The day of Eric's trial has me not attending.
It was a unanimous decision made the night before, after watching Inception. We were curled up on my couch while the three dogs each chewed on a lamb leg John graciously included in the morning's shipment. It was a long, mind-bending movie, and both of us were trying to one-up the other by predicting the next events. There wasn't a prize if either won – other than bragging rights. Regardless, we were at each other's necks, cursing whenever one of us came up wrong.
Eric won – according to him.
I told him it was unfair, coming from Erudite.
He laughed in my face.
I wanted to stand and kick his shin, but I wasn't wearing any shoes. Instead, I took away his beer. Which in turn, he took away my apple cider. Then he suggested I don't come to the trial. I agreed wholeheartedly.
"Thank you." Johanna beams, all the sunshine in the world nestled in her smile. Had I not grown up knowing her, I would've felt nauseous.
"Eric helped as much as I did." I'm not sure why I feel the need to include him, but I do. "And Veronica, of course."
Amity men mingle with hand-picked Dauntless soldiers. So far so good, no one has snapped at the other faction yet. Scratch that, Dauntless has yet to snap. The Amity wouldn't hurt a fly, even when it buzzes around them for the entire day.
The men selected as drivers were hand-picked by Veronica. We needed people who could both fight and 'put up' with the Amity traveling in shared space. In preparation for the trailers, Veronica had suggested team bonding activities.
I needn't be here, for the task had been left to one of the transport heads. This was just an excuse I concocted to check on my parents and to not be left alone in Dauntless.
"It will," the woman replies confidently. "I truly am grateful for all you're doing and have done." Her arms twitch by her side, and I hesitate. My pause lasts for only a second before I'm embracing her.
I know I shouldn't, as there is loyalty to upkeep. My position as a trainee could be jeopardized for such a public act. However, displays of affection with people I care about should not stir up mistrust. Maintaining relations between people of different factions should be cherished.
I shall speak to Eric on this.
"No, thank you." Her embrace is warm and motherly – qualities the faction's representative ought to have. "For supporting me through everything." Without her suggestion and approval to have my mom train me, I wouldn't have made it to Dauntless.
She pulls away and places a gentle hand on my arm. "I only want what's best for you, as do your parents, John, and your three adorable bodyguards." At the mention of the dogs, she scrunches her nose and grins at Gunner. The german shepherd grins back from beside me, completely puppy-like and relaxed.
Only Gunner came with me to Amity. Having all three would've been a handful given I have little time here today. The last thing I needed was to appear needing assistance loading up my pups in front of a group of extremely capable Dauntless.
"On a side note, have you seen my dad? I'm hoping to catch him before I leave." Or mom.
She averts her gaze from the dog. "I've not heard from him since yesterday morning. He had left for an Erudite visit again. You could ask John, he should be at the office right now dealing with some paperwork." Although the waver in her tone is almost unnoticeable, I notice it.
"Oh, sure. I'm not due to leave in an hour anyway," I reply lightly. "I'll see you later."
Her back faces me as she watches black and orange clothed people play a game. Laughter fills the air as some men trip and stumble into each other. Everything is going well; for them. "Of course, of course," she waves me off distractedly, "I hope you'll find him."
Twenty feet away is when I deem it safe to sigh. There shouldn't be anything wrong. Dad is sometimes forgetful. Also, he's not obligated to report to Johanna's office every day. There is no need to panic.
I click my phone on to check the time. Eric's trial is due to start in ten. Despite not being there with him, my heart still races. Both him and Jack has assured me countless of times everything will be fine, but I still can't help but worry. Why does everything in my life not proceed smoothly? Why can't everyone I love be fine, good, and healthy? Why can't I just take a break?
Good luck. I stare at the text, my thumb hovering over the send icon. My thumb trembles and a chill runs down. Clenching the phone, I force my mind to get a grip. With no reason, the words mock me. I delete them.
I swallow and shut my eyes. Everything is going to be fine, Anna. Everyone is going to be fine. Come back to me.
His reply comes in less than a minute.
I will.
Soft whines pull me from staring at my phone. Two measly words that mean everything to me. He will. He promised.
"I'm sorry, boy." Gunner rests his head on my thigh, amber eyes wide and forlorn. "Maybe they were busy. We would've had a better shot if we came in the evening."
My search for my father was futile, to say the least. John had not seen him since yesterday too. I had even gone as far as to approach some Amity on his whereabouts, but nada, no one had seen him.
It was a last-ditch effort to go home, hoping to catch the person who's taken an obsession with plants. Gunner was excited as we headed down the familiar path, jumping on the spot the moment our house became visible. My eagerness to see my mother was only a fraction of his. Fear and powerlessness had gripped me into avoiding her. Whatever she is going through, I am unable to help her.
There's little you can do when you live an entire faction away.
As a daughter, the least I can do is to speak and console her. However, it's frightening to know someone who's always been kind and understanding to change – even it's just her hobbies. She had always taught me to see both sides of things, to give the benefit of the doubt, to think before acting. And for her to leave work and have everyone worry over her…
Whatever dad is up to… it's bad.
So, when I arrived to find the house empty, I won't lie to say I wasn't relieved.
The paper tucked in my pocket is weighs nothing, yet it feels like a brick. I sigh. Mom had written me a note she left in the box of plants. A small slip of paper with two words. I had almost missed it entirely through the masses polaroid that came in the envelope. Only noticed it as I arranged the polaroids into a stack.
And I would've called her to ask about what she meant, but Eric warned calls being tracked by Erudite. I couldn't draw more suspicion to my parents.
Patting my thighs, Gunner rises and plants his front paws between my thighs. At this height, he's a tad taller than me sitting. It's a perfect height for a good hug, and I do just that. I bury my face into his thick fluffy neck, inhaling his lavender-scented shampoo. "Everything will turn out fine, right boy?" I mumble into him. "Just like all those stories I read. There will always be a happy ending. Mom and dad should be fine, we can come back another day. For all we know, dad's disappearance may just be a frequent occurrence. We can't expect everyone to know where everyone is."
We remain in this position, me basking in the comforting embrace of my beautiful boy. He doesn't move, grown used to me having moments like these. Hawk would do the same while Sabre would grow impatient. The silver hound prefers to brush off anything surrounding sappy feelings, but I know he's just as big of a softie as the other two. He cherishes family above all else.
My phone rings.
At first, I didn't believe it was mine. I was ready to glare at whoever wouldn't pick it up and stop the incessant buzzing. Then I remembered there were only the two of us in the car. I had decided to remain in solitude after my lack of findings. My gloom would've soured the mood of all the smiley Dauntless.
I snatch up the phone immediately, hope blooming faster than the crack of a whip. I have been waiting for Eric's assurance that everything went as planned, that he's on the way back. But the name glaring back at me isn't with Eric.
It's Zeke.
"Hello?"
"Anna! Thank god you picked up," Zeke rushes panickily, breathlessly. There is shouting in the background, as well as jingling and scraping of metal.
I straighten and pull away from my dog, keeping a hand on the ruff on his neck as he watches curiously. "What's wrong?"
Zeke has never called me before. The only reason why I have his number is because he insisted over lunch one day.
"It's Four. He's been attacked, and and-"
"Four?" There's no reason he should be attacked. That man works at the most unhappening places in Dauntless. The control room is nowhere near any sort of action. And the last time I check, I left Four with…
Fear spikes. "Where's Sabre?" I had dropped him off for Four and Zeke before leaving. Four had agreed to Sabre's company, despite us not being on the best of terms.
Did Sabre attack him?
"It's not his fault. He's-"
Then I hear it, and so does Gunner. His ear perk and his grin dies while I almost drop the phone.
Yowling.
I recognize it immediately. It's different from the shrieks when the dogs play fight. This one is panicked, loud, and frightful. It's a horrible sound, reminding me of all the times the dogs were truly afraid. My mind goes slack. The shouting in the background increases with the screeching. Men voices.
"Zeke!" My breathing grows heavy and blood climbs. The noise continues. Fear crashes into me in waves. This can't be happening.
They are hurting him. They are hurting him. They are hurting him.
And I'm stuck on a train. Miles away.
"C-cole. I think he attacked Four. Sabre protected him and and- NO!" He cuts himself off with a shout. "Don't shoot! He's done nothing wrong!" He's yelling at the men in the background, phone away from him. The yowling continues. From the way Sabre chokes, someone is yanking on my dog. "Put the gun down! Stop-"
The call disconnects.
Gunner stares at me. His ears are still perked and serious.
The shaking starts with the hand holding my phone. It spread quickly, traveling to my arm, then my torso, then my abdomen, and finally my feet. I fold my arms and press them tightly against my chest. Pain sprouts from my stomach. I squeeze my eyes shut and double over. It flares like a searing hot iron branding my skin.
Eric.
I need him. Right now.
My eyes snap open and I click the phone on. I swipe right, jamming my thumb on '1'. His name flashes a second later, and for a moment, the pain subsides. As I wait, I come to my senses. There must be a misunderstanding. Sabre will never attack unless provoked. I've trained him well.
I just need to find whoever is in-charge and explain.
Eric will back me up. We'll figure things out. Everything will be fine.
The phone goes to voicemail.
Any effort in keeping calm is whipped away the second we land at Dauntless.
A group of blurry Dauntless barricade the entrance to the building, blocking the only way in and out. I don't recognize them. Yet, they stare right at me, watching me and Gunner hop down to the platform like hawks. The group who had followed on the trip between exchange glances between each other, confused.
The brawniest of the three men speaks up. It's clear he is the leader, for he reeks authority. "Leave. We're only here for the girl and dog." There are black fire patterns on his arms, beginning at his wrists and curling up to his biceps. There is no hair on his head, and it gleams as brightly as the smooth concrete floor. The man to his right has funky purple hair, while the left is raven. But what stands out most about all of them isn't their hair, it's the holsters strapped on their waists.
The people leave quickly, though not without throwing curious glances at me. Not one pried or stood their ground, obeying orders without question. Because of that, I can't help but glare at their departure.
"What do you want." I am hostile, and rightfully so. The two of us are cornered, with nowhere to run unless I plan to fall through the rails.
They take a step forward, I take a step back. Gunner moves to place himself between me and the men. "You are under arrest. Max's orders." The leader eyes Gunner distastefully. "The same goes for that thing."
Under arrest?
I hold my hands up calmly. "Fine, but let me speak to Max first. " Where my voice is even, my mind is not. It races as panic grips me. The men spread out as they advance, surrounding us. They have guns, and I, have nothing but a knife.
One wrong move will send a bullet through Gunner.
My boy will not take them lightly. He's acutely aware I do not trust any of them. A part of me wants to yank off his muzzle, for we would have a bigger fighting chance. However, doing so will only worsen the situation. Even if we did successfully take the three men down, I can't run. Hawk and Sabre are still in the compound.
They stop mere feet away. Gunner growls warningly. He crouches low, hackles raised. "You are in no position to make any demands. Resist the arrest, and we will have no choice but to use force. And get the dog under control."
Baldy takes a step forward, inciting a lurch from the trained animal. My dog lands a foot from the man, teeth bared. The leash is taut, but he doesn't yank. "Back off and he will. Unless you stop being a threat, he will remain this way." I clench the fist on my side, willing my hand to stop quivering. Calm Anna, calm. You've got this.
The man takes a step back, scoffing. He towers over me by a good head. I'm no fool to think I'll win a fight against him. "We have no interest to kill you. Max has only called for your arrest."
Slow breath. "And the dog?"
"That, is none of your concern."
"He is my every concern," I grit out.
"No, he isn't." With a jerk of the head, two hands clamp heavily on each arm. I yelp and kick out as I'm lifted off the ground. Gunner turns as the leash is snatched from my grasp. He lunges for the person on my left but falls short. The leash is in the hands of the head.
"Good. Let's not waste any more- mpfh!" My shoe slams into his face. I should've taken up Eric advice and worn boots. Gunner takes the opening, diving to the side. The sudden weight shift completely topples the man, and I don't see further as Baldy falls face first.
Purely on instinct, I twist to my side and kick the back of Purple's knees. He shouts and drops, knees absorbing most of the impact before he too falls forward. Pain bursts from my elbow as it slams into the ground. The grip on my arm loosens. I yank it out and snatch the pocket knife strapped to my thigh.
As it flings open, I twist the other arm back to escape Black's hold. With the same angled kick from behind, he joins his falling comrades.
A hand reaches out and I kick away the arm holding Purple's torso up. Added with a guided head smack to the ground, Purple blacks out. A loud satisfying thump accompanying.
Pray he isn't dead.
I scramble behind the recovering associate, pulling on his hair to expose his throat. The blade is on his neck. "Stop or he dies."
"Fuck woman, we're just trying to follow orders." Black grits underneath me. Despite his words, he continues to remain frozen, not daring to draw the gun on his belt. "Calm the fuck down."
"Tell me again when your kid is possibly dead and you're being arrested," I snap back.
The man's reply isn't the brightest. "Wait, you have a kid?"
"I can say the same for yourself," Bald-y replies calmly. A gun is pointed to Gunner's head, who is still snarling and thrashing. The muzzle is still wrapped around his jaws, and as if his impotent snout wasn't bad enough, there's an arm pressing down on his neck.
The gun cocks.
Shit.
My teeth gnash. The only option is to drop my weapon. But it doesn't equate Gunner's safety, for I'm not in the position to demand his life.
Somehow, the man beneath me finds amusement in the situation. "And you see Mob? This is why I don't marry. You women are crazy. How does Eric even tolerate you? You're a tyrant," he chuckles. The man insulted me like he there's no way he's dying today, like a knife isn't on his neck.
"Eric tolerates me fine!" I hiss back. "And I'm not a tyrant." Why does everyone I meet only seem to talk about my dogs or Eric? Why the on earth do they even care about them in the first place?
"Explain the animal," he replies flatly.
"What the hell is going on here?" A new voice yells behind Baldy (Mob). All three conscious humans turn to the sound.
Axel stands with his hands to his hips. Dressed in the standard jacket and fatigues. His hair is ruffled, having had fingers incessantly run through them. He is visibly stressed. It appears he is, now was, working.
I'm relieved to see a familiar face.
"I told you I'll handle it, not for you to brawl and threaten to kill her dog goddammit. Put the fucking gun down." He strides over with a scowl, assessing the situation. Baldy reluctantly retracts the weapon. My shoulders sag in relief.
Axel snatches the leash from the bulky man and kicks away the arm on Gunner, grumbling furiously under his breath. The dog appreciatively scrambles to his feet, shaking off grit. "I told you to wait for me. The second I turn my back? The three of you are gone."
Following Baldy, I release my hold on Black and fold my knife back into its unassuming shape. The man beneath me jerks away, a hand flying to where my knife was placed. I don't recall applying enough pressure to form an impression.
"Sorry Axe. We didn't want to lose her when she arrived," Baldy's tone has dropped to apologetic, his hard-exterior turning into mush. "And she knocked out Macky." His gaze shifts to his knocked-out comrade then to me, flashing accusingly.
Axel sighs heavily. "Yes, I can see that."
"They attacked me first." I blame childishly, too thrown off by the rapid turn of events to formulate a proper response. "And they said they were going to kill my dog." Tucking the knife back into my pants, I move to stand. Just as Gunner did, I brush off the sand and gunk stuck on my elbow and clothes.
Black is just as childish. "No one said we were going to kill your dog... or your kid."
"Well you implied it," I retort. The four of us stand in an unconventional circle, with Macky still on the ground to the side.
"It's is a weapon," Baldy argues back. There are red scuffs on his forehead and the untattooed sections of his arms. Gunner's done well, despite his blunt claws. The man winces as he touches a reddened area above his brow. He releases a flurry of language when he finds blood.
I stare down both of my attackers. "And you are armed with guns. Tell me which is faster and deadlier," I reply flatly.
Axel sighs again and gestures the two men. "The both of you, take Mack to the infirmary. Make sure he hasn't cracked his head open." Then he extends the leash to me. "And Anna? Here." I accept the rope.
The bleeding man reels back, insulted. "You're just going to give it back to her? Did you not see or hear how deadly this animal is?!"
"Yes, I am fully aware," he scowls. "And if you two knuckleheads didn't realize, he calm when she's calm, vice versa. So of course, I'm giving him back to her." Gunner sniffs from my waist to my shoes, checking my well-being. Other than the occasional glare at the men, he's back to normal.
Baldy disgruntledly mumbles under his breath, moving to help his friend pick up the dead weight. Gunner bares his teeth as the men pass. It goes noticed, for Baldy throws a glare over his shoulder.
"Sorry about that," Axel says. The men are long gone, and we have been standing in silence watching them leave. "Everything is a mess. People are on the edge; especially with more than half of Leadership absent." Eric had managed to sneak Kyle and Veronica out for his hearing, under the guise of an Abnegation meeting. He needed them their support for when he takes Max down. That left Jessica and Max – the two most irrational leaders – to watch over the faction. I can imagine how Jessica's erratic actions and shrill voice may have stirred a panic.
My heart, though still faster than normal, has started to slow. "Thanks for coming. I didn't know what I've done if you hadn't arrived at the last second." Axel nods, and Gunner greets him with a nose nudge. "Zeke called me earlier, something about Four and Cole. I believe Sabre has been dragged into this. Is he... injured?"
"He's currently in a holding cell, too aggressive for anyone to come near, much less a nurse to treat his wounds. Zeke was trying to calm him earlier, but last I saw, he almost had his hand bitten off."
My heart skips a beat. They must've taken him away when I was on call. He sounded so afraid over the phone. The timid boy, alone with people he doesn't recognize nor trust, in an environment that reeks the opposite of safe. Of course, he will be distraught. He needs someone to calm him, someone he entrusted Pinky to.
"How bad are the wounds?" I need to get to him now. But the likelihood of succeeding is low. Max isn't very understanding, and I doubt they left Sabre unguarded. They would arrest me on sight. The best I can do is have a quick chat and then have my baby released as soon as possible. Anything less isn't an option.
Axel greets the german shepherd gently. "There's a gash on his thigh. Though, I'm not sure how big it is. Three inches maybe? Blood and fur were covering it. The bleeding had lessened by the time I'd left. So that's a good sign?" The patrol head eyes me worriedly, I suck in a breath. "I'll take you to Max first, he was very… firm on keeping Sabre from you. Expect him to be as thick as the guys before."
We start in the direction of the Leadership office.
"And Hawk?"
"Max had ordered him to be chucked in a cell too. They were civil with him, since, you know... there were kids around? Your friend, Skylar, kept the situation calm. She brought Hawk to the place." Once all this boils over, I know my friend will demand nothing but answers. I can already feel the headache as she shrieks like a banshee during lunch.
"Okay. Could've been worse," I mumble. Think on the bright side; at least they aren't dead.
Yet.
Axel starts filling me in on everything. "We don't know exactly what happened as the cameras were down, but I do have the most logical guess. Someone had overheard screaming from Four's apartment. By the time the door was hacked the door open, they found Four and another man passed out. Both were bleeding out, but the other guy more. It was hard to recognize the dude, as your dog had done quite the number to… mangle him. Zeke identified him as Cole after he was brought to the infirmary."
A flare of pride surges through me. My boy had delivered, just as I wished he did in many daydreams during initiation.
"There was a stab wound on Four's abdomen and cuts on his arm, no doubt from Cole. His vitals have been stabilized, so he should be fine soon. Can't say the same for Cole, though. Apparently there was a few feet wide of blood around him."
"And Sabre? What was he doing?"
"I wasn't there, so I'm not very sure. He had been howling till help arrived. Some said he was trying to nudge Four awake, or something along those lines. He followed Four as he was rushed to the emergency room. Only later was Sabre…" he struggles with suitable words, unaware I was somewhat there when it happened. "…taken away."
"Sabre was protecting Four. Cole attacked him." I state matter-of-factly. There needn't be evidence for something so obvious.
"I know. Max though, he refuses to believe so. I was going to talk to him about it but instead, he asked me to arrest and throw you in a cell as well. I didn't fight him on it, obviously. I was lucky he asked me in the first place."
Huh. Nevermind my wobbly relationship with Dauntless' head, but is not Sabre his favorite? Did he not run to Jeanine and praise all my boy could do? Among all five leaders, he utilizes Sabre the most. If anything, he should be the one defending his loyal runner.
I scowl at the implications.
"I can see why Eric's friends with you." Not the best thing I could've said, and I almost regret it.
The silver-haired man scoffs, a hand dramatically flying over his chest. "I don't need to prove my worth to you. Eric's friendship is the highest honor I can bestow. He is my king, my one true love, my cinnamon roll."
I eye him weirdly, stepping to the side to create distance. Gunner happily obliges with given more room between us, completely unaware of the topic of conversation.
Axel expression turns impish and he smirks. "If anything, he should be your king. You should call him that sometime. Say, do you have pet names for each other? Like how lovey-dovey couples do?"
"No." I fish for my phone as a distraction, embarrassed by his words. "There was never a need for them." A missed call and a text from Eric ten minutes ago, as well as twelve texts from Skylar. Each bubble is one word, and it could've been all been sent as a single sentence, without caps. Sending her reassurance I myself don't have faith in, I open Eric's.
I heard what happened, call me if you can. ETA (estimated time of arrival) is 25 mins. Hang in there.
Please.
I chew my lip and glance at the approaching elevator. There isn't enough time to call back, and there's no way I can wait for Eric to arrive. Max will soon be hunting for confirmation of my arrest. I'll have to face this on my own.
Going to speak with Max. You good? I send back, not forgetting what he had just went through. Today has just been an avalanche of unfortunate events. I can't breakdown again, not when my dogs' health and safety are on the line.
"Will you try though?" Axel asks hopefully, still hung up over pet names, "I think he would like it if you had a name for him."
"I like Eric just fine," I grumble. "It's a nice name." The elevator doors slide open. Gunner shuffles in quickly, excited to press the floor button for us.
"Well yes, but, you could try honey, babycakes, love, dear, snookums'… anything under the sky. Except cinnamon roll though, that's mine. And I'm sure..." he pauses, and I wonder if 'asswipe' counts. Axel is surprised to see Gunner hop down from the buttons. "Wow. No wonder Eric's so smitten over your dogs. And they can fight too?" He bends to give Gunner a good scratch, in some kind of trance.
I tilt my hand. "Somewhat." The whole faction would know eventually. And it's only a matter of days now, courtesy to Cole.
"Yeah, he calls them your bodyguards. And that not only are you virtually perfect, but you come with a 'free reliable protection plan' too. His words, not mine." I laugh. I can hardly imagine Eric babbling away like that. Although, with his recent preach on almond cake, it does sound plausible. Axel snaps out of his daze in horror. "Shit, don't tell him I told you. You're not supposed to know this." His hands clasp together in a beg. "I'll give you anything. Please don't tell him."
I shake my head in mirth. "I won't. And I owe you one, for helping me back there." The elevator dings, opening to a vacant hallway. The office down the corridor is the only one with lights on.
I sigh.
"It doesn't matter that he's a leader. He's connected to her. Cole is barely alive because of them. Don't fight-" Max pauses at the door clicking open. I enter without a second thought. His facial features tighten, and the fist around his phone blanches. "Just do as I say." The call ends.
If him having Eric arrested along with my dogs doesn't give me the strength I need to face him, I don't know what will.
He doesn't move from behind his desk and neither do I.
Confident.
The gun tucked in the waistband of my pants is only a stretch away. Axel had passed it to me in the event I need it. I hesitated on accepting, seeing the weapon has only brought upon fear of losing my family. The instrument was used to threaten Gunner; the instrument was used to threaten Sabre.
And almost succeeded.
My rejection was on the tip of my tongue, hoping to settle this as calmly as possible. As much as I knew Max isn't the brightest, he still runs the faction. And whether I like it or not, he remains above me.
Then Axel pointed out that it's just a precaution, and either way, Max is a dead man. There were no guilt-trips and no sappy romance lines about Eric livelihood if I were to die. He was straight to the point, logical, and objective. He trusted I knew what I was doing.
I guess that did it for me.
I keep the door is open by my wide stance, letting our conversation flow easily outside to where Axel is nearby. He's with Gunner, who's happy to take a quick nap after such an eventful day.
My gaze is fixed on Max's hands. So long they remain on the table, I have the upper hand. He won't be able to beat me should he reach for anything.
Self-assured.
On the unhurried walk to his office, I had mulled over everything and came to two conclusions.
One. I do not regret keeping the dog's abilities hidden. The boys are mine. And I owe no one an explanation or apology unless they've stepped out of line. Hence, I will not apologize for Cole's current state. Sabre was only repaying attempted murder in kind.
Two. Max is against me. Sure, I am 'working with Jeanine' and seem on his side. However, Cole's attack was the final tip over the ledge. Cole must've been suspicious of Four, just as he was suspicious of my dad. I highly doubt Max wasn't in on this too. The way Sabre reacted confirmed the leader's hunch, even though it wasn't intentional. And there is nothing I can do nor say to convince him otherwise – not that it matters anymore. As Axel had said, he is a dead man either way. It's only a matter of time.
"You're not supposed to be here." His speech is clipped and deadly calm, a vast difference from his argument earlier.
I steel myself to match his tone. Play it cool, play it bland. The less emotion I show, the less the situation will blow. The goal is to talk and survive the week, not engage in a shoot-out. "I know. I had a very warm welcome on the way back."
He remains unexpressive. "And?"
"Now I'm here."
He stares, jaw clenching. No doubt my clipped simplicity pissed him off. I stifle a smirk.
I need to remain objective. "I want to discuss what happened."
He does not share the same feeling. "There is nothing to discuss about. You were supposed to be in a cell right now."
Funny.
My reply is a whip crack in the air, emotion seeping through. "Like Eric and my dogs?" Red hot anger flares, his decisions so ludicrous I struggle to reason with myself. He is not fit to lead.
He is visibly pleased by my slip up. His lip curves up. "Yes. Exactly like them. And if you don't comply, their well-being will rest on your shoulders."
My fingers twitch, edging behind. The weapon is tempting. I'd like to see how he enjoys being threatened with his life. "Because they have done nothing but followed the Dauntless manifesto?"
Well, I think it should be written somewhere.
He scoffs and rounds his eyes. "Enlighten me. Tell me how that creature is the epitome of the faction. Tell me how he's a hero when he left a member in a state worse than death."
"Had he not been there, we would be conducting a funeral this very moment. Four is only alive because of him. And Cole's penalty is death. This creature saved Four. He protected the weak. Is that not-" I pause, frowning deeply.
Why am I here?
It has been established that I can't convince Max otherwise. Our current interaction further confirms it. The likelihood of him releasing my dogs and Eric are slim. I should be talking to the other leaders instead. All I need is to win the majority over.
He steeples his fingers, propping his elbows on the desk. "Bold of you to assume Four is the victim."
I feel the wind from behind shift before it happens.
Something darts from the back and clamps on my waist. I'm hauled out of the office with my feet off the ground. My back slams into a thickly clothed chest. The door slams shut on its hinges.
Poof.
It was as if my interaction earlier was a scene from a movie.
I blink.
Against my instincts, I don't kick out. I continue blinking slowly as Kyle and Veronica pass through. Veronica opens the door again and they slip in, two men following behind. She speaks calmly but firmly, saying things I'm not registering. Shouting sparks, something along the juvenile lines of 'you can't do that'. I idly stare at the neatly tattooed arm dragging me along from behind. Then idly wonder if I should incorporate the maze designs with the three paws on my side.
I think I should.
They would fit well together.
I shall do it tomorrow.
"Open."
The spoon of white goodness is held inches from my lips. I obediently comply. He gently pushes the cold utensil into my mouth, pulling out once my lips shut. It's only slightly melted, and if it weren't for my dazed state, I would've asked how he managed to bring it over without everything liquifying.
He scoops some for himself, in no rush to discuss anything. This continues for a few rounds, him alternating between us. I remain leaning on his side, and he does the same to me. We're in his office, staring at the blank wall on a twin couch.
He's the first to speak. "Today sucks."
"Same."
We don't say anything for a few more seconds.
He scrapes the side of the tub, then extends the liquid to me. He goes back to scrapping after I accept it. "Zeke is bringing Sabre over, once the nurse cleans his wound, along with Hawk. I calmed him down before we came," he informs lightly.
I sigh at the thought of having to re-dress it later. "Thanks."
Comfortable silence again.
I bend to his desk and pluck a few tissues, passing half to him. He thanks me and cleans himself. Like me, his actions are sluggish and half-hearted.
"Hey," I ask, stuffing the waste into the empty tub. "Do you know what we should do now?"
He doesn't take long to answer. "Take a nap?"
"Exactly."
A/N
This took a while to edit .-.