The Berserker

Chapter 18

Lights were on, illuminating the driveway. I stared at the house for a few minutes before finally deciding to just sit down on the porch. I wasn't ready to face the four of them. Part of me, the bloodthirsty part, still had to be switched off. At least until next week.

Remember why you're here.

Pulling at my hair, head hanging low, I tamped down on my instincts enough that I wouldn't snap. Numbers floated in my head drifting in and out of sight. Suddenly, this strange feeling took hold of as I sat down, my body trembling in response. It took a second for me to process that I was feeling cold, very cold. Standing up rubbing my arms, I entered the house stamping my shoes.

I removed my boots, flexing my toes, surprised that no one was around. The kettle had already boiled, and next to it was a mug of hot water with a piece of paper. 'Drink up Atla' it said, and I turned to see if anyone else was up here, but once again, no one. Suspicious, I sniffed it not smelling anything abnormal. The water was clear. Footfalls sounded, so I left it going to investigate only to run into Gabriel as he rounded the corner.

"You're back," he stated slight relief seeping into his tone.

"You left the water for me?" I asked, and he nodded. "Yeah, it's cold out."

My eyes narrowed to slits. "Did you add anything to it?"

Gabriel held up his hands stepping back. "No way."

"Prove it."

"Seriously?" Gabriel rolled his eyes, walking past me. "Here." He sipped it, and I watched as he swallowed. "See?" he declared holding the mug away from him.

"Hmm," I replied, taking the mug and drinking the water. Instantly, I felt the warmth seep through me, chasing away the cold.

"Where are they?" I asked.

"They've gone to tell F.X.'s people. Hopefully, all turns out well."

"Mhm, we'll know soon," I said, setting my mug down.

After I showered and changed, we waited on the couch. Gabriel was jittery, legs bouncing up and down tapping the floor at a furious rhythm. Catching his leg, I pressed it down.

"Why don't you find something to do to pass the time instead of frying your mind?"

He readily took my suggestion, bringing up his drone pieces, and I leaned back relishing the quiet. I would have tossed him out of the window if he didn't stop. Twenty-two minutes passed when heavy footsteps crunched in the snow. I got up, pulling the curtain aside to see the three of them trudging up the drive.

Something's wrong.

When they opened the door, I frowned at the angry bruises that covered Justin's face. Chris and Nathaniel were injury free it seemed, but then I noticed Chris' limp.

"Get the kit, Gabriel," I ordered, locking the door and went to grab ice.

"What happened?" Gabriel asked, returning with the kit.

"F.X. wasn't too happy that four of his people died tonight. Especially since they were needed for next week."

The three of them collapsed onto the couch, so I handed a pack of ice to Justin, who gingerly placed it on his face.

"Who's bleeding?" Gabriel asked, taking a table chair to sit in front of them.

"Check Chris. We weren't hit by any of the arrows thankfully," Nathaniel answered, his narrowed eyes trained on me.

"Aren't you lucky?" I commented drily, giving another ice pack to Chris.

"Lucky..." Nathaniel repeated quietly, as I handed him an ice pack. Those green eyes bore into me, and I turned away, keeping Him away from me.