Broken

XVII

POV: Sebastian

I blink blearily, trying to remember what had happened.

I feel something sticky around me and look around, realizing I'm lying in a puddle of my own blood.

I carefully get up, ignoring the searing pain as I limp around to do a check of the house. He's gone.

Stumbling over to the bathroom, I knock on the door. "He's gone."

I lean against the wall, my breathing labored by my bruised ribs.

The door creaks open, Macy opening it slowly. She sees me, gasping. "Bas..."

"Um, I might need some help taking care of these," I say, hating the look of sadness on her face. I want her to be happy. She deserves it.

She nods, helping me into the bathroom. I sit down and she carefully takes off my shirt, tending to my upper-body wounds.

I wince as she cleans the wounds, but I know what it's helping them and say nothing.

After she finishes tending to the rest of my injuries and getting a fresh pair of clothes that aren't covered in blood, I shakily walk to the kitchen table and sit down again.

"I'll make more tea," she mumbles, rushing off to do so.

I sigh. I can't afford for her to be here while he's in town. He should leave soon, he never stays long. I thought he was gone for good last time.

She walks back in the room, handing me a mug of tea and some painkillers.

"Thanks, Em. Do you have any friends you could stay with for a bit?"

"Not without questions, or them finding out."

I shake my head, laughing a bit. "Leave it to you to befriend the smart kids. Then again, birds of a feather flock together."

She smiles softly. "Why?"

"While he's in town, I don't want you here alone. You could..." I trail off nervously. "You know your safety is important to me. As bad of an idea it is you could... maybe... stay at Dalton until he leaves?"

Her smile grows. "Yes, that's a brilliant idea! I'm dying to meet all these people I hear so much about."

I chuckle. "You have to be careful, I've told you things they wouldn't be too happy about."

"Oh, of course I'll be careful. Who do you think I am, Jeff?"

I shake my head. "See, you can't say things like that."

"I know," she says, grinning widely. "I'll go pack."

I laugh, watching her leave. The painkillers are kicking in, some of the more minor injuries aren't hurting anymore.

Soon she returns with a bag and a wide smile. "Alright, lead the way to the Dalton I've heard so much about."

"This way," I say, opening the door. She giggles, passing me.

"And this Hunter I've heard so much about," she whispers as she passes me.

"I swear, if you say anything!" I exclaim, but she just laughs as I follow her out.