"Lexi, wake up." Grumbling something unintelligible, I swatted Dante´s face away that was inches from mine, turning around burying my face in the pillow. "No, come on!" It was his turn to groan, letting himself fall onto the bed beside me. "We have to be in the pit in like 7 minutes and we sure as hell can´t turn up together."
"Why the hell did you have to make training so early when we were up the whole damn night?" I asked grumpily, the only thing on my mind to go back to sleep. After getting home from zip lining last night Dante had taken it onto himself to teach me a lesson shooting him, ravishing my body until I fell asleep completely spent after the sun had already begun to rise. If I couldn't walk today, it would be his fault.
"Early?" Dante laughed, lightly running a hand through my hair. "It´s past 3 pm."
"What?!" Sitting up abruptly, I stared at him wide-eyed. "Are you kidding me?"
"No. Now get up." Rolling his eyes at me, he rolled himself off the bed, already fully clothed. "If I´m late, I´ll get reprimanded by your brother but if you´re late…" Shrugging his shoulders, he let me figure out how my punishment would look like. "I suggest you get going, you have..." Looking down at his watch, he pretended not to be amused. "exactly four-and-a-half minutes."
Cursing his name, I jumped up, pulling one of my loose shirts, a sports bra and a pair of leggings from his drawer knowing we wouldn't do any fighting today. With the top in hand, I gave him the evil eye, a slight shove, and a quick kiss before snatching the piece of toast and bottle of water he had placed on his table for me, sprinting out of the door.
Reaching the pit with not a second to spare, I had managed to dress fully and somehow devour the toast without choking. Downing half of the water, I made my way over to the others who were already waiting in the pit, in front of a foldable table, a board behind it.
Spotting Ivy, Owen, and Avery, who waved me over, I furrowed my brows at their serious expressions, curious what had them so worked up.
Nodding towards them, I cocked my head waiting for an explanation that would knowing Avery, soon come.
And I was right.
"Didn't you hear?" She asked almost incredulous, eyes widening when I shook my head. "How couldn't you? I thought you´d be one of the firsts…"
"The way she looks she just fell out of bed." Ivy remarked dryly and my hands flew up to my hair that was admittedly a mess. Grimacing, I pulled the hair tie out, taking a few hairs with it before gathering all on top of my head in a loose bun. "Besides, it´s classified information." She added, turning slightly red.
By now I was more than confused, not to mention annoyed. I had neither an inkling to what they were talking about nor how Ivy would get her hands on secret information. Meeting my eye, Owen rolled his at the bickering girls, silencing them with one movement of his hand before turning to me. "Apparently, the guards who were with us yesterday managed to capture two factionless that tried to get onto the Navy Pier. We know nothing more than that they were armed."
Staring at him, I blinked slowly. Their appearance wasn't a surprise, not really. But that we managed to get out hands on two of them was a huge win. Over the last four years we managed to do so only twice, Edgar somehow always being two steps ahead of us.
Knowing my father, it´d be him down in the cells 'interrogating' the prisoners which almost made me smile. His violence never disappointed.
Feeling Owens stare on me, I looked up to see him watch me with a bewildered expression, having anticipated another reaction but before he could ask Theo called us over just as he spotted Dante coming out of the hallway, his steps hurried.
Trudging over, I placed myself right in front of the table, eyes never leaving my brother knowing he hated my unnerving stare, one of the rare things that made his skin crawl. Catching my eyes, his jaw tightened when I didn't look away, shoulder flexing. He looked away for a moment but as his eyes rested on me again, he rolled them unnerved, already agitated by me. 'Later.' He mouthed and after I nodded begrudgingly, turned towards Dante who came to a halt beside him, sending him a stern gaze.
"Listen up!" Theo shouted, not only managing to shut the initiates up but the whole pit, the other member watching us amused, or – strangely – with pity.
"Behind me, you´ll see the statistics of the war games and the resulting rankings that, of course, will be taken into account regarding your overall rankings of stage one that will end tomorrow, as you all know. You will be fighting the person closest to you in skill and strength, so make sure you´re well rested and ready to go. This will be your hardest one yet, so make sure you fight hard and fair." Raking his eyes over the lot of us, he stopped to stare at certain people for a few moments, driving his message home. Sure, that he was successful, he nodded at Ben who held a tablet in hand. "Your rankings."
The board behind them lit up and I started smiling seeing the name on the very top. Looking around, I found a dumbstruck Rob, being swatted on the back harshly by his brother who had somehow managed to get in 12th place. Considering both were from abnegation this was huge.
With 5 out of 9 hit targets and not being shot once it was only logical for him to place first, Owen second with more hits but also being shot, followed by Ivy with two hits despite being in the middle of the action. I guess, my brother took most of the hits clearing the way for her.
I came in fourth with 9 of 11 hits but also being shot 4 times, if the bullets wouldn't have killed me in a real battle the fall would have. Considering this, I was content with my ranking, knowing it wouldn't affect me greatly especially since Marc came in last, disqualified for dangerously harming another initiate.
Trying to suppress my smirk, I looked over just to find him already glaring at me, eyes full of hatred. Just my luck, he was one of three I hadn´t fought yet and I knew he´d be my opponent tomorrow, willing to do anything to take me out.
Letting my lip curl upwards, I challenged him to bring it on, Marc taking a threatening step forward when Ben spoke up.
"Now to your punishment. After all, we can´t let incompetence simply go." The mischievous glint in his eyes should have been hint enough at the torture to come. Especially when two members stepped forward with a bag, placing shot glasses on the table. "Depending on your ranking, you´ll have to complete between one and twenty-four rounds through the compound, each and every one of them followed by a shot."
Raising one of the plastic glasses in toast he downed the liquor inside not even scrunching up his face. Incredulous staring from Ben to Theo to Dante, I narrowed my eyes promising each and every one of them unimaginable pain.
Each one of those rounds would take ten to fifteen minutes which was bad enough with the stairs and uneven floors but running with alcohol in your bloodstream… I predicted that the best trained of them wouldn't make it past the eighth round.
"Oh, and make sure you´re careful. Who knows what surprises could wait for you on your way?" Called Dante, his smile way too smug for my liking. Narrowing my eyes at them once again, I fell into step with Ivy and Owen knowing that the others would have a hard time keeping up with us, stamina not their strongest suit.
Listening to the two of them arguing who´s idea this whole ordeal had been, halfway through the first round we completely missed the barrels aiming our way until the first of them fired. Owen´s chest turned red, the color sweeping slowly into the fabric.
Squealing loudly, Ivy dived out of the way, a shower of yellow bursting against the floor instead. Owen was still staring at the color on his shirt until I grabbed his arm, sprinting away pulling him with me. It was too late, I had already been hit twice, green and red coloring the once black fabric. Cursing under my breath when one of them hit my calve, I doubled my tempo running straight into the next booty trap.
But instead of members with paintball guns now it was kids with water balloons, drenching us from head to toe. Gasping, the cold water was freezing against my skin as I ran faster trying to get out of their range before being hit again. Two times was more than enough.
Arriving in the pit once again a little in front of the other two I heard the members who sat on the ledge snicker and cheer, calmly nursing their beers while we were tortured. Almost slamming into the table, I downed the liquid gagging as I tasted the strongest vodka amity could supply us with.
My brother and cousin didn't even bother trying to hide their laughter while Dante had the decency to bite his lips, turning away. Aiming the empty glass at Theo´s head, I threw it with all my might, dissatisfied when the plastic only made a small noise hitting his forehead before resuming my run.
After the second run, I had been hit by paintballs three more times, already feeling the unprotected skin bruise, the paint making my clothes stick uncomfortably to my skin.
After the third round and a whole tub of water later, I was sure I´d be sick by tomorrow.
After the fourth and last round and shot, I felt so sick to my stomach I almost puked into a bin on my way. The running itself hadn´t bothered me at all but drinking on an empty stomach while being chased by maniacs with guns brought even me to my limits.
With chattering teeth, I put the pin in pushing the door open widely, fleeing from the freezing insides of the compound into our warm flat, mom having an affinity to keeping the heat up even though dad hated it. Rubbing my arms, I tried to avoid dripping water and paint onto the rug on the way to my bedroom but a sleeping figure on the sofa halted me in my steps. Walking over, I realized that mom must have had fallen asleep while working, papers strewn everywhere around her.
Picking one up, I furrowed my brow, realizing it was an email from the new amity representative, the tone of it not amity at all. Kiara, that was the name it was signed with, demanded that the dauntless were to be kept away from their compound at all costs, seemingly interrupting the peaceful life they were living.
I knew that dad had ordered with the help of Tris´ dad, the head of the abnegation government, that dauntless were to be stationed around the perimeter for their own safety because the surrounding woods were a great hide-out.
Sighing, I looked down at my mother, not any longer wondering why I hadn't seen her more over the last few weeks or why she was asleep in the middle of the day. This woman sounded like a class-A bitch and despite being dauntless, mom was still too nice to everyone.
Another shiver racked my body and I realized I was still dripping wet, so I gently pulled off her reading glasses to not wake her up, setting her onto the table before hurrying into my bathroom turning the shower on hot.
After a good scrub and tons of hot water later, I stumbled out of my bathroom with my head wrapped up in a towel and on my bed, crawling beneath the sheets, my stomach still upset. Grimacing, I snuggled deeper into my blanket, the alcohol taking the edge off everything as I slowly drifted back to sleep, deciding that a few more hours of sleep were completely justified after the torture I had gone through.
Closing my eyes, it didn't take long until I drifted off, cozily warm.
I was shaken awake by my sister who unceremoniously dumped a pair of pants on my head, effectively ending a dream about Uncle T defending his cake. Squinting my eyes, I glared up at her for interrupting my nap. It seemed I couldn't get enough sleep today, the night before having messed up my daily rhythm.
"What do you want?"
"I want you to get your ass up and get dressed." Harper rolled her eyes at me, a sweatshirt flying my way. "And I want you to hurry because we´re meeting someone."
"And who would that be?" Pulling the sweater over my head, I was thankful for the warmth it wrapped me in, struggling to get into my pants without coming from under the blanket.
"The father of my child." Rolling my eyes at her pitiful joke, I bend over but froze when she stayed quiet. Whipping my head up, I stared at my sister with wide eyes starting to get up. But because my pants were halfway up my legs, I stumbled tumbling from the bed.
Half-dressed I continued staring at her from my spot on the floor. "Say something, Lexi!"
"I think you just made me a mute again." Harper gawked at me, letting out an airy laugh that turned teary not a second later. Scrambling up, I dusted down my clothing, finally buttoning up my pants before falling onto the bed beside her. Harper´s chuckles were slowly being replaced by tears falling from her eyes that she hurriedly tried brushing away. "Harper… are you sure?"
"One hundred percent." Looking up at the ceiling, every tear she dried was immediately replaced with another one. "I just got the results back. I thought I was catching a cold for fuck's sake! Dad will kill Jeff and then I´ll have to raise this child on my own, but I have no idea how to handle a child, let alone a newborn!" Her incredulousness turned to anger, then to fear before turning desperate at last.
"Harper." I tried calming her, not knowing where to start so I pulled her closer. To my surprise she complied, laying her head on top of my shoulder, sobbing, asking what she should do.
"The first thing you should do is tell Jeff. He´s trustworthy, right?" Raising her head to shot me a small glare, Harper snorted at me.
"Of course, he´s from amity. You won´t find a better man in this hellhole."
"Great." Opting for fake enthusiasm, I stopped when Harper drove her elbow into my guts. Grunting, I rubbed the sore spot deciding to let it go. After all, I know how emotional an unplanned or rather unwanted pregnancy could mess one up. "That´s one less thing to worry about. Also, don´t be afraid because of dad. He may knock him out but when you tell him you love him he couldn't bring it over himself to harm him and therefore you when you´re so fragile. And believe me, you have a lot of time to prepare for my godchild. When you hold it in your arms for the first time it will come naturally."
"And how can you be so sure about that?" Sitting up, Harper turned towards me, face red and blotchy but her gaze sharp nonetheless. Shrugging my shoulders, I looked at my wall, the familiar dark color soothing.
"I just know." Giving her a tight smile, I got up, walking into the bathroom mirror, trying to tame my curly hair. "Hurry up, I have to meet this Jeff. Let´s hope for him he lives up to my expectations of him."
Peeking out of the door, I wiggled my eyebrows at her, trying to make her laugh. She snorted a small victory. "You will love him. He´s the best friend of your fuck buddy after all."
Freezing on my spot, I turned towards her, expression incredulous. Harper was too busy touching up her make-up to notice my stare but when she looked up, she took a double-take, head snapping back. "What?!"
"Fuck buddy? Are you serious? Is that what he told his best friend?" I asked, an uncomfortable stone settling in my guts, a twinge of hurt settling in my heart overshadowed by anger.
"No, of course not. They´re guys, they don´t talk about this stuff but I thought…? So it´s serious?" Regarding me closely, Harper coked her head as I just shrugged my shoulders, turning away as the weight fell off my chest, making me immediately feel bad for thinking something like this about Dante.
"Yeah, kind of."
"Kind of? Really, Lex?" Harper deadpanned, crossing her arms. "So you love him?"
"None of your business." Scrunching up my nose, I wanted nothing more than to get out of here. There was no way I would tell her before saying it to Dante himself.
"You totally do!" She squealed suddenly, making me bump my hip against the drawer in surprise. "Oh my god, Lexi!"
"Stop it, H! Right now!" Swiveling around, I pointed my finger at my overly hormonal sister, trying to keep my face straight.
"I´m so proud!" Harper continued to gush, slightly tearing up again as she pulled me closer. That hug last night made so much more sense now. "He´s a good one that boy."
"I know." I wheezed out, her arms squishing me, cutting off my oxygen supply. "That´s why I´m with him."
Gently pulling out of her embrace, I took a lungful of air, holding my aching ribs. She seriously had too much strength.
This strange, overly emotional version of my sister slowly made me uncomfortable and I searched for an out, finally realizing that we seemed to be alone in the flat. If mom was here, she would have stormed inside to see what´s wrong the first time Harper started squealing. Turning back towards her, I let my arms hang by my sides. "So, where´s mom?"
"Dunno." Harper shrugged her shoulders, unbothered. "She got a call and suddenly left. No idea where she went."
"Alright." Raising my eyebrows, I nodded towards the door. "Let´s go."
"Wait!" Harper cried out, making me run face first into the door. Rubbing my sore nose, I turned around, to see what she was screaming about. "Do you still have chocolate hidden in here? I would about kill for a bar right now."
We made it out of the apartment around twenty minutes later and I asked myself for the nth time how I could have missed her strange moods or her emotional outbursts that knowing the cause were unmistakable.
It went on until we came to the pit where we were to meet Jeff and by default Dante too, who, how Harper only told me after leaving the flat, had asked about my whereabouts, not finding me in his flat.
But when we arrived at the center of dauntless, we both stopped and stared. The whole pit was filled to the brim with dauntless but instead of celebrating like it was usual they were all silent, seemingly watching something or someone in the middle of the crowd. Giving each other a clueless look, Harper grabbed my hand, starting to pull me through the masses, knowing whatever was in the middle, our whole family would be there.
Wanting to know who was bumping into them, a few members turned around to no doubt tell us what exactly they were thinking but when they recognized us, or more specifically me, they started to move out of the way, jostling the ones in front of them who did the same, parting like the red sea.
Giving Harper a panicked look, I pulled her back to walk in front of her, knowing she was the weaker bond right now. With so many dauntless surrounding us we shouldn't be in any danger but whatever was waiting in the center of the pit couldn't be anything good.
The closer we got, the heavier grew the feeling in my guts, my heart working in overdrive, hands turning clammy. Gnawing my cheeks, I tasted the coppery of my blood, a strange feeling of trepidation overcoming me, some sort of foreboding, an ill auguring.
Pushing myself through the last barrier of body´s I stopped short, my eyes shooting up towards my father, brother and mother standing in front of the rest, a kneeling figure to their feet, flanked by two heavily armed dauntless.
Taking a step forward as in trance, I almost missed Harper coming up behind me as well as my father´s head snapping up towards me, if it wouldn't have been for the man craning his head, a pair of deep blue eyes burning into my owns, an all too familiar smirk curling up his lips.
My eyes not leaving his, I let go of my sister's hand, not even noticing that she was hissing for me to come back, slowly rounding the circle until I was standing directly in front of him, his smirk contorting his whole face as he stared up at me from the floor. Where he belonged.
"There she is!" He called out, his charismatic voice raking shivers down my spine, unwanted images invading my mind. "The princess has come to join the party. Tell me, Alexis, did you miss me?"
Cocking my head, I took a step forward, everything around me blurring as I stared into the eyes of the man, of the monster, who had made my life a living hell and came now back to haunt me. But this time, he was the one bound and it was time to get my revenge.
"Edgar."
Oh my gooood, it´s finally happening! I´ve been so thrilled to write this part & especially the next chapter since the beginning! I have been through these scenes so many times in my head..
Believe me, this is all planned out! How many of you did see this coming?
Sorry to leave you hanging with this cliffhanger… and also not.. :D
Okay, it´s time to sleep :D
Thank you for reading & to everyone who reviewed!