Hey guys, it's been a while. Here's the new chapter. We are getting close to the ending.

VA belongs to Richelle Mead.

Rpov:

My eyes snapped open. Something was wrong; something is coming. I looked over at Dimitri, who was curled up in the blankets, which were hanging low on his hips.

I got up, dragging a blanket around me, and peeked outside. The sky was gray as it was morning and the sun was rising. There were pits of smoke where a fire once burned. Nothing looked out of normal. I frowned and went back inside.

I sat against the hut's wall, looking over at Dimitri, who was starting to stir. His eyes fluttered opened and he his eyes bored into mine. Sadness and love filled his eyes. Today was the day, we both knew it. He beckoned me over and I crawled towards the mess of blankets. We spent an hour in each other's arms in silence, cherishing the last few moments.

I sighed and untangled myself from Dmitri's arms; the sun was out and it was beating hard. I got my spear and mask, slipping it on and turning it around, making sure it hung on my back. I turned around and Dimitri was up and already dressed. He kissed my fore head and we both walked out.

Few people of the tribe were already outside, doing their chores and personal things. We walked through camp and people slowly started to come out. It was unusually quiet and the people looked uneasy; they feel it too.

I sighed and we reached the Chief's hut. I paused and then slipped inside, Dimitri following.

They both look up; they've apparently been expecting us as they gesture us to sit.

We did.

"You both know what's going to happen today." He stated.

I nodded, not looking at Dimitri.

"Get the hunting group together and the people who will be leaving." He directed.

"Also, make sure they say goodbye. We don't want them near when it happens." His wife stated, getting up and gathering herbs together. For what, I don't know.

"What's going to happen?" I asked, growing a bit nervous. The only way a person has left this island is by death.

"The only way a person gets on this island is when there is a storm while a boat's present. That person is in deep need of something and if they have enough courage and what it takes, they survive the storm and land here. However, it takes heart and will to survive here. If not, then you're out. You know that." I shivered, remembering the selfish guy I had to get rid of. "We also have a force that keeps others from finding this island out. We're going to separate that so the others can get here safely and it doesn't provoke a storm."

"Why would that provoke a storm?" Dimitri asked; curiosity in his voice.

"They desperately need something and their solution relies here. The storm forms by that need so those who are worthy have a second chance. You are the resolution. We don't want them to crash and be in danger if you want to leave. They'll be stuck here with you. When we separate the force, we beat the storm by personally bringing them in. however, we don't want them here. They don't belong here. They only have so much time and you need to be there when it happens and so do the others. It has to be quick. Do you understand?" she asked Dimitri sternly.

He nodded slowly.

"That's where you come in." The Chief said, turning towards me.

"Me? Why?"

"They could be a threat to this island. If they land the helicopter, they've ran out of time to leave. You need to make sure they get on safely. Make sure they don't trespass either." He explained.

"You also have a great question there that you have to face." His wife explained calmly and vaguely. "Dismissed, you have to get ready and prepare the others."

Without another word, we left.

You have a great question there you have to face. What did she mean by that? I pondered over the words.

Dimitri grasped my hand and we walked back through the camp.

Lissa and the gang were by their fire pit, surrounding it and in deep conversation.

Lissa looked up, sadness in her eyes.

She knows, and apparently so does everyone else.

I sat down on the log next to them and silence overlapped us, suffocating us.

I took a deep breath and broke the silence. "I need to know whose leaving." I declared, staring at the ground.

I heard Lissa suck in a breath, reality hitting her.

Lissa raised her hand slowly, followed by Chris. Adrian and Sydney followed, along with Jill and Ivan, whose usually goofy smile is gone.

I didn't turn to see if Dimitri had his hand up. I turned towards the rest.

"Are you sure?" I asked sternly.

Eddie nodded, hugging Mia close to him. "I didn't really have a life back there, no one really gave a damn and I didn't either. Here, I have Mia and my cousin." He said, smiling towards Mia and me.

I nodded and gave him a sad smile.

"I'm staying, Eddie's my best friend and I feel like I have a place here." Mason said, glancing towards the tribe. It's true, Mason's stay had caused the hunting group to gain more game and he's been helping the old women around camp.

I smiled at him, grateful. He's been a true help.

"Okay, after we eat, meet up at the center fire pit. Those who are going are going to leave with the hunting group. When you see whatever is coming to pick you up, you run and you get there fast. Do not stop. Get on as fast as you can. Make sure they leave immediately." I said sternly, putting on my mask; my face void of emotion.

They nodded and I felt Dimitri grasp my hand tightly.

"Rose," Lissa whispered as I turned away.

I turned back slightly.

"You could come with us," she whispered.

"Lissa," Christian murmured, grabbing her arm lightly.

"You have a life back there too," she continued, ignoring him. Tears glistened in her eyes.

"I can't," I whispered, struggling to keep my mask on and my voice strong. "They need me here."

"I need you too! They are fine on their own! Please." Her voice rose, then it broke at the end.

"No, you don't. You didn't see how this village was before. They struggled to gather food and there were shortages every month and season. I came here and I didn't know how to do anything, but I gave them the idea of agriculture. That and through my fighting skills helped them. Later on with hunting skills, I gave them modern handmade weapons. They need me here Lissa. You, you're going to have a baby. You won't have time for me anymore. You'll be busy building up your family and moving forward with your job and the company. Don't worry about me." I said softly, trying to keep eye contact.

A sob ripped out her throat and it killed me. Christian grabbed her and carried her, bringing her inside their tent.

"Make sure she calms down, it won't be good for the baby." I muttered to them, turning around.

The village was up and moving around, there was more movement and more noise than in the morning. As people passed, they gave me sympathetic looks. Great, they also knew.

I sighed as I walked through the camp. I walked behind my hut, making sure no one saw. I walked down the trail along the small stream; going to my hut. I went inside, grabbing a knife and going outside. I ignored Dimitri who was silently watching me. I grabbed a club that was made out of stone on my way out. I marched up to a tree and quickly climbed it. The tree was old enough and I quickly felt the branches. I scaled higher, ignoring Dmitri's calls. I felt a strong branch; it was perfect. Without flinching I brought the stone club down at the branch. I felt it loosen eventually and I stopped. I placed my feet and weight near the base of the branch and I said a quick prayer to the island and tree. I hacked at it again and next thing I know, I'm in the air, falling down. I grasped the branch tightly in my hands as I flew down, narrowly dodging the other branches on the way down. Twigs and leaves scraped my body and face. I leapt from the branch, landing on the ground as it tumbled down on the ground, forming a cloud of dirt around me.

I ignored the sharp, but small painful wounds on my body caused by the fall. I kept going, ignoring everything around me. This was it; it finally hit me full force. Lissa was my family before this and now that she's leaving again, for good, it's painful. Then there's Dimitri. I felt a pang in my heart, he's the love of my life, but we have to do the right thing. He's needed and so am I.

"Rose," he called out,

I ignored him.

"Stop."

I kept ignoring him and continued scrape and shape the branch.

"Rose," he said again, louder and angrier. "Stop."

I kept going, though, each stroke going rougher. Soon, I felt hands grabbing me and ripping away the knife from my hand.

"You're hurting yourself." He grit out, pinning my arms down as I struggled.

Soon the shock wore off and I stopped, sagging against him.

"Oh rose," he whispered, gently grabbing my hands.

I flinched and looked down. My hands were scraped and were bloodied. I groaned, my shoulders sagging. Dimitri got me to stand up and he walked me to the stream. He got on his knees and dragged me down with him.

"Look at what you did," he muttered, rinsing my hands with hater.

I hissed as the cool water splashed over my hands. It stung as the water dripped into my wounds, but it felt good as it refreshed my hands.

"Leave them," I murmured, "they'll heal later and I'll out something on them later."

He snorted, obviously believing I'll forget. I rolled my eyes; irritated.

"What were you thinking?" he asked after a moment.

"I wasn't." I said bluntly.

He rolled his eyes and we stood up. He eyed the branch and I saw curiosity in his eyes. when he looked at me, I shrugged and walked over it.

I smiled; relieved.

"What?" he asked, eyeing me; wary.

"No blood stained it." I said, examining it.

I could almost hear him roll his eyes.

I turned towards him. "This is for you." I said, bringing it forward. I had shaped the branch into a spear of sorts, one like mine.

To the tribe, apparently, he's considered my husband. This island is way behind from the modern world, but we manage to keep up in our own way. This island doesn't believe in one night stands, so once you sleep with a guy, he's automatically married to you since they don't believe in sex before marriage.

He grabbed it and held it with wonder.

I grew nervous and anxious. "I made it because, well, I'm the leader of the hunting group and I was presented as second in command to the chief. It's weird, but it represents power in this tribe. I know it's plain and it just looks like a stick, but it's not finished-"

"Roza." He interrupted. I stopped, realizing I was rambling. "It's fine. It doesn't matter; it's the symbol and thought that counts. Thank you," he whispered, kissing my forehead.

I nodded. "You have to let me finish it though; it's weird. It's just a stick." I muttered.

I felt his chest rumble as he chuckled. He nodded. "As long as you don't hurt yourself." He murmured, letting me go.

I nodded and took the branch from him.

"And Roza?" he called, making me turn.

"Yeah?" I called back.

"Lissa will always need you there. You won't be there physically with her, but she'll understand you'll always be there by her side."

I nodded. "Thank you,"

He smiled lightly and nodded.

I passed the time carving and marking intricate designs on the spear, ones similar to mine. I lay on Dimitri's chest as I sat between his legs. He leaned against a tree to cover us from the beating sun.

"It's almost time." I murmured, looking up at the sun. I grew more uneasy as the time passed.

He nodded and his hold on me tightened.

"You're going to finally wear pants." I mused, smiling slightly. I knew how uncomfortable the shorts were on the guys, but we only made pants when it was raining season and the winds were high.

He groaned and nodded. "I miss the clothing," he admitted. He never did like wearing suites, but I guess they win when going against these shorts.

I laughed, pausing from my work; which looks way better than it did a few hours ago.

He lightly nudged me and I smiled, going back to my branch.

An hour later, it was officially finished. I turned around and gave it to him.

He looked surprised and I had to roll my eyes. Instead of the rough edges, it was now smooth. I carved in smooth designs that didn't rough up the branch. The designs were smooth and didn't have ragged edges as it curved. There was a sharp point at one end and it almost looked like a pencil. Beneath the tip before it started thinning, I wrapped string around it.

"You could add more to it if you like." I said, looking for his reaction.

As he turned it over and examined it, he smiled at the thorn designs. At the bottom I wrote in our names in Russian. Apparently, the chief's wife knew Russian and gave me the design.

"Thank you," this time, it seemed more genuine and he looked in awe.

"It was nothing," I said, shrugging.

"So," he said; a smug tone in his voice. "I'm your husband." He smirked at me, eyes twinkling.

I narrowed my eyes and squirmed under his gaze.

He chuckled. "Hopefully one day, you'll officially and legally be my wife." He said.

I grinned and kissed his chest.

"C'mon, time to eat." I said, snapping us back to reality.

He nodded and I got up, grabbing my own spear and hanging my mask again on my back.

We walked back and once we stepped onto tribe territory, away from my original hut, the stares began. I rolled my eyes and refrained myself from doing something I won't regret.

We caught up to the center where the gang was hanging around at. Sydney was bursting with happiness and I smiled, I've never seen her like this. And apparently no one else has due to the stares and her glaring at them. I chuckled, ignoring Dimitri's stare.

As I got closer, I noticed Sydney's eyes also swam with fear and nervousness. I smiled reassuringly at her; which caused her to put her mask up. I rolled my eyes and she smiled tauntingly. Lissa was looking at the ground, wringing her hands and she leaned on her knees. She looked up at our approach and I felt my heart twist, her eyes were swollen and red. She gave me a watery smile and I looked at Dimitri. He nodded and I left his side to sit next to her. I nodded at Chris, who got up to give us space.

Lissa leaned her head against my shoulder and her body shook as sobs wracked through her body. I pulled her closer and hugged her to me.

"Shh, Lissa; calm down. It's not good for the baby." I said gently.

She nodded, taking deep breathes and roughly exhaling.

"That's better." I soothed, smoothing down her hair.

She raised her head. Her eyes were red and puffy and her nose was red. She sniffed.

"Thank you, Rose." She whispered.

I nodded, not saying anything. My throat was in a knot and my voice was surely going to crack.

I looked down at her; her stomach had a faint, but noticeable bump. I smiled slightly; I hope I would be able to meet this kid one day.

We stayed silent, basking in it. I closed my eyes and rested my head on top of Lissa's. Throughout dinner, we sat next to each other, joking lightly and reminiscing in the past.

So much has changed since I've left. The company has been striving, Dimitri became the new found owner, and well, Tasha is still the same. She's still whoring around and she's still going after Dimitri.

I bristled at that and Ivan, Eddie, Mason, and Adrian restrained me from going after Dimitri when he told me that Tasha tried seducing him many times. But, Ivan made it worse when he brought up the time Tasha was in her lingerie on his desk.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I screeched as I shot up.

"It's not what you think," He started, slowly standing up.

"Are you seriously using that line?" I snarled.

"Nothing happened," he said firmly, backing away.

I eyed him warily and slowly sat backed down.

"Dude, remember that time you walked into your office and Tasha was in lingerie?" Ivan chuckled.

My eyes widened and Dimitri shot Ivan a look.

"What?" I grit out.

Christian laughed, "Oh yeah, I remember that. That was gross." He shuddered.

That did it. I lunged at him and Eddie sprung up, grabbing me from the waist. He hauled me away, but I pushed back. Adrian joined him.

In the end, all the guys were in top of me; holding me down. But it didn't stop me from yelling obscenities at him, catching everyone's attention.

I glared through the crackling fire at Dimitri, who wouldn't meet my eyes. She couldn't get fired because she denied everything and there was no evidence. He didn't want to make a scandal, so he dropped it. Plus, she was actually good at her job, much to my chagrin, so it would be a loss.

Lissa is still lying on my side and soon the rest of the girls joined. We were in Lissa's hut and the flap was open, giving us a view of the guys who were right outside in the fire pit. Sydney was on my other side and Jill and Mia lay on Sydney's and Lissa's lap. It felt nice and since their arrival, Mia became part of our little group and Sydney had opened up more; only to us though.

"So much has changed," I said quietly, voicing my thoughts.

Everyone agreed; so much has changed for each person here. Who knew Sydney would find love? Or Mia gaining friends like us and a boyfriend? Who knew Lissa would get pregnant and here off all places? And what about Jill, who is now interested in culture and traditions thanks to ours?

I sighed and leaned against them.

Suddenly, I froze, causing the rest to stiffen. Sydney sat up and straight. We both looked down, straining our senses. Lissa and Mia shifted as we slowly stood up. We walked towards the entrance where the boys were looking at one direction; they knew something was wrong. The atmosphere grew tense, even though the tribe was still laughing and chatter filled the air. The hunters slowly gained their senses, stopping what they're doing abruptly and straining. The life past the forest border line was still and quiet; not a sound, despite our noise. We all slowly stood up and Mia soon came to it as did the others. No one made a sound or even breathed.

Soon, silence filled the air. Not a single sound.

The Chief's wife stood up and looked at me grimly in the eyes. "It's time."

That got everyone moving. The hunters gracefully stood with power and I barked orders, forming formations as we out on the masks and armed ourselves. I stood up, lifting up my mask and gesturing the gang to move forward.

"It's now or never guys," I started, firmly but soft. "we still have time, but not a lot. This is it." i whispered.

Lissa sobbed and threw herself at me. I kissed her head.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself, don't do anything stupid and don't worry about me. It'll cause you stress and it'll be bad for my future niece. Do you understand?" I said sternly.

She nodded frantically and gave me one last hug. I hugged everyone, taking a minute to say goodbye.

"take good care of lissa, do you understand?" I asked Christian, gripping his arms tightly.

He nodded. "I'll die before I let anything happen to her."

I nodded, approving his answer and I hid my shock when he pulled me in for a hug.

"Be good, you guys," I whispered, bringing in Ivan and Jill for a hug. I smiled lightly as she wiped a tear away. Ivan was at lost for words.

Sydney stepped up, looking awkward. I grinned and pulled her tom me, squeezing her.

She grunted and stayed stiff, but finally hugged me back, if not stronger.

"I hope I see you soon," she muttered.

I grinned. "You already miss me." I teased.

She rolled her eyes and stepped away.

"I believe I'm entitled to a proper goodbye." Adrian spoke up, grinning lazily.

I smirked and hugged him too. "Take care of her and help her. She's had a tough life out here and there."

He nodded seriously when he pulled away.

I watched as the rest said their goodbyes.

I looked up as I felt his eyes on me. His chocolate brown eyes bored into mine.

He closed the distance and crushed me to his chest. He backed me up and we ended up inside the hut.

Time was running out, we had enough, but we need to hurry. It will take at least an hour for them to pass.

He looked down at me and I melted. He slipped off my spear and put his next to mine and he took off the mask.

"Keep it," he said, giving it once last look.

I shook my head. "it's yours." I retorted.

He shook his head and his eyes darkened. He roughly grabbed my hips and pushed them against his, roughly grinding into me.

I gasped and moaned out, my head rolling back.

His lips came down onto my neck harshly, biting me roughly. He was marking me and no doubt will leave a hickey.

"No," he grit out. "Keep it to remember me, remember that the place by your side is already taken," he continued, sliding his hands down and grabbing my ass, squeezing and pushing more into me.

I clutched his back, feeling his muscles and his boner. I moaned out, feeling my juices seep down my leg and onto his.

He hissed and groaned. "Don't forget me and if I ever find out that another has ever touched you, I will come back personally and claim you as mine in front of all the men. Fuck who's ever watching. Do you understand? You're mine." With that, he plunged into me.

I gasped, arching into him. I used his legs as leverage and hoisted myself up, making him go deeper. He set a fast pace and latching on my neck again, leaving more marks as he roughly bit me.

My excitement, this was a possessive side I never met from him.

He continued rocking. "You're mine, do you hear me? Don't look at other men, it will encourage them. Keep my spear and make sure they know you are taken." I nodded, not being able to respond.

Fuck it feels so good. My thoughts went back to Tasha and my anger grew.

I rocked against him furiously and he moaned out. I latched onto his neck and sucked harshly, dragging my nails down his back, causing blood to draw.

He hissed and continued to pound into me.

He slowly gained back control. "I want to hear you, rose. Don't keep in your moans. Let me here you," he moaned, clutching my ass.

I kept silent, pushing him farther. He narrowed his eyes and pulled out.

I opened my mouth to protest, but I soon found myself on all fours and Dimitri mounting me from behind.

"What- Oh!" I moaned, arching my back under his hand that was sliding up my back as he plunged in.

"That's it, Roza, let me hear you." He groaned out, his Russian accent coming out thick.

I felt my release coming and I grew louder as he hit spots I never knew were there.

"After I'm done with you," he started, shifting his hips, making me cry out. "You won't be able to walk. Remember this and remember who owns you." He growled, snatching a fistful of hair and pulling me up against his chest.

I breathed heavily, moaning and panting.

"Ungh, ah!" I screamed out, clenching Dimitri as I came. I felt Dimitri groan and he came inside me.

We sagged against each other, panting. I pulled up my shorts after I cleaned myself up. I turned around and saw Dimitri already dressed and leaning against the wall. He looked at me hungrily as I strutted over to him.

I grinned at him. "What was that?" I asked, nibbling on his now bruised neck. His chest was covered in bruises that are currently forming.

"I wanted to let everyone know what was mine." He said simply, pecking me on the lips.

The kiss escalated and soon we were battling it out. He won dominance, as always and soon it died down to a peck. I laid my head on his chest, savoring the moment.

"Let's go before they come asking questions. We wasted enough time."

He nodded and slipped on the clothes that he came here in. Jill had picked up the scraps and sowed them together, adding more cloth to it so the rescuers wouldn't ask questions.

We stepped out after we looked presentable. It's amazing what water and a set of clothing can do to your appearance. I slipped on my mask and grabbed Dimitri's spear. I rolled my eyes when I caught him smirking.

Adrian smirked at us and I rolled my eyes. Of course, nothing gets through him, surprisingly. Luckily, no one else notices. I looked up at the sky, the sun was bright over the trees and the air was still hot. We have at least half an hour.

"We wasted enough time already," I said, shooting Dimitri a look. "We need to get moving fast."

Five minutes later, all the hunters were gathered up and covered with their weapons and masks. We had to go through the forest instead of the beach. We need to protect ourselves.

We walked towards the forest line and I stayed behind, watching as they filed inside the dark green forest. I looked back and I caught the chief's wife's eyes. I nodded back and I followed the rest of the group.

Toruk was leading the group, staying vigilant. It was disturbing and awkward. The forest was dead and the only noise was the group's rustling. I shivered and the hunters looked uneasy. I looked up at the sun as best as I could. Anxiety grew as the sun shifted; it was going to set soon. Well, to start. We trudged forward and I lingered behind Lissa with Dimitri. He held my hand tightly, squeezing it once in a while. I watched him as he looked around, eyes calculating and watchful.

We walked for twenty minutes and I started to get worried; we had slowed down and Lissa is falling behind. The heat is getting to her.

"Lissa," I murmured as she bent over, regaining breath and trying to cool off.

She looked up at me; helpless. It killed me to see her like that.

"C'mon, climb up on my back."

"Rose, no-"She protested.

"Get on." I cut her off and she reluctantly, but gratefully, got on.

Five minutes later, we were up at the shoreline, behind the line of trees. The tension grew and it made us uncomfortable, along with the silence. Lissa climbed down and gave me a small nod. I smiled, but then again, she couldn't see my face.

Christian turned to me and I narrowed my eyes, lifting up the spear slightly. What smartass remark does he have now?

"Thank you," he said abruptly, startling me.

I lowered my spear and I retreated slowly back, deeper into the jungle. I lifted my mask and I gave him a small smile.

"Apparently Lissa wants to keep you and I can't risk her baby's dad, so you're welcome."

He rolled his eyes and grinned.

We waited and I gasped; that's when I felt it.

The winds grew heavier and it was eerie; it was the only sound. I looked over at the sea and its waves were wild and the current was stronger than ever; crashing against the rocks.

I looked over at the group and they looked worried. I sighed; I seriously hope their rescue didn't come in the form of a boat. The last thing we need is them dyeing when they leave the island. I felt uneasy at the thought. Apparently, they thought so too.

Dimitri clasped my hand and we waited. Soon I heard the sound of blades cutting through the sky. I looked up just in time to see a black helicopter appear from the east side of the island.

I looked at Dimitri and like those cliché movies; he pulled me to him, lifted of my mask and kissed me passionately. His tongue swept in, dominating mine. Too soon, the kiss ended.

"You have to go," I whispered, looking up at him.

Anguish and pain filled his eyes and he nodded.

"I love you Roza. Never forget that." he strongly said, kissing me one more time.

I laughed and gave him a small sad smile. "And I love you, Comrade."

We separated as the helicopter came closer and backed off, searching.

"You need to go and you need to hurry." I urged, afraid.

If they don't make it, death could be possible or they're all stuck here.

"Listen up; you need to run as fast as you can when the helicopter makes another turn. Make sure they don't land and don't give them a reason. Do not stop. This is your life on your line. Do not hesitate. Do you understand?" I said firmly, making sure they knew this was serious.

They nodded and I saw fear in their eyes. The hunters retreated back into the shadows.

"Also do not say a word. We can't afford curious people coming and then maybe dyeing because of it. Do not mention us." I said softly. Dimitri looked pained but nodded along with the rest of them.

I heard the blades again and I slipped into the shadows.

The guys were on searching the sky while the girls took a deep breath. I gave them a smile, reassuring them.

I heard rustling off to my side and watched as the leopard and her cubs appear just as the helicopter appeared. My eyes widened as they started to run, but just as one of the cubs tensed and got ready to run. I groaned.

"So what do you do out here?" Lissa asked, walking with me through the forest; looking around in wonder.

"We hunt, gather, and just relax out here. I don't like it, but it's survival of the fittest." I explained, rolling my eyes at the last part. I hated that saying, but it was so true in this situation.

She nodded and trudged along with me. She had wanted to come with me when it was my turn to gather. We had enough meat and since I was slacking off, I volunteered to gather more herbs and fruit.

We crossed the stream, the one leading to the waterfall, to get to the other side. I tensed and took in my surroundings more carefully; you could never be too careful on this part of the island; especially with Lissa here with me.

I heard rustling and I took a stance, grabbing Lissa's arm. I would never be stupid enough to put her behind me; you never know what will come out behind your back. The last thing I need is my best friend to be hurt or dead; Christian will murder me.

I relaxed once I saw a friend; the leopard and her cubs. I looked her over and was glad that a gash that came from the fight I had with her cub had healed. They were in their toddler years. I looked over at them and they trotted forward, relaxed, but their mother eyed Lissa warily.

She had gasped when they appeared and froze, clutching my arm. I pulled my arm away, smiling at her. She calmed down and looked at the cubs curiously. One trotted up to her, gazing at her with wonder and curiosity. I leaned against a tree, watching as they became smitten with each other. She gently put a hand on her head and she purred against her hand.

They've been inseparable ever since, but she doesn't come out to the village. They're friendly, but we don't know how the others will react, especially when we need to go hunting. I shivered at the thought.

I gasped as she leaped forward, running after them.

"No!" I cried out, reaching for her, only to be pulled back.

I watched as Lissa turned around, hesitating. They were almost there and the pilots were shouting at her, yelling at her to keep running. Apparently they knew the dangers, too. They're technology must be reacting badly. I watched as the leopard stopped a few feet away and the rest were getting on. Dimitri and Christian had paused, looking over at her. Chris looked pained, knowing time was limited.

"Lissa!" they shouted, over and over again.

She finally snapped out of it, but it was too late. She ran to the leopard hugging her and after a moment, she let go. She ran back just as the helicopter was slowly taking off. I watched as she pushed herself, changing directions as the helicopter moved sideways, taking off into another direction. Christian had gone on, along with Dimitri.

No, I thought. I ran along the tree lines, looking for a solution. I climbed up the trees, swinging from branches and occasionally moving on land.

"Run Lissa!" I shouted, urging her.

She glanced back and I saw her push her legs forward. Adrenaline rushed through both of us, almost running side by side, ignoring the shouts behind us. The helicopter was still low on the ground, but looked like it was hanging back. Lissa needed to catch up.

Lissa turned to the side and our eyes met. I nodded at her, sending her a message. She nodded back and with that, we pushed ourselves faster, running at full speed to the lifting helicopter.

Please review! If you have any questions please privately message me or I won't be able to answer you. The story's half way done and I'm starting on Siren sequel.