BETTER SAFE THAN ZOMBIE

OZTS 12| Magnetic Field

"Kathryn? Are you listening?"

My head snapped up, eyes blinking. "Huh?"

Mr. Williams was looking at me with concern, his eyebrows pulling at the middle. "Are you okay? You're not eating your food."

I glanced at my still full plate, feeling my cheeks heat up in embarassment. "Sorry. I was just thinking."

I tucked a stray lock of my blonde hair behind one ear, glancing up at my dinner companions underneath my lashes. Mr. Blake and Ethan were talking animatedly about something, their faces alight with excitement while Mrs. Blake listened to them, a half-smile curving her lips. Mr. Williams had all his focus on his dinner plate, eyes thoughtful. I wondered what he was heavily thinking about. Stephen and Max have already been dealt with--

They're staring at me again.

I stiffened. My eyes went back to my plate, my fingers tightening on my fork. I already knew the eyes that I would see if I looked up, and their expressions.

Smug and curious dark blue eyes. Probing gray eyes underneath tousled dark hair.

And blue-green eyes sizzling with suspicion.

Hazel had decided to tell everyone about Kailey, although they seemed to have already known. After all, what kind of sane person would sing 'London Bridge is falling down' while gouging out a person's eyes?

We left out the part about Kailey's obsession with Christian though. Hazel didn't think it would matter--Christian could take care of himself, and Kailey didn't seem to be doing anything bad with her little crush.

That is, until she discovers her little crush had kissed me.

I bit my lower lip, trying not to think about it. Because of my famous father, not a lot of boys tried to date me. Even a fling with me was deemed dangerous and scary.

Christian had been my first kiss.

"Mr. Williams?" I asked abruptly. "Could I visit the prisoners after dinner?"

He looked surprised. "Are you sure? Your wound still isn't fully healed, and those boys--"

"I could take care of myself," I said, cutting him off. "I'll bring a gun."

Mr. Williams' voice was dry. "And I remember you being shot by one. I don't think its safe, Kathryn."

I gritted my teeth. Had Hazel been the one to ask him permission, I was sure he would let her. Do I have the words 'delicately fragile' tattoed across my forehead?

"They're gagged," I said. "And tied at the hands and feet. Not to mention the fact that Max's blind. Do you really think they could pose any danger to me?"

"Its still not safe." This time, it was Christian who said it. His lips had tightened into a flat line, his gaze boring into mine. "I'll come with you."

I stifled my sharp intake of breath as I saw Kailey's eyes narrowing into slits.

"I don't need an escort," I snapped. "And I want to be alone."

Please, I added in my mind. You're just bringing me to even more danger if you come. Kailey's starting to--

"I'm not leaving you alone with them." Christian's words were resolute and firm, his expression not budging an inch. I could see he had already made up his mind, and I sighed.

It was better back when he was quiet and silent.

"Yes sir," I said, sarcasm practically dripping off my words. "As you say."