The Hunting

Chapter 46

Author's Note: Thank you everyone for being patient with me! I'm honestly surprised by how much activity The Hunting has gotten during my absence. It gives me a renewed sense of motivation to keep writing. I'll try my best to get these final chapters out in a timely fashion, but who knows what college/life is going to throw my way. Thanks for all the support and enjoy Chapter 46!

That night, I went to bed without food. When my dad asked, I simply told him that I was tired. It wasn't a lie, I was exhausted. Even though it has been a while since the bear incident, I was still on edge. I've been tossing and turning trying to fall asleep. By now, everyone else was asleep and it was late in the night. I sighed as I opened my eyes. Lying on my back, I looked up at the trees. For the most part, I couldn't see much of the night sky, just the faint glow of the moon peeking through. I heard a sound to my left, I noticed that Don was sitting at the campfire with Nate sleeping beside him. Don must've noticed my movement and waved at me to come to join him. As I walked over, he stood up so that we could sit next to each other. Leaving Nate on the other side of the campfire.

We stayed silent for a little bit until he chuckled lightly. I looked over at him curiously. "This is the first time Nate has fallen asleep while we've been on watch together. I think it's funny because the one that almost died is our group's only defense."

I chuckled in agreement, "Well, now you have me."

He shrugged, "Yeah. Now we have the wounded and the small. No offense."

I huffed, "None taken."

"So, what's got you awake?" Don asked.

I sighed, my head falling into my hands, "What isn't keeping me awake?

Don didn't respond. He was just watching me as if he was waiting for me to share what's going on. I lifted my head out of my hands and drew my knees up to my chest. I looked at the fire as I explained, "Well, it still feels like my heart is racing after the bear attack."

"And?"

I looked at him, eyebrows raised, "And what?"

"Arden wouldn't be so wound up after a bear attack. What else is on your mind?"

I shook my head, "Don't worry about in Don."

It was his turn to shake his head, "No, I insist. I know I might not be the best option to spill your boy problems too, but at least I'm willing to listen."

"Who said I had boy problems?" I had to hush my voice so I didn't shout.

He laughed, "Oh Arden, you've been having boy problems this whole trip."

I looked back at the fire, "Isn't that the truth."

"Now spill."

"Can you keep this a secret?" I questioned.

He scoffed, "I've known one for years and the other is my new found best friend... of course I can keep a secret."

I sighed, "How do you know all of this?"

"I may seem like an idiot when it comes to everything, but at least I can read people's emotions."

I nodded knowingly, "That's one of the things that I have no clue about. If I knew more about feelings, I wouldn't be having so much trouble." I paused as I tried to gather my thoughts, "I- I just - I like both of them. They are both so different so I can't compare them to each other. I know Nate, I know him too well. He can be a pain, but he has a big heart and would do anything for those he cares about. I know nothing about Jaiver and it makes me afraid but curious. He is mysterious, intelligent, and kind. I've been wracking my brain because they deserve to know how I feel about them. That's not fair to them if I don't tell them."

"What's the rush? We're all going to the Burrow."

"I don't want to keep them waiting. They both seemed so earnest." I replied.

Don put his hand on my shoulder, "Arden, they'll understand if you want to take your time."

"But that's selfish if I take a lot of time. What if they get mad at me?"

"If they get mad at you for thinking about your feelings, then they don't deserve you." I stayed silent as Don continued, "Listen, instead of about thinking about them. Think about yourself. How do you feel around them? Do they make you happy or sad? These are your feelings, you have the right to be selfish. If you chose one, the other one will be sad. That's the hard truth. Your thinking about this whole situation with your head instead of your heart. What does your heart say when you look at them?"

As Don's words sunk in, I looked over at Nate. I then turned to Jaiver, who was sleeping near my dad farther away from the fire. Looking back to Don, I spoke, "I have a lot to think about."

"No, you have a lot to feel about." He corrected.

I rolled my eyes, "Oh, hush."

I stood up and gave Don a nod, "Do you want me to wake that one up?"

He looked over to Nate, "Nah, it's about time for the next watch anyways."

I smiled down at him, "Thanks, Don. I appreciated this."

He shrugged, "Yeah no problem. I expect the same thing if I find the love of my life at this Burrow of yours."

My smile got wider, "Deal."