Prisoner- Chapter 3

Fang pushed Jeb against the brick building, "Where?" he snarled.

Jeb swallowed hard, "come with me." he said. Fang released Jeb, but the flock didn't move a step.

"We're not following you anywhere." Fang said sternly. "It could be a trap."

"I see all I've taught you wasn't wasted." Jeb said with one of his sickening smiles. "Max would be proud of you for taking care of the flock while she was gone, Fang."

"Just tell us where Max is." Iggy said sternly.

"The Institute for Higher Learning." Jeb said turning away from the flock.

"Why would he take her there?" Nudge asked from behind the group.

"I could not tell you what is going through Ari's mind." Jeb said shaking his head then walking off.

Fang looked down at Angel, "was he telling the truth?" he asked.

"I don't know… I couldn't pick up anything." Angel said still next to Iggy.

"Ok, let's go to the Institute." Fang announced motioning for Gazzy to take off. He did and was followed by Angel, Nudge, Iggy then Fang.

I had been stuck in this room for about three hours now. Ari wasn't lying, there was truly no way out. I may be strong, but not strong enough to break through the wall. I tried breaking through the door, which ended in failure. Not only was I not strong enough, but my back hurt like h-e-double toothpicks.

My best option right now was to hope for the flock to come rescue me. I hate playing the role of damsel in distress. It made me sick thinking about Ari getting his way, his smug smile.

I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling. A lot of thoughts were passing through my head. I wondered if the flock was coming for me, or if they even knew where I am. That's when it happened… my stupid voice had to chime in.

Focus on finding a way out Max, think escape.

"I've searched the whole room for any escape, there's nothing." I said aloud.

You can't give up so easily, use your head.

"I would if you would get out of it!" I snapped. "Ari has everything set up perfectly, there's no way out!"

Exploit his weaknesses. Use them to your advantage.

"Can't you ever just say something straight to the point?" I asked rubbing my temples. No response, big surprise. Ari's weaknesses were few. He was weak at flying, but had gotten considerably better. His fighting was pretty good due to his strength, other than that it was weak. He had major 'daddy issues' as Nudge put it and he was jealous of me. Actually, he had a need to be accepted by me… bingo.

I began to think it through in my head. I would convince Ari that I was beginning to see the error of my ways. That he was worth my time, that I cared about him. A load of crap, yes, but Ari would be so overjoyed that he would be blinded to the truth. I hate to admit it, but the voice actually was useful, this time.

I walked over to the door and gave it three loud bangs. Shortly after I heard Ari stomping down the hallway. I could hear him unlock the door and then it opened.

"What?" He asked closing the door, his voice rough as usual.

"I'm ready to talk." I said crossing my arms.

"I'm hungry." Nudge said flying next to Fang.

"Me too." Gazzy whined from the back of the pack.

"Alright, we'll land in the trees up ahead." Fang said swooping down.

"How far are we?" Angel asked looking very tired. They all were.

"Two days, including minimal breaks." Iggy said following Fang down. The rest followed.

When they made it into the trees, they walked into the nearby town together. They picked up food at the grocery store, paying with the last of the money. They carried their food back to the trees, eating in silence. When everyone was done they slept while Fang and Iggy took turns keeping watch. After only five hours rest they were up in the air flying again.

AN: Hope you liked it! Chapter four will be up later today.