JG: I am a smart ass, thank you very much. And I would much rather face a snake than a spider. Keys: I crave drama! I must have my daily dose of drama! Give me drama! Sierra: You love me? Ha! Take that JESSIEGIRL! At least someone appreciates me around here! Anyway, thanks for the wonderful compliments. IshTara: I'm always glad to hear that. Haha. Taya: Actually, this has all been in one single day. So, yeah, it must be some sort of magnetism. Haha. Anyway, congrats on getting the guy. Courtney: Oh trust me, the snake is poisonous and Roxton will have to do something to save her. And there's plenty more danger coming. Chosen: Hey! I don't deserve to be given to Tribune! If anyone does: it's you! Where is that blasted chapter, sister? And where have you been? I've missed you on the board.
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Chapter Nine
Precautionary Measures
Roxton stumbled through the underbrush, Marguerite's cries mellowing into a hum of pain-filled moans. Up ahead his eyes fell on a blessed sight: a cave. He burst forth, sprinting as fast as he could with Marguerite in his arms. He skittered into the cave, losing his balance as he came to an abrupt halt, but miraculously staying upright. He gently, hastily lowered her to the cool stone floor and brushed the hair away from her eyes. "You'll be all right, Marguerite."
Roxton pulled up her skirt to her knees, examining the wound. The snake's bite mark was hardly visible, but Roxton knew from experience that looks could be deceiving. He lowered his mouth to her leg, preparing to suck out the venom when her leg suddenly shifted away.
"What the hell do you think you're doing," Marguerite snapped.
"Trying to save your damn life," Roxton barked back, grabbing her leg and pressing his mouth against her smooth, ivory skin. He sucked and then spit…sucked and spit…sucked and spit. He then immediately went to tear off his shirt, but realized quickly that he wasn't wearing one. He had taken his shirt off while working in the garden earlier that day. Desperately, he gripped her skirt and attempted to shred off the bottom half, but the denim was too tough. Growling in frustration, he tugged with all his might, the fabric finally ripping off.
Marguerite hissed from both the pain and the anger of the now ruined skirt. She was running low on clothing and dreaded the thought of having to wear a Veronica-outfit. "Roxton," she admonished only half-heartedly. Her life was, after all, more important than the damn skirt.
Roxton pressed the makeshift bandage over the bite. Careful to keep the leg as still as possible, he wound the cloth tightly around her leg as high as it would go. He then looked around the cave, spying a large stick and grabbing for it. He used it as a splint, firmly sliding it into the folds of the makeshift bandage.
Marguerite rolled her eyes. "It doesn't hurt that badly anymore. It was just the initial sting is all. Do you really think this is necessary?"
"Better safe than sorry. Some venomous bites won't start showing systems until hours later." He paused a moment as though struggling to remember something and then reached up and tore open her blouse.
Marguerite screeched and instinctively her palm came crashing against his cheek. "What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?"
Roxton cradled his face, opening and closing his jaw. "I think you loosened a tooth!"
"Serves you right for…"
"Marguerite, I have to tie something around your waist."
"Why?"
"I need to make a band between the bite and your heart. Will you please just trust me on this?"
Marguerite eyed him coolly. "You'll use any excuse to…"
"Marguerite," he scolded.
"All right," she huffed, pulling her arms out of the sleeves. "You didn't have to tear the buttons off you know. You could've just asked politely."
Roxton rolled his eyes and took the offered shirt. He wrapped the shirt around her, tying it just below her lacy camisole. He then sat back, closing his eyes. "We need to get you back to the tree house. Challenger would know what to do."
Marguerite smiled. "I think you're doing just fine. Where'd you learn all this?"
"Here and there," he answered, opening his eyes. "When on hunting excursions, you tend to pick up these things." He crawled over to sit beside her, his voice dipping into a soothing, quite whisper. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine."
He nodded, still concerned. He knew that it could be hours before signs of a serious problem. Or, maybe, she really was fine. He hadn't gotten a good look at the snake. For all he knew, it could've been a harmless one. Yet, he didn't want to take risks. He had to get them back home. However, the sun was quickly setting over the horizon. It would be dark soon and the threats of walking through the jungle at night outweighed the danger of staying in the cave until dawn.
Roxton draped an arm over her shoulders and pulled her down against his chest. Wordlessly, Marguerite snuggled up to his side.
End Chapter Nine
WARNING: Do NOT suck venom from snakebite. It used to be common practice, but is now considered VERY dangerous. The person who sucks from the wound may become infected, too. The poison would be absorbed through the gums much like the nicotine from tobacco. Furthermore, there are pathogens in the human mouth that may only make the bite worse.