Thanks for the reviews! I appreciate them.
VA belongs to Richelle Mead.
Rpov:
About an hour into sea and the island has gotten smaller.
The raft was gently rocking against the small waves and the sun was getting stronger.
A sheen of sweat appeared on our foreheads as we sat there. We were silent, consumed in our own thoughts. But it wasn't uncomfortable; it was nice, not awkward at all.
I looked towards the sky, squinting when the sun almost blinds my eyes.
I frowned as I see a small white cloud.
By another hour, that will multiply.
Max looks up towards where I'm looking and groans.
"We're going to face it anyhow," I said grimly.
He nods, looking towards Naira.
It's heartwarming to know what we are both thinking; her safety. But it's unfortunate because of the situation.
"This is going to be a long ass day," he comments.
I nod, agreeing with him.
Another hour has passed and the island was finally gone from sight.
The clouds had gotten bigger and darker. The waves were also getting bigger and we had the occasional bump.
I looked up at Max, who was frowning and squinting towards the water.
I frowned, looking towards it.
There was nothing there.
What the hell is he watching?
I start to get worried as he keeps glancing at the same spot and searching the water around it.
My hands twitch towards Naira, who was currently asleep under a small blanket I placed over her to block the sun out.
I looked back up in time to see Max tense and the grip he had on the raft's side loosened, going to his lap.
Reality hit me. We are in shark infested waters.
I almost slapped my forehead.
How can I forget?
I was basically friends with a fucking shark and I forget!
"Max," I said slowly.
Inside me, I was hoping that it was the shark I befriended at the island, but the bigger and more reasonable part of me knew that there was more than just one shark and that it wasn't her.
I finally saw it, just as more clouds rolled in.
It definitely wasn't her.
I placed Naira more into the middle, slightly soothing her so she doesn't wake up.
"Max," I called out, warning him as a fin comes out, coming closer than I would've liked.
Some sharks are friendly, I know that.
But let's face it; they're not so friendly when they're hungry and they believe our raft was food.
I regret bringing any weapons now.
I seriously hated this.
Max and I were on alert; eyes always scanning the water, flinching at every wave and whatever thing we thought was a fin. It was annoying and frustrating. The worse thing is that we can't do anything about it, especially when the damned fin pops up near our raft. It gets closer and closer and at times it pops up right next to us. To top it all off, we noticed that the fins are all different, some the same. There are a lot of sharks out there, enough to kill us.
Why can't they feed on something else?
I'm starting to think that sharks as the island's protectors are now a bad idea.
"Can't they back off?" Max asked after a while.
"Hmm?"
He turned to me, eyes curious. "I mean, we're from the island." he says. "Isn't that supposed to be a good thing? Can't they recognize you?" he asked, looking out towards the water.
I shrugged. "I don't know how they are 'programmed'. Besides, those who don't survive the island and have to get rid of; they try to run off. I don't how these sharks take us. They might think we're trying to escape. That can be a bad thing; they can kill us." I explained.
Yes, it was the wrong thing to say. But what do you want me to do about it? It's the truth and I'm all about honesty, sometimes. Besides, I don't want to beat around the bush.
He nods slowly, processing it.
I don't know if what I said scared him, but I can't tell. His face was void of emotion.
I turned to him suddenly.
"How did you escape?" I asked, curious.
He frowned and turned to me. "What do you mean?"
"Well, these are the island's protectors, so you would have to pass them to get to the island. How did you survive them? Even Dimitri got a few scratches."
His face held a look of wonder. "I didn't encounter any sharks. But I was half unconscious. I don't know. I don't really remember."
I nodded slowly, going over his words.
How couldn't he experience it? Everyone did. Hell, even I did.
But mine wasn't as bloody as the rest.
"You've made a friend," I stated, realization dawning on me.
"A friend?" he asked, confusion written all over his face.
I nodded. "That friend was able to save your ass that day. Otherwise, you would've gotten there with injuries."
"Are you talking about a shark?" he exclaimed, flabbergasted.
I nodded. "Yup," I said, popping the 'p'.
He looked at me weirdly.
I've seen these looks all the time, it doesn't affect me anymore.
But he kept staring.
"Yes, a shark," I said slowly, trying to get that to process in his head.
"How?" He asked, exasperated.
I shrugged. "We're part of the island and so are the sharks. It somehow forms a bond between the two. But it obviously doesn't happen with all the sharks," I explained, eyeing another fin.
"Do you have that 'bond'?" he asked, still not believing it.
I don't blame him.
I nodded. "A great white,"
He looked at me, jaw hanging.
"Sea water is going to get in your mouth," I warned, smiling.
To prove my point, a wave crashed against the raft, spraying us with water.
Max grimaced as he tasted the drops of water.
I chuckled and turned towards the sky.
It's getting darker and darker.
I sent Naira a look of worry. She was starting to stir and soon she will wake up. And the storm will come.
There was another moment of silence. But the peacefulness of it was gone. It wasn't like earlier; where there were no clouds.
"Do I have that?" he asked suddenly.
I shivered as the wind grew stronger. I wrapped up Naira in her blanket to keep her from getting cold.
I looked up after. "Yes, I do. We just need to figure out which one is it before they do something."
"Why haven't they?"
Boy was he full of questions.
"Because the storm hasn't started." I said quietly.
That's when the rain started to drizzle.
"I spoke too soon," I groaned.
The waves got bigger and rougher as did the wind.
My eyes widened as I saw the sharks surface, their fins coming up and then down, only for the waves to reveal them again. They circle around the raft, but they kept their difference.
I shivered as the cold rain dropped on us.
They gave us another pair of clothes to change into seeing as we didn't want them to discover the island. It's uncharted and off the maps for a reason.
"I wonder if he's here." he wondered out loud.
"We're about to find out," I said, grimacing as the rain pelted down harder.
Naira squirmed and started to cry. I reached for her, clutching her tight to my chest as we were tossed around by the waves.
The sky was completely dark now and the fins appeared more often now.
Max crawled over to me, stumbling many times. I cringed every time we were tossed, almost causing him to fall over board.
I inched closer, trying to get closer.
"I don't think the food is going to survive this," he shouted over the wind and rain.
I almost rolled my eyes. "I don't think we're going to survive this," I shouted back.
He clutched my body and Naira closer to his, trying to shield us from the most of it.
"Yes we are," he argued. "It's going to be a long ride, though."
Chills went up my spine as I thought back to my grandparent's words.
A Mazur can come and go as they please.
A Mazur, meaning Naira and I are Mazur. I accept Max as family, but he doesn't have it.
The question is; can he survive this? Like he said, this is going to be a long ride. I hope he does and looking at the waves, I know someone is going to get hurt.
That's when the rain picked up. The droplets turned into larger ones and it came down faster. It started to pour down hard and I flinched; it hurt.
Thunder rang through the sky, the first time low and quiet. The sky had turned into a dark nasty grey.
Naira started to cry, her wails ringing out through the sound of the waves and the thunder.
I looked down at her worriedly.
I can't do anything except hold her close.
My grip tightened on her, holding her closer.
She whimpered, nuzzling her face into my wet hair.
She was dripping wet and I hunched over her, trying to shield the rest of the water off of her. I know she's soaking, but I'm not going to let her continue in getting wet.
I looked up at Max, who was looking down at us with worry in his eyes.
"We're going to be fine," he promised.
I nodded. I just hoped that he was right.
He looked over at the ocean, wiping his eyes every few seconds, trying to wipe away the water.
I would've laughed if we weren't in this situation.
Suddenly, a large wave crashed against the raft, making us shoot forward.
Everything happened in slow motion.
Apparently a shark was nearby and along with the wave, it bumped against the raft, making it tip.
I looked at Max, whose eyes widened.
He pushed us back, making the boat crash onto the water to the other side.
However, another shark bumped into the raft again, making Max lose his balance.
I watched helplessly as his arms flailed and finally, he fell backwards into the water.
Everything became fast motion again and it sunk in what just happened.
"Max!" I screamed over the roaring waves.
Naira cried louder, but I couldn't get myself to notice.
My eyes searched the water and I felt tears well up in my eyes.
"Max!" I screamed louder.
It was stupid of me and I was just wasting energy.
Who knows if he can actually hear me through all this noise?
I looked at the sharks, which were now swimming towards the spot that Max fell in.
"Oh god," I gasped, crying silently.
I sat there helplessly, watching them circle the area.
Is he still alive?
I looked around the raft, searching for things that can help us.
I glared at the fruit and food I caught in the corner of my eyes.
That survives everything, but Max is overboard.
I almost threw the food in the water.
I groaned as I didn't find anything, not even a fucking oar.
I don't believe in god, but if there is one, please help him.
Apov:
I leaned against the chair and looked up.
I was currently in my office, working out the stack of papers on my desk.
I took a deep breath and looked around.
My office was on the top floor, the only floor with stairs, where my office was currently sitting at. The walls were made out of glass, allowing me to view the whole floor.
I watched Eric step off the elevator, smiling down at his daughter.
My heart ached, imagining me in his place with Rose.
It's almost been four years since she left and almost two years since they've returned.
Behind him was Olena, who smiled warmly at both of them.
What is she doing here?
Dimitri's office is not on this floor.
I frowned as she climbed the stairs and soon she was knocking on my door.
"Come in," I called out.
It's been a while since I've seen her.
She looked at me, smiling tiredly.
So much has changed for her; her husband's death and the disappearance of Dimitri.
I grimaced at the memory, remembering the day Dimitri became part of this ownership.
His father and I started this company together and he took his place.
"Hello, Ibrahim," she said, smiling.
I smiled at her gently. "Olena, it's been a while." I mused.
She nodded. "Yes, it has," she said shakily.
"What's wrong?" I asked, concerned.
She shook her head and laughed without any humor.
"You can trust me,"
She nodded slowly. "I just feel bad," she whispered. "I keep bothering you with my problems,"
I shook my head, "It doesn't matter. We've been friends for a long time," I pointed out.
She nodded. "The good old days;" She mused; no doubt remembering the times of us along with Aleksander and Janine.
I nodded and examined her face. She looked worn out and her eyes were tired.
"You've changed," I noted. "You're not as happy as before."
"Neither are you. You're not you're cheery, booming self since," she trailed off.
I sighed and nodded. "So much has changed since that day,"
She nodded. "Especially Dimka's life when he was informed of her," she paused, struggling for the word.
"Her death," I said bluntly.
She flinched and nodded.
"What do you need Olena?" I asked after a minute.
"It's about Dimka," she started, wringing her hands.
I nodded, gesturing for her to continue.
"I don't know what's wrong with him. Ever since he came back, he's been distance. He's always here, burying himself in work. And when he's not here, he's at a bar or in his room locked up. He's been a mess ever since her death, but now," She whispered. "But now he's worse. I don't know the cause of it. Every time I try to talk to him, he shuts down. He doesn't even talk to his sisters anymore. And when we mention Roza, he shuts down completely and leaves."
I looked at her shocked. I didn't know he was like this. Then again, I don't see much of him these days.
"I walked into his room once, to tell him dinner's ready," she continued. "I found bottles on his drawers, all of which are half empty or almost gone." She sniffed.
"You think he has a liquor problem." I stated.
She nodded. "Can you talk to him Abe? You're the next thing he has of a father figure since he was little."
I nodded. "I'll talk to him later,"
she nodded and got up to leave. "Thank you,"
I waved her off, "no problem, he's like a son to me."
She smiled. "Oh, we're going to have a barbeque on the beach in a few days. Do you want to come? I've invited the Dimitri's floor and the other partnerships we have with this company, including Eric. Do you want to come? Seeing as you're the owner of all this." she asked, smiling kindly.
I nodded. I couldn't refuse her, seeing as this is the brightest I've seen her in a while.
"I'll be there," I promised.
"Okay, bring Janine," she said and walked out the door.
I paused for a few minutes, staring at my desk.
I stood up and made my way towards Dimitri's office.
"Do I have a what?" he asked me incredulously.
I looked at him emotionlessly. "Do you have a drinking problem?" I repeated.
"Are you serious?" he asked me, stunned.
I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Dimitri. Yes or no? Do you have a drinking problem?"
He shook his head. "I don't." he answered. "Where is this all coming from?" he asked suspiciously.
I shrugged. "No reason,"
He nodded slowly, not quite believing me.
"How have you been?" I asked, leaning against the very uncomfortable chairs.
Why did we get these again?
He leaned against his own chair, the exact one I have in my office.
I narrowed my eyes a little, grimacing as I shifted in my chair.
"On?" He asked, eyeing me.
I shrugged. "Anything, work life, social life, love life, sex life-"
"I'm fine," he said, cutting me off.
I chuckled, looking at his startled and wide eyed expression.
I looked around his office and desk, trying to find anything wrong.
I trust this boy, but from what I heard from Olena, he has some issues.
"Why the question?" he asked, eyeing me.
He knows something is up, no doubt.
I stood up. I can't stand that damn chair anymore.
I walked around his office, going towards him. I looked outside the giants windows our offices have, looking down at the city.
I could see him tense up slightly, but he didn't turn around.
Perfect.
I shrugged. "I just wanted to know," I said, turning around. "I haven't seen you in a while, son."
I placed a hand on his shoulder and he relaxed.
He shrugged. "I've been busy,"
Then I caught sight of the flask under the desk.
I narrowed my eyes.
"Drowning your sorrows away?" I asked, a little harshly.
He spun around in his chair. "What the hell are you talking about?" he hissed.
I rolled my eyes. "I know about your drinking Dimitri. Open your eyes!" I exclaimed. "We're family! You haven't been the same since my daughter has died," I said, almost yelling.
I ignored him when he flinched and anger in his eyes grew.
"And ever since you came back from that island, you grew worse." I continued.
"You don't know anything," he hissed, standing up.
The down side of all this, is that he's about two heads taller me.
"No I don't," I said bluntly. "But you don't open up. This isn't healthy." I said, ripping the flask from under the desk, throwing out the contents in the trash.
"Who do you think you are coming here to my office and stating that I have a drinking problem?" he asked angrily. "Half of these people pour vodka in their coffee and I don't see you ranting at them," he hissed.
"Because I don't give a damn about them," I bluntly said. "And because they don't drink to forget their pain,"
He gave me a pointed look.
I rolled my eyes. "Okay, so some do and some don't. I don't give a fuck. This is you we're talking about. You're worrying your mother and your family and the rest who give a damn about you. Stop drinking so much and face your situation. Move on, Dimitri. That doesn't mean you will forget her," I finished, patting his arm.
He sighed, defeated. "I'll minimize the drinking." He muttered.
I chuckled. "You remind me so much of your father; he always found loop holes."
He cracked a smile.
"I'll see you later," I said, walking out.
I looked up to see the people in this floor staring, who are now rushing to do their jobs.
Lissa grinned at me, looking at the people in amusement.
I rolled my eyes. "Nosy people," I said, loud enough for them to hear me as I stepped onto the elevator, in time to hear Ivan's and Christian's laughter.
Rpov:
I sighed in relief as Max resurfaced the water, only for terror to fill in.
Max struggled against the waves, gasping for air.
To make matters worse, those damned sharks are still out there.
I leaned over the raft, about to stick my hand out to help him when a shark rose out of water, mouth wide open
I fell back, panting, as I barely reeled my arm back in.
This was not helping and things were getting worse, especially when that shark knocked against the raft, sending us farther from Max.
I groaned. I can't do anything to help, even more with Naira in my arms.
I bit my lip, trying to figure out what to do.
I can go in and try to pull him back and risk our lives and leave Naira here or leave him to fend for himself.
My breathing became labored as I stressed over the situation.
Reason, however, made up my choice. I can't leave Naira here if I go out there and I'm not about to bring her in the water filled with sharks. I can't go in, it's a risk. What if I don't survive? I'm not risking Naira to be motherless, especially in the middle of the ocean. She can crawl to the edge and fall over and drown.
I shook away the thoughts and watched helplessly.
I hope the shark that bonded with him is here to help him.
I then internally slapped myself and groaned. I have that fucking bond and here I am twiddling my fingers and watching Max drowning and become shark bait.
I started to think of ways to lure her out here.
Is she out here?
I grimaced, thinking of a way to find out.
Honestly, it's really stupid, but considering the situation, I'm not risking it.
I started to search the raft again and again, nothing.
"We brought everything that we don't need," I groaned out, frustrated.
This trip is starting to be a pain in the ass.
I carried Naira closer to me, shifting her to my other arm.
I winced as I felt something sharp poke me and I spun around, expecting to see a shark on the raft.
I frowned. What the hell was that, then?
I shifted and I felt it again.
I looked down at Naira, who was looking up at me sleepily, tired of screaming her lungs out.
I sat down carefully, looking over at Max.
Sighed in relief; he was fine, for now.
The sharks haven't done anything.
And I spoke too soon again.
Max dived under water, dodging a shark just in time as it rose out of water, attempting to knock him down.
Great, that's going to encourage the others.
I started to search what had poked me.
Soon, I found it. It was a handmade knife, small enough to be a pocket knife.
I remembered why I put it there.
She had taken an interest in it and I handed it to her, hovering over her so she doesn't hurt herself. It had been a favorite … item of hers. Mine too, since it had all four of our initials.
I untied it from the blanket and I set Naira down next to the food. It turns out she was safe from the waves and rain and the arch above her protected her form it.
I took a deep breath and turned back towards the storm, which has been going on for an hour.
I placed the knife over my hand just as Max surfaced from the water again.
His eyes widened as they met mine.
"What the hell are you d-" he was cut off by the wave that came over him.
Before he could protest any further, I cut my hand.
I watched as the blood slowly appeared and then it began to drip down. I placed my hand over the side, letting the blood drip down.
That was probably the stupidest thing I've ever done.
The blood sent the sharks into frenzy. They began to swarm around the raft and some tried to take bites out of Max, who neatly dodge them. I don't know how, but he did.
The sharks turned almost violent against each other.
All in all, it wasn't a pretty sight.
However, as I looked closer, it looks like the sharks are flinching, turning away rapidly.
I frowned.
Just then, I saw a familiar fin.
I felt my face break out into a grin.
She has grown bigger.
She soon surfaced and I was able to see her rows of sharp teeth.
"What the hell are you doing?" I heard Max yelling. "You're going to get killed."
I reached out, ignoring his shouts, and laid a hand on her sleek wet skin.
"It's been a while," I said, smiling.
I was surprisingly calm.
I jerked away as another wave hit the raft.
I am seriously tired of this damned storm.
I don't remember it being this long.
I looked into the shark's black eyes and she went under.
I waited anxiously as I stared out to Max, who was growing tired.
I sighed in relief as the sharks swam away, circling, and keeping their distance.
Max saw my shark, no doubt, as his eyes widened. he tried to swim away and he kicked at the water, but fatigue was coursing htrough him.
I leaned over, reaching my arms out as the shark was able to slip Max on.
His eyes were half closed and he happily leaned on her. I doubt he knew what he was doing.
Fear gripped through me as I saw a shark trailing behind him.
I frowned, it didn't do anything. It almost looks like he's following him.
Realization hit me; there's his bondage.
I smiled as I saw him surface.
Not bad; a tiger shark.
The sharks soon reached the raft and I pulled Max out, struggling a little.
He collapsed in my arms and I hugged him close, silently crying.
I pulled Naira out, glad she was safe.
She babbled softly at Max, who lazily smiled at her.
I hugged both of them close to me, not letting go.
Soon, fatigue overcame them and the both fell asleep.
I stayed awake; the storm was still raging on.
We slowly drifted away, with both sharks flanking us.
I fought to stay away for the next few hours.
And finally, the storm stopped.
I relaxed as the waves smoothed over and the harsh rocking stopped.
An hour later, both sharks had disappeared.
Just as the clouds started to disappear, my eyes drifted and closed.
A few more days and we'll reach land.
Or so I hope so.
With that, darkness fell over me as I fell asleep next to my kids.
This was a long ass horrible day.
Dpov:
I pulled up in the drive way of the beach and cut the engine off.
"We're here," I announced.
"We noticed," Vicky muttered.
I rolled my eyes and she stuck her tongue out at me.
I looked over at my mother, who was smiling at me.
She turned around without a word and got out of the car, along with Jill and Ivan.
I got out after everyone did and I was hit with the humid weather.
The other cars pulled up next to the vacant spots next to us.
I headed to the back of the truck and started unloading everything.
"Thank god they have parking right here," Ivan muttered as he helped me.
I chuckled and nodded.
We were at a section of the beach where it was closed off and luckily, they had parking there.
We got the tarp out and Christian, Abe, and Eric headed off to set it up.
We soon got everything under the tarp; the grill, chairs, tables, towels, and food.
I flipped over the steaks and hamburger meat, taking a swig from my beer.
In the corner of my eye, I could see my mother eyeing me, but she had a smile on her face.
All this was a … pretense.
I was enjoying myself, but I couldn't help but feel guilty.
I missed her.
I shook the thoughts away.
I'm not doing this here. I'm doing this for my mother, so she can stop worrying.
The barbeque turned out alright.
I had some fun, more than I had in two years.
Soon, it was six.
The heat lessened by that time and we were all relaxing.
I laughed as Ivan chased Jill down the beach. He soon caught her and dragged her into the water, getting her soaked. She stomped away angrily, heading to a soaked Lissa.
I shook my head.
"What is that?" I heard Vicky exclaim, leaning forward from her chair.
Confused, I looked towards where she was looking.
"It looks like a boat," I suggested, trying to squint over the blinding rays of the sun.
"What is a boat doing over here?" my mother muttered.
"I thought it was closed off." Christian commented, frowning.
"It's supposed to."
"Is there someone even in it? That boat looks damaged." Jill observed, putting a hand over her eyes.
"I hope they're alright," Lissa said, worried.
"Should we call the coast guard?" Eric asked, turning towards Abe.
Janine shook her head. "No, let's see if there's anyone there. Let's wait a little," she said.
I'm surprised she came. Ever since Rose, she doesn't go out much. She left the company, leaving Abe to it.
We sat back, without a word, and waited.
Two hours has passed and we were sitting around.
The boat has come closer. It was definitely a raft. A boat without an engine wouldn't take that long.
"Looks like there's a person," Lissa muttered, squinting.
Hope flared up in me.
I tried to shake the thought away. it couldn't be her.
"No, they're two." Jill said.
And that hope just deflated.
I sat back in my chair and finished the rest of my beer.
Abe eyed me and I rolled my eyes.
Finally, the boat was near enough.
"We should help them out," Ivan said.
I looked at him and nodded.
Christian joined us as we walked down the beach and towards the water.
"I'm calling the coast guard," Abe muttered behind us.
The water sloshed around us and small waves came in and dragged the sand back.
"Wait is that-" Ivan started.
The person climbed out, her legs wobbling against the water, weak.
"Roza," I breathed out, finishing his sentence as she looked up at us.
I rushed forward, collecting her in my arms as she collapsed.
Just then, people from the coast guard arrived.
I walked back, ignoring the authorities as they called out to us.
I distinctly heard the walkie-talkies and the static as they talked to them, informing them what's going on.
I walked towards where my family was and I heard their gasps.
"Dimitri," my mother started, rushing forward.
I looked up at Abe and Janine, who were staring at the person in my arms.
"Is that?" Janine asked hesitantly, taking a step forward.
I nodded and she rushed forward, sobbing.
Abe snapped out of his trance and started to walk forward.
I laid her down on a chair.
She looks different, I don't know how.
I didn't ponder it much as I heard Ivan call out my name.
I turned around, not really hearing anything or anyone around me.
I turned to him distractedly.
"There's more than one person." Ivan said.
I started to walk toward him, slowly and numbly.
She was here.
She was actually here.
"There was a teenage boy who had gone missing almost two years ago," he said.
I didn't really pay attention, I kept looking back at where Rose was, who was currently being checked out. The ambulance had arrived a few minutes ago.
"Dimitri," Ivan snapped.
"Hmm," I said, finally turning to him.
"Dimitri, there was also a baby,"
"What?" I asked, in disbelief.
Many scenarios ran through my head and I contained myself from waking up Rose.
"Dimitri," he snapped again, annoyed. "That baby is getting checked out. She is almost one,"
"She could be yours," Christian interrupted bluntly.
My eyes widened at this, finally grasping but he said.
Please review! How was it? Was it too rushed?