Off With His Head

20. Apparently my reference is wasted on them.

"Final count is thirteen," Zach says as he polishes his sword. According to him it's a scimitar, which is apparently different to Caleb's falchion, but they look the same to me. "We move on the first tonight, while he's alone and vulnerable."

"Here, Jennings." Caleb hands me the beautiful bow I had ogled the first time I came into the weapons room. "It will be good for you to have some extra protection. You said you took archery in High School?"

"But that was years ago!" I protest, despite the fact that this had been a part of my argument for them to let me join. "I can't remember how to shoot an arrow!"

"You're not going to need it tonight, Jennings. I'm just giving it to you for now. This mission relies on the fact that he will recognise you from the pictures that Henry showed them." He steps closer to me and zips up my jacket, his hands lingering at the top.

I haven't spoken to him about my chat with Lideri because I'm still not sure what to make of it. But we have kept our distance from each other, apart from when we are training. I'm also not really sure how I even feel about Caleb at this point.

I know that he saved my life and for that I'm grateful. I know that there is definitely some kind of spark between us that I can't seem to ignore. I know that he makes me feel safe and warm as well as irritated and annoyed. My feelings for him are a swirling mass of confusion that I can't figure out.

And right now, I would rather confront a scary vampire than my feelings.

My eyes meet Zach's ocean ones as he watches Caleb and I's interaction with interest. He's paused with his own jacket sipped halfway up. Disapproval radiates from his every pore, but he meets my gaze steadily, not looking away until I do.

"So once again, I'm the distraction?" I ask.

"Pretty much," Caleb answers, finally stepping back from me. "They know what you look like and they've been instructed not to harm you. If you can get close enough, that's when we'll strike."

"The word 'bait' comes to mind." Zach smirks, standing up and sheathing his sword.

"Zacharias, was that a joke?" What has gotten into both him and Lideri?

"It appears you may be rubbing off on me." His hand lands on my shoulder and he gives it a gentle squeeze, furthering my confusion. It appears Ironman is softening more and more by the day. I remember my promise to myself that I would survive so that I could be friends with Zach, it looks like I'm finally making some head way.

"I'm glad to be of service," I chuckle. This moment seems so normal. It's nice and far too rare in our world.

"Ahem," Caleb clears his throat, a deep frown on his face. "If you guys are done, we should probably get going." And with that, he leaves the room, resting his sword over his left shoulder instead of sheathing it.

"He's right," Zach says and just like that, the moment of camaraderie disintegrates into thin air. He heads off as well with me trailing behind, carrying my newly acquired bow and desperately trying not to trip over it.

We make it out to the car just as Caleb is loading weapons into the boot. Zach places his in as well before climbing into the driver's side. I carefully lay my bow along the backseat before sliding in next to it. I wait until Caleb gets in before asking, "So where are we going?"

"Straight to his apartment on the east end of town," Zach explains as he starts to drive down the road. "You will knock on the door and request his help for protection. Have you got the necklace Caleb gave you?"

I touch the pendant at the base of my throat. "Always."

I haven't taken it off except to use it since Caleb gave it to me. He hadn't had a chance to modify it yet, what with world war vampire on the verge of starting. But I could take a couple of cuts on my hands. I hope.