I nodded weakly. I wasn't really scared of him, just intimidated.
"Sit," he pointed to an empty chair facing away from the table. I kept my eyes on him. He watched me, aside from a quick glance at Alex. "What's your girlfriends telepathic range?"
I slid into the seat. "I'm not sure. It's probably a couple of miles."
He snarled. I stayed calm and resisted the urge to taunt him about the fact that Logan had slipped through. I wasn't going to ask to be hurt. He clicked his claws menacingly and glanced at Alex. My breath caught in my chest, but Sabretooth didn't move. Alex was curled up with his eyes shut, but I knew he was awake and listening in on us.
Sabretooth turned back to me, "He's in pain." I didn't move. I was too angry and too guilty. "Magneto will be in later."
Then he turned and left the room. I paused to catch my breath. Alex opened his eyes and sat up. He kept his knees against his chest. I rose to my feet and went to his side. He looked up at me, but didn't say anything. I wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He leaned against my chest. I faltered slightly; this was not present-day Alex. He used to do this when he was sick as a kid.
"Hungry?" I asked softly while trying to be rid of the sudden sappiness between us.
"Yeah," he whispered back, "but not for that grease."
"Jean made me eat that grease," I shot back.
"Somebody's whipped," Alex sang out softly.
"I am not." I returned forcefully.
"Whatever, dude. Just get me some grub, will you?"
"After that?"
"Please, Scott."
I froze. That was a plead and definitely not typical Alex. He pulled back a little, but flinched as if the move hurt his head. I sighed and rolled my eyes. He smiled faintly. I gave in and went to the mini-fridge. "All right, kiddo. What do you want?"
I awoke the next morning and silently wondered how much drugs a body could take before being permanently damaged. I grumbled to myself as I threw down the sheets and rolled out of bed. I pulled on some clothes and thought back to the conversation I'd had with Alex the night before. He'd asked why the Brotherhood was being like this. I'd told him that it was Mystique and Magneto's hold over them. I just couldn't see them trying to kill us otherwise.
Jean, how is everyone? I eased myself onto the bed.
Everyone seems to be fine, even Alex and Rogue.
I smiled to myself. Suddenly the door pulled open with a magnetic whirl. I looked up at Magneto as he gave the clamps on my wrists a small tug. I rose to my feet and followed him out. My arms were raised in front of me as I took the familiar path to the office. He jerked me into the office and toward the chair. I sat down but didn't let my guard drop. Magneto drew my arms behind me and secured them with the same rope he'd used yesterday. I let him do it without difficulties.
He rounded in front of me and smirked, "Have fun."
Then he pulled off my sunglasses. Instinctively and just barely quickly enough, I snapped my eyes shut. I heard him leave and shut the door behind him. I grimaced and tugged against the rope. No leeway. That meant I was helpless yet again. I grumbled, sat back, and tried to get comfortable.
The door opened some time later. I didn't look up and didn't move. The person came in front of me. He seemed to be shuffling his feet. I kept as still as I could and tried to figure out who was in here. There was the sound of a slight struggle, but no one said anything. I was tempted to call Jean, but I didn't want to alarm her.
"You look pretty cozy in that chair, Summers," the person shot out.
"Actually I am. Do you want a spin, Alvers?" Lance was right in front of me, but I couldn't hear the other person.
"I'll pass." He was closer now.
"What do you want?" I demanded. I was through dancing around the topic.
"Can't we just chat?" My features softened as I started to open my eyes. "Do not open those weapons of yours. I have a shield now and you wouldn't want to . . . dent it, would you?"
Shit. Lance had a person in front of him. It was the only way his statement made any sense and it explained the shuffling. I decided to pretend that I didn't know this, in hopes of getting a clue as to whom he was holding. My subconscious told me it was Alex, but I kept denying it. "It'll be worth it."
He chuckled, "I honestly doubt it."
"You honest?"
There was no reply from Lance, but I heard a slight shuffle of feet and a yelp from the other person. I frowned. It definitely sounded like Alex. Lance spoke to me, "I really don't think you want to kill the only family you have left."
My features softened. Lance made a low blow by bringing up family. Of course, I could always shoot back a comment about his lack-of family, but we both knew I wouldn't. I wouldn't stoop that low. After all, I knew how it felt. Alex gave a small whimper.
"What do you want from me?" I tried to calm my angry nerves.
"Magneto suggested that I teach you some respect," he stated bluntly, "but I don't really feel like being a teacher. I never like them."
"Then what do you want?" I asked unsuccessfully trying to cover my bluntness.
"If you want a lesson, I'll go ahead and show you how to take orders." He was definitely angry. I shut up so hopefully he would not hurt Alex. "You're a quick learner, Summers."
I held back my put-downs and comebacks to listen for Alex. There was no sound of him. I tried to relax, but I couldn't. "Can I have my shades back . . . please?"
Lance chuckled, "Want to see your tormentor?"
Once again I bit back everything I wanted to say. "Please."
Lance snorted and I heard some movement. I tried to isolate his movements but was not able to do it. Where was Alex? He had to still be in here. I felt my shades being slid on and waited impatiently for them to be all the way on before I threw open my eyes. Lance was directly in front of me and he had Alex in a headlock. I looked at Lance expectantly. He was watching me, but kept his arm firmly around Alex's neck.
Alex jerked against Lance's arm. He struggled a bit before surrendering and standing still. Lance smirked and gave a small tug against Alex's neck for reassurance. I stayed quiet and tried to stay calm.
Suddenly the door flew open with a magnetic whirl. Heavy footsteps drew up to my side. I just focused on Alex. A glove brushed my shoulder roughly and I reluctantly looked at Magneto.
He smirked, "We've captured Wolverine."
My eyes widened unwillingly and I felt my heartbeat go up a bit. Then I regained my composure and realized what I should do. Jean, Magneto says they've captured Wolverine.
There was silence. It's a lie. I just contacted him. He's safe and ready to move.
So he is in your range, I mused.
Of course.
I blinked and looked over at Alex. He seemed to have given in to Lance, at least for the time being. He caught my gaze and looked at me with an intense determination. I smiled and looked up at Magneto again.
"I think he knows more than he's letting on," Lance spat.
Magneto gave me a truly evil smile and looked down at me, "Oh, I know he does."
I flinched as he ran a hand through my hair. Jean, I want to step down.
So someone else's loved ones can get hurt? I won't let you do that. No one else could take the beating you two have and still be calm and able to withhold secrets.
But Jean, Alex-
I know about Alex, Scott. she interrupted angrily. I know that you're scared of losing him. We all are, OK? You're not in this alone. I know that you feel like you are, but we're all trying to end this mess as soon as we can.
Jean, I'm- I was about to say to say sorry when she interrupted again.
Don't be. We need a leader to keep everything under control. You're the one for the job, Scott. No one else can get us out of this. We need you to lead us out of this mess, OK, honey?
What's gotten into you? I asked, slightly amused. I glanced at Alex as I felt her sigh. Jean, what's the matter? Did someone hurt you, because if they did I swear I'll-"
Calm down, Scott. No one hurt me.
If they didn't hurt you then- No! No, Jean, they can't. Because of me? Last night? No.
It's OK. I'm ready anyway.
Jean-
It'll be OK, Scott. I'm ready to go take someone down and get us free.
Be careful, Jean.
I will. Besides, you didn't think I'd let the Brotherhood force me into break the law did you? We leave in five minutes. It's now or never.
TBC
AN: Yep, another boring chapter finished. I'm almost done writing. I think there will be 15 chapters (3 more). Please review and thanks to those who did:
angelbird1224- Your favorite? Really? I don't believe that (besides the fact that I think Love Kills is better). I'm sure you like some others more.
Phobia- I thought so too. I think the last chapter and this one are the ones where you run to get a refill or go to the bathroom.
Classic Tinker- Holy shit! I was reading through your review going, 'She liked that? I never noticed that. Where's the bad stuff?' Then I realized there was no bad stuff! You've made my millennia. Don't worry about Pietro. He's still human as you'll see later. I'm the one who always reads torture fics too. Thanks for the love.
On a side note, X:2 rocks! Did anyone else notice that the people raiding the mansion had night vision goggles and yet they still had trouble finding the mutants? It drove me nuts.
