enclose me even more. How long we have been in each other's arms, I don't even know. I don't want to leave him, but Malachi insisted I do this alone.

"You be careful, okay?" I tell Harry, rising to my toes to meet his gaze. "You need to come back."

He laughs, a smile forming into view. "I will. Remember, I am deeply and unquestioningly in love with you. I can't let you go that easily."

"Wow, my boyfriend can be so cheesy sometimes..." I smirk, running my hands up and down his arms.

Harry presses a quick kiss to my lips. "It's all verbal foreplay, baby," He smirks back, his eyes grazing my body up and down.

I shift in my shoes, desire rising into my veins. "You have work to do."

"As do you," He replies, bringing me close again.

I inhale and exhale slowly, capturing Harry's scent and relishing in his hold, my adoration for him growing exponentially.

"I love you," I whisper, leaning in towards his lips, the soft contact of mine on his exploding into a realm of want and need.

We're in our own little bubble, even if only for the next two minutes.

"And I love you," He whispers back, kissing my forehead. "Stay alert, stay low. Most of all, stay hidden and observe what you can. Us boys will do the same," He goes on, tucking my long hair behind my ears.

I nod, agreeing to every word.

Malachi walks over to us, a small backpack slung over his shoulders. "It's almost time."

Niall and Caleb walk over to the exit of the club together, and I walk over to Liam as Harry says goodbye to his little sister.

"Will you be okay by yourself?" I ask Liam, watching him stride behind the bar and pull out a cold bottle of water.

"Yeah, I think so. I know where to hide the Wolfe family if Patrols come," He replies, taking a swig of the drink.

I walk behind the bar and set a hand on his shoulder. "You'll be fine. They trust you. I may even make it back before the boys, who knows."

Liam looks at me with bright eyes, setting his bottle down on the bar and crushing me into a hug. It's random, it's sudden, but I wrap my arms around him and hold him tight.

We can't afford to lose anyone these days.

"Stay safe, Serena," He whispers into my ear as we pull away.

The group is crowded around the door and I hurry to join them.

Malachi speaks up above everyone. "Those of us going to the Core's headquarters will head out first. Serena will leave towards Royal after we are out of sight. We all have our objectives, let's get this done before the sun sets."

All of us are silent as we latch ourselves up with necessary weapons, a simple knife and hand gun for me and the bigger stuff for the boys. I carry everything on my belt, wanting to be able to maneuver freely once I reach my destination.