Sapphire Stone - The Story of Survival

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

I must have been gone longer than I thought.

By the time I got back to Common Grounds, most of the men were surrounding the edge of the woods. The others had their own stations in battle order in the clearing. The sun was slowly starting to descend and the few vampires, that were safe under the fading sun, were standing their ground behind Seth. He was dead centre in the clearing with Michael and Robert at his sides.

A few shifters were shocked when I stepped out of the woods. Clearly news had spread that I wouldn't come back. Honestly, I wish it was that easy to turn my back on everyone but with Michael and Jake in their midst, there was no way I was leaving these people on their own.

Seth seemed amused when I stepped up to them with a frown on my face.

"So, how was the hunt?" He asked, amused.

A low growl escaped my lips.

"It was rather entertaining. I had a little run, managed to get a little sun and then had the pleasure of not eating anything." I sighed.

Crossing my arms, I glared at a laughing Seth.

"Stupid animals already left the immediate area. I can't risk going out too far so I'm going to have to do this on an empty stomach."

My frustration mush have shown because even Robert and Michael had silly grins on their faces.

Michael at least had the decency to offer me a packet of chips.

Even so, I just stared at the packet like it was poisonous before looking at him with disgust.

"Junk food? Are you kidding me?"

"Don't insult it, eat it or leave it. I suggest you eat it seeing as you're running on fumes."

Begrudgingly, I grabbed it from him and pulled a face when I stuffed a handful of the contents into my mouth. My taste for junk food is long gone but I suppose it's something I should get used to.

"By the way, you get to run with us for the night."

Fantastic, I'm set up to be around the only people who would do anything to keep me from fighting or getting hurt. Seth seemed even more amused when he realized this.

I slammed my elbow into his stomach, by accident of course.

"Where is Alison?" I asked.

"She's stationed in the basement with all the women and children, hidden of course. If someone does end up breaking through, then she'll be protecting them from within."

I was kind of impressed by their logic. However, that was before realizing only half of the twenty five women who had received training were stationed outside.

"The other women retreated when they were asked to protect outside and they ended up being stationed inside the building at the various entrances."

Damn these women were weak.

Don't they realize their men can't be expected to handle everything?

"I still think we should send a call out to the Moon Dancers." Robert muttered.

This caught my attention for a second before I sighed and turned to focus ahead of me.

"It wouldn't make a difference."

Silence settled over us.

It was only broken when Michael slung an arm over my shoulders and pulled me into his side.