Sentinel

Chapter 12: Healing

Ronan didn't run away, even though it was clear that he wanted to.

"Ronan," I said, tentatively as we approached him.

His gaze settled on my face for a few moments before shooting towards Will. He was dirty and bloody again.

"Ronan," I said again, "Are you okay?"

He looked back at me, hurt in his eyes. "You told."

He must have heard our conversation. "I had to. I can't help you by myself. You can trust Will. Why don't we go to my apartment and we can figure all this out?"

"There is no out. Or I am out. That's the problem." Ronan stared unfocused at the ground as he absentmindedly rubbed his chest at the spot where his Sentinel mark used to be. The action sent a pang of guilt through me.

"Ronan—,"

"Look," Will interrupted, his patience lost. "Whoever is coming after you already knows you're here, so you either move on or tell us what the hell is going on."

"Will!" I chastened. Ronan was already skittish and didn't need Will's help in scaring him off.

Ronan's eyes focused on Will. "That's why I'm here."

"Good. Then let's talk inside." Will led us to my apartment, not at all embarrassed by walking around half naked.

"You're hurt."Ronan motioned to my arm as we walked.

"It's nothing." I scanned the parking lot for onlookers but luckily it was dinner time and it seemed everyone was inside.

Ronan laughed, unsettlingly. "Nothing is never nothing," he whispered the words to himself. "It tries but it can't. It tries, it wants, it begs but it can't." He rubbed his chest as he muttered.

I watched him with concern, not sure what to do.

Will was a few paces ahead of us and didn't seem to notice. He stopped by his truck, grabbed out the black shirt he wore when he worked at Luna's and slipped it on. He also grabbed my backpack and slung it over his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Ronan said, sounding ashamed.

It took me a second to realize he was apologizing for my wound. I shook my head as we went up the stairs that led to my apartment. "It's not your fault."

"Keys?" Will asked, standing in front of my door.

I tried to fish them out of the pocket of my jeans but holding my sword made the task difficult.

Will sighed, agitated, and reached into my pocket and grabbed out the keys.

Ronan and I followed him in.

"Hana's not here?" Will asked.

"No, she's at her boyfriend's."

Will dropped my bag and his sword by the door. "Good. Do you have stuff to clean wounds?"

"Bathroom. Under the sink."

"I'll go get it. You two sit down," he said, fully taking control of the situation. He headed down the small hall to find the bathroom. I was about to call to him where it was but the door was open and he found it easily.

I sat down on the couch, leaning my sword against the armrest, but Ronan still stood uncomfortably by the door.

"You can sit down," I told him.

Reluctantly, he slowly walked over to the couch and sat beside me.

We sat quietly for a moment before Ronan suddenly said, "Can I hold your hand?"