Chapter 9 – Mixed Signals

Anna's POV

As I stepped inside the forest, I felt all my powers left behind, I felt like an mortal.

I sighed "Well, I don't feel my powers"

"Wow, you figured" Ryan said sarcastically

It was a good thing I couldn't see anything in the dark forest or I would have punched him. If I didn't want to annoy Will, I would have never asked him for a date.

"I'm scared" Scooter whispered next to me

"What a wuss" Will whispered, loud enough for us to hear.

If only I could see him, then I would've kicked his ass. I sighed and patted Scooter on the shoulder, I couldn't see him but I could still feel his presence.

"It's ok Scooter, we're all here with you" I said comforting him

"Let's move" Will said

"Well I can't, I don't have super sight like yours" I muttered sarcastically "I can't see a thing" It was only me who couldn't see anything, since Brea, Ryan and Will were vamps with good sight and Scooter a werewolf also with good vision in night, which leaves me the witch, who can't see a thing.

"You can't but we can, here hold my hand" Ryan said holding my hand without my answer

"Aww thanks Ryan" I said getting closer to him, full aware of Will's eyes on us.

"Let's move" Will growled

We started down the forest, finally getting in the middle of the forest; the moons light shined on us a little above the trees but good enough for me to see my surroundings. There were trees all around, how do we know where we're going. I stopped; "How do we know where we're going?" I asked

"We don't; we just have to get out of the forest, on the other end." Ryan answered

"Oh" I whispered

Suddenly I heard a snap at my left which was totally dark, I stopped and looked around. "Do you-"

Will cut me off "Shh.."

Well I guess they heard it too. I looked around finding nothing but darkness, suddenly another snap got my attention and I pulled Ryan closer to me, the forest was scaring the shit out of me.

"Guys, we have to keep moving" Will said walking again, we all followed after him.

"Keep me distracted" I whispered to Ryan

"Well there are quite things I could do to you for distraction" He whispered back and I glared at him, I even heard Will growl but oh well.

"What's wrong Will?" Ryan asked confused

"Nothing" he growled out

We kept walking but my thoughts went back to Will and I. He hated me for something I didn't know and he wouldn't even speak about it. Why? What is it that he won't tell me? What did I do to hurt him so badly? Did I say something bad to him? Last time I checked I was warming up to him and we had become friends then on the party, he was behaving weird. That's it, something happened in the party which is related to me and that is why Will is hating me? Doesn't makes sense, what happened in the party?

"Anna?" Scooter's voice bought me out of my thoughts

"Huh? What?" I asked

"When will we get our powers back?" He asked

"Of the other side of the forest, in the city of devils" Ryan answered

"Really?" I didn't know that part

"Yes, the shields are only on the forest cause it's the only way out, when we get on the other side, we will get our powers back"

Suddenly a huge beast leaped out of the dark and leaped out on Scooter. Me and Brea screamed.

"Shit" Will muttered

Both Will and Ryan attacked the beast and pulled it off Scooter. It was huge, like a big huge wolf, not even the seize of a werewolf. Will punched it in the face and Ryan took hold of its hands, the wolf growled and pushed Ryan away in the tree. He started to walk towards Ryan but Will grabbed it from the back, the wolf turned around and pushed him which made Will loose his balance and he fell down. The wolf glowered over Will; it took out a sword from somewhere. I looked at Ryan who was injured, his wounds weren't healing, I looked back at Will and the wolf. He raised the sword but before it could plunge it in, I grabbed it, I grabbed the sword and it cut my hand, sharp but I didn't let go. My hand was bleeding but I still didn't let go, the wolf was stronger but I put all my strength in it. Will quickly got up and pushed the wolf away from me. I moved back as the Will fought the Wolf.

Will snatched the sword from the wolf and plunged it inside. The wolf howled in pain but just in pain, he was trying to call his friends, his pack. Shit, we're fucked.

Will, Ryan and Scooter moved towards us "We have to move now" Will said grabbing my hand and we all started running. I could hear howls and growls behind us.

"Will, we need to get on the other side of the forest, without our powers, we're nothing" Ryan yelled from behind us.

"I know, just keep running" He said

We kept running until we were at the end of a cliff and down was a river with waterfall from the other side. I was scared shitless, there were two options it's either die or still die.

Will looked at the river then behind us and then at me "We have to jump"

"I can't, it's too high" I said my heart drumming faster

"I know but it's either get eaten alive or jump in the river and drown, either way we die" he pointed out

I glared at him "Don't talk like that, I'm already scared"

"Nothing will happen, trust me" he said extending his hand forward, it felt like the old Will is back.

I smiled and gripped his hand tightly "I trust you" and with that we jumped, Ryan, Scooter and Brea jumped behind us.

"Anna…" I heard faint noises "Anna wake up"

Someone was rubbing my palms and pushing on my stomach, I felt sick, I opened my eyes to see Will's face very close to mine and suddenly I choked water which went all over Will's face since he was so close. He scowled at me but still helped me sit up.

"What happened?" I asked sitting up, all of them were drenched. I looked around to see we were in a cave, where the waterfall was, we were behind the waterfall in a cave.

"Thank god you're okay" Brea said hugging me

"Where are we?" I asked

"Has she lost her memory?" Scooter asked

I glared at him "No you idiot I know where we are" I snapped

"We fell in the river but you blacked out before you even touched the water, Will saw you in time and grabbed you while we swam here. The things that was following us were smart enough to not jump" Brea explained

I looked up at Will "Thanks"

He ignored me and walked on the other side of the cave, well looks like the angry Will is back.

"We'll have to camp here, it's very dark and this place looks safe. We'll head out in the morning, I'll go grab some wood to warm us up" Will walked out of the cave

I started to shiver; I can't even use magic to change my cloths. I was feeling so cold that my teeth started to clatter.

"Hey you okay?" Ryan asked sitting beside me

"N-no…I-I feel co-coold" I said clattering

He leaned against the big rock "Here sit here, I'll warm you up" He patted the place between his legs. I sat between his les and he wrapped his arms around me, even though it didn't feel right, I still felt warm enough. I sighed and leaned in against him and closed my eyes.

After about 2 minutes I heard someone throw something so hard on the ground, which caught my attention. I opened my eyes to see Will lighting the fire two small rocks. He looked angry and he hitting harder on the rock. What happened to him?

"You okay?" Ryan asked me

I nodded "I'm fine"

"You're still shivering"

And I really was but I tried to contain it "I know, I will warm up when the fire begins"

The fire finally started and we all were sitting around.

"Did you bring any cloths in that backpack?" Ryan asked me

"No, they're all magic stuff, which I can't do here"

William was awfully quiet which I don't like, I like him teasing me, I like him arguing with me, I like him flirting with me but I know that won't happen again.

I looked at him; he was looking at the fire angrily, what's wrong with him? He noticed my gaze cause he suddenly looked up and met my gaze. He clenched his jaw; he got up and left from there.

What the fuck is wrong with him? I got up "I'll be back" I went after him in the forest. He sat there under the moonlight looking beautiful as ever. I walked up to him and sat beside him. He knew my presence but didn't say anything, we both stood there in silence. I looked at him, his face was grim.

I cleared my throat "You okay?"

He didn't say anything and I thought he wasn't until he spoke "It was stupid of you to hold that sword and risk your life with that wolf. You cut your hand, show it to me" He looked at me

I gave him my hand, he looked at it and then at me "Why?" He whispered

I wanted to tell him that I like him that I couldn't let anyone hurt him but I didn't "I couldn't let a friend die in front of my eyes, as I said before I would die for my friends"

"Wait here" He got up and went further in the forest, he came back with some leaves.

"This will hurt" He crunched the leaves in his hands, some kind of liquid dripped from the crunched leaves. The liquid burned the wound more, it hurt like hell. I winced "It hurts"

"It will burn the infection, these leaves are medicine" He ripped the hem of his shirt and wrapped it tightly around my hand.

I looked at him "Thank you"

He looked up and there was some kind of emotion which I couldn't put my finger on. It was hurt and love. "No, thank you for saving my life" He said

I smiled and for one moment I thought he smiled but then he quickly recovered it. I leaned forward still looking in his eyes, he didn't move back or lean in, he stayed still locked in my gaze. I moved closer till our faces were inch away. I looked at his lips then at him "Your welcome" I whispered and then pressed my lips against his.

I moved more closely to him, my breast pressed against him. He responded back, his hands slipped down my hips and he pressed there. I moaned against his lips, I moved closer wanting to feel more of him; I was now sitting on his lap. He thrust his tong inside my mouth and caressed my tong. I slipped my hands behind his neck and pulled him closer, the kiss wasn't soft or gentle, it more passionate and eager. It just wasn't enough; I wanted more and more of him. My shivering even stopped, I felt warm against him, I was shivering but I was with pleasure.

All the moment was ruined when someone cleared their throat. We both pulled apart, I looked behind me to see Ryan standing there. "Uhm, Scooter and I bought some fruit" He said and left

I was about to say something when Will pushed me off him, I looked back at him to see him scowling. What the hell?

He looked at me "This never happened" He said and left

Why does he hurt me whenever I get close to him? Why?

Will's POV

What the hell is wrong with me? I can't let my emotions get in the way. I am not going to let her come close again, I will not. I need to focus on why we're here instead of having romance with her. She betrayed me and I will never forgive her for that. Never!

Everyone was sleeping; I was sitting far away from them near the waterfall, while they were far inside the cave.

"Dude you okay?" I turned around to see Ryan approaching

Every time I see him, it reminds me of him and Anna wrapped around each other, I nearly punched him when he was giving her warmth. But I wouldn't let some girl come in between us.

"Yeah I'm fine"

He sat next to me "I know what you're thinking"

"Really? Please do share" I muttered sarcastically

"Anna"

Now that got my attention "No I'm not thinking about her" I replied

"I didn't say you were thinking about her, I just said her name. But now I know you were"

I ignored him, the more I talk the more he does.

"I know you like her"

"No I don't" Liar

"Yes you do and don't even think about lying to me. We're friends from childhood, do you honestly think I wouldn't know when you're lying and when not. Tell me what happened between you two?"

I sighed "Ryan, I don't want to talk about this right now"

"You don't but I want to hear it, so you better start speaking"

I sighed, maybe if I tell him I might feel better "You know that I was on the mission to keep an eye on her?"

"Yes, uncle told me that"

"Well, first we fought all the time, I loved to tease her and she would always be angry with me. After some days we finally became friends and just when we did, I found out that she's helping her father. She was using me and that hurt"

"Why would you get hurt because of her unless you…" He trailed off

I understood what he was thinking "Yes I do" I answered his question

He looked at me with sympathy "Dude, I'm sorry"

"It's ok, it doesn't matter anymore. What happened in the forest was something I didn't expect; it just happened."

"I understand, but I don't know why but I just can't believe Anna will do something like this. I think you should give her a chance. I still trust her."

I looked at him shocked "You're saying this? The guy who doesn't trust anyone but me, your trusting a girl who betrayed me"

"Yes I'm saying this because you know that I just don't trust anyone. Anna is special, something inside me wants to trust her and I do. Give her a chance man."

"I can't I saw her with my own eyes" I replied remembering the moment I saw her with her father, how they were laughing and hugging. God, I hate myself for trusting her.

"Sometimes our own eyes betray us"

"I-I just can't trust her anymore and I won't make the mistake again" I was struggling

"That's up to you man. But what if she's innocent, you'll be hurt more than any of us. The way you're treating her, you will be the one guilty later on. I was giving you the advice, now it's up to you to take it or waste it." He patted my back and then left.

What do I do? Trust her or not

Anna's POV

I woke up to see everyone still sleeping. I got up, my cloths already dried off. I went near the waterfall to wash my face when I saw Will. He was peacefully sleeping, his head resting on the cave wall, the waterfall in front of him. His hands folded across his chest and head leaning against the wall. He looked so innocent and peaceful. I washed my face and mouth. I looked at Will again; I smiled and went back to bring the jacket Ryan gave me last night. Even though he hurt me, I just couldn't leave his peaceful face like this. I bought the jacket and and wrapped it around him and just when I just, he woke up startled, he grabbed me and pinned against the ground. His eyes full of anger and he was snarling.

I gasped, his eyes softened when he realized it was me. He moved off me and sat up "What were you thinking, don't you know never to touch a vampire when he's resting. I thought it was those wolfs, I could've killed you" He snapped

I sat up full of rage "Well I'm sorry to disturb you. I was only wrapping this jacket around you so you wouldn't be cold" I threw the jacket in his face "I guess I never should've cared"

Why do I always do that? Why do I care about him even though he hurts me every time? I never should have. Was that kiss nothing for him? Did that kiss mean anything to him?

I got up and sat next to Brea who woke up just now and then Scooter woke up rubbing his eyes. Ryan was already awake.

"Good Morning" Brea said

What's so good about this morning? I gave her a fake smile "Morning"

Ryan got up "Guys it's daylight and I don't think those things will follow us now. So it will be better for us to move now"

My stomach grumbled "But I'm hungry" I complained

Will was sitting on the rock in front of me, looking at me but I totally ignored him even though my eyes were aching to look back.

Ryan sighed "We might reach early to the witch's house, we'll have something there or we'll find some fruits in the forest"

I got up "Fine"

Now we are walking in the middle of the forest of nowhere. Ryan, Brea were walking in the front, Scooter and me in the middle and Will at the back.

My legs were killing me and my stomach was grumbling with hunger, I wanted nothing more than to sit and eat. The sun was shining and its heat was taking all my energy.

Brea turned around "Hey Scooter, come here"

Scooter ran up to her. Great leave me when I'm goanna faint any moment. Suddenly someone's hand appeared in my face, the hand was full of berries. I looked up, it was Will's hand.

"Eat, you'll get some energy"

The berries in front of me were mouth watering, but my pride wouldn't let me. I looked away and huffed "I don't want them"

He grabbed my arm and stopped me "Eat them, your energy has drained because of the heat"

I removed his hand off my arm "I don't need your help and you don't care about me so why are you doing this?"

He sighed "Because you cared for me in the morning that's why, now eat."

I sighed, no point of arguing now because I was really very hungry, I was about to take them when my vision suddenly blurred, I swayed.

"Anna" Will's concerned voice came to me but before I could say anything my world blacked out.

Will's POV

"Anna" I shake her limp body but got no response. Brea, Scooter and Ryan surrounded us. My hands were shaking with fear; I wanted nothing more than to take her in my arms.

"Anna, wake up" I said shaking her but still no response, she was breathing and her pulse was low.

"She's drained out of energy" Ryan said

"What should I do" I asked my voice shaking

"Throw water on her, wake her up and give her something to eat, there's another river. I could hear water down further"

I picked her body up and started to walk with them. I looked down at her unconscious face. How could I be so cruel with an angel, I don't want to get close to her that thought makes my heart ache. Should I really give her another chance?

We reached another river; it was small without a waterfall. The others were washing there faces or drinking water while I lye Anna at the side and grabbed some water in my palms. I then sat next to Anna and sprinkled the water on her face. Her eyes bulged and she slowly opened them and that moment was the most reliving moment in my life

She looked up at me and I did what I didn't do in a while, I smiled at her "Are you okay?"

She blinked and slowly sat up with my help "What happened?" She asked holding her head

"Nothing, you blacked out because you were drained of energy. Here have these fruits" I said giving her some fruits which I forcefully made Scooter pick out from the trees.

She held her head tightly and moaned "Ugh, I don't feel well"

I pulled her on my lap and ran my hands through her hair "Its okay, just eat these, it will help"

I pealed her a banana and she quietly ate, I was thankful for being alone with her, the others were enjoying in the river.

She finished eating all the fruits and looked up "Thank you"

I cleared my throat and looked away "Your welcome"

Ryan came up to us "I think we should leave"

We both nodded, I moved Anna off my lap and got up. She tried to stand but she was still weak and was about to hit the ground but I caught her arm "I can't walk" She whimpered

I picked her up bridal style "It's ok, don't worry. Just go to sleep" I started to walk with the others trailing behind me.

Anna's POV

I snaked my hands around his neck and leaned my head in the crook of his neck. His warmth was very comfortable but why does Ryan feel cold when I touch him? But last night he was a help. This was the best place for me to sleep, if I survive this journey maybe, just maybe this will be my place to be always but I know deep down this won't ever come true.

One time he's kissing me and then pushing me away and then when I'm hungry and get sick, he takes care of me. Is it something wrong with me or him? He's bipolar I know that much but why doesn't he just admit he likes me too, that kiss confirmed that last night. Why can't he admit that he wants to be with me like I want to be with him, why is Will sending me mixed signals?

SO heres another chappie, please do R&R

Luv

Alis