The Hunting

Chapter 38

Warning: Some contents of this chapter may be triggering for some as it deals with sexual assault/unwanted advances. I will put notes on when to stop and continue reading. Enjoy the chapter!

After Timmy left, I finally introduced myself to Remmington. I didn't realize that I didn't do so until he asked me what my name was. "So, Arden. Tell me a little bit about yourself." Remmington asked hesitantly.

I shrugged, "Well, there's not too much to know. I'm 18, my weapon of choice is a bow and arrow. There's not much left to know."

He raised his eyebrow at me, "Are you worried about the scavengers of hearing you?"

I nodded silently.

"Don't worry too much about it. They can't do too much to you now that you're in their clutches. If anything, they might try to torture you about where the others are at, but since you're here, you don't know."

"They already tried that," I replied.

He smiled knowingly, "Yeah, I figured as much. They'll probably try again soon. They know that the information you give is probably incorrect."

"Then why do they do it?"

He shrugged, "To scare you. They think that if they scare you, they can control you."

"Well, that's messed up!"

"Yeah, it is. They tried it with me, but I've seen enough of life to know their tricks. So don't worry."

"Alright, thank you for telling me that Remmington." I paused, "I have a question for you."

"Go ahead."

"How long have you know the hunters?"

He laughed lightly, " You're a curious one. Well, I met Jaiver when he was a young boy. I met the siblings when they were teenagers and we met Calum not too long after. I think we all have been together for three or four years. How long have you been with them?"

"I've been with them for a couple of weeks now. They have spoken highly of you."

"Yeah, I'm basically their dad."

"Have you ever wanted kids of your own?"

He paused for a moment. Did I ask him about a sensitive subject? I hope I didn't offend him. I looked at him curiously. I could tell that he was trying to figure out what to say. He then walked close to me. He looked at my hair, then my eyes, his eyes started to scan my body. Then he stopped. Without a word, he picked up my necklace. I wanted to jump out of his reach, but something told me not to. He rubbed his thumb over the necklace and turned it over. Very faintly, you could see my dad's initials. He didn't move for a second, he then spoke. "Arden." He swallowed, "I want you to be honest with. What are you?"

I looked at him wide-eyed. Where did that question come from? I was about to lie, then I saw the earnest look in his eyes. They were hiding something, but I don't know what. "I -I." I looked at our feet trying to muster the courage to speak the truth, "I'm a burrower."

He took my hands in his suddenly yet gently. "Is your name Arden Able?"

My jaw dropped, "How do you know that?"

My head snapped up to meet his eyes, he was crying. He brought my hands up to his face where he kissed my hands gently. "Arden, it's me, Ryan. Ryan Able, your dad."