"Don't get lost, and be wary of the bears," Dad said to me as I strap my phone onto my arm. I raise my eyebrow at his statement, "Dad...there aren't any bears here." I laugh and run to the fridge for my water bottle. The jog I'm about to go on is very much needed, with the thoughts of both Xander and Thea invading every crevice of my mind, fresh air should be enough to kick them off. Not to mention they must feel strangely tired with the amount of running they do in my mind. "I know, I just needed a reaction," he says while looking down at his phone- presumably the news. I sigh and let out another chuckle.
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I grab my keys off the hook by the door and am out the door in a swift move. Coach Raithe suggested I do 'dry-lands' as often as possible, maximize my performance in the pool. According to her, "Training isn't just about swimming mindlessly for miles upon miles, it's also about keeping your body up to par. In order to do that you must train on dry land to promote muscle growth and stability."
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The cool breeze brushes the bare skin of my calves, a small shiver vibrating my limbs. The sun was settled neatly between the trees of the forest, a small beam lighting the path for the runners. I push my tied up hair off my shoulders and descend to the path. I sigh a breath of relief as the path is empty of any other joggers or hikers, running alone always felt best to me. It allows my thoughts to run freely out of me, without a worry of anyone around to bother.
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About a quarter of a mile into the path, few left and right turns, my throat starts to burn with a need for my water bottle. I lean against a nearby tree to catch a small break before heading back. Taking the time to stretch my knees out before they knot.
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Snap
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My gaze jolts to the left at the sudden sound. I carefully make my way to the source of the sound, peaking between two thick trees, making sure to say hidden in the shadows. A medium-sized white-tailed deer stands in the middle of a beautiful field clearing, unbeknownst of its surroundings. It chomps away at the grass below, making me giggle inwardly at the apparent innocence. Something moving in the shadows behind it causes me to shift my attention. I gasp and hug my tree tighter as a massive black beast emerges from the shadows, its shoulders hunched in a crouch ready to pounce.
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Amazed at the hunt occurring right before my eyes, I stay rooted to my spot not daring to breathe in fear of being caught. I don't feel an ounce of terror at the sight in front of me, just a sense of astonishment for being able to witness such a marvelous phenomenon. Distracted by the scenery I failed to notice the second presence. I furrow my eyebrows at the cloaked figure beside the massive wolf. A skinny hand reaches forward toward the animal, agonizing whimpers escape the helpless animal. I watch as it cowers away, blinded by the invisible weapon. I feel something cold and wet dribble down my cheeks, I blink back the tears.
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"Stop," I yell out horrified. The cloaked figure turns its attention towards me and I immediately regret my sudden outburst. I gasp and step back, tripping over the fallen thick tree branch. The uncouthly figure seemingly gazing deep into my soul. I clutch my throat, suddenly unable to breathe. I cough as I fall to my knees, black shadows unexpectedly appear in front of me. The being wraps its hand around my throat and lifts me off the ground. The ringing in my ears turning my brain to mush, causing me to limp in its hold helplessly. Just as I feel the darkness emitting from the cloaked figure consume me, its hold on me is released. Deep growling and bellowing barks heard just before I hit the ground and dizziness takes up my senses once again. Unable to grasp reality I finally lose consciousness.
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My breathing came out evenly as my eyes went in and out of focus, my fingers finding the cotton material of the sheets around me. I'm alive. I sit upon my elbow and remove the neatly folded cold towelette off my forehead. I take in the room I'm in, pale grey bare walls softly it up by the sunlight peeking through a curtained window, the breeze blowing back the material gently. The room feels cozy and quiet, peaceful even. I pull the bedsheets off me and get up to exit the room.
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I stagger my way to the door, ignoring the raging headache and double shifting door knobs in front of me.
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"-saved me..." I heard an unfamiliar voice say through the door.
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"-Explain to me why the fuck you were alone." Another voice responded, anger laced in every word.
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"I know, it was wrong-"
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"Not a word about this until I clear things up and get an understanding of the situation." The other masculine voice, their conversation slipping through the door unbeknownst to them.
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Receding footsteps are heard and I waited until it's silent in the hall. Just as I reach for the doorknob in front of me the door opens, causing me to stumble back. "You're up," a soothing but surprised voice says. I groan and clutch my forehead, the familiar pressure building up once again.
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"Careful, you're still fragile," the comforting voice states before I'm lifted into a protective hold. Everything around me feels like I'm on a carnival ride set to high. I sigh when I'm placed back onto the bed, a glass of water being held in front of my face. I take it without question and gulp it down. "Take an Ibu, it should help with the pain. The doctor said there was no damage inflicted, although I would object as the mental torture was enough to render you unconscious." I lean into the hand caressing my cheek and choke on the water when I meet the onyx eyes gazing intently at me.
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"Xander," I cover my mouth to hide my embarrassing spluttering from the startlement. He chuckles while taking the cup from my hands, placing it on the stand next to the bed. It's then when I realize his beautiful chest on full display. I blush at his shirtless state, does this man want to kill me? "You're alright," his hand rubs my back, leaving tingles in its wake. I nod and gape at him.
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"What happened out there?" his expression worried, angry in a way. Did I do something to upset him? I blink at the memories, everything seeming fuzzy and contorted. Black shadows dance, low growls in the background, cold hand around my throat, the feeling of hopelessness- I interrupt my thoughts with the sound of my fragile voice. "Something attacked me, it felt almost like...like it were.." I struggle to gather my words, one screaming in my mind. "Evil."
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A growl emits from him making me flinch back and the suddenness of it. "I'm okay." I place my hand on his bare chest, his body relaxing at my touch. I feel small against him like a bunny would to a predator. But I feel safe in his hold. He sighs and stands up from his crouching position, my hand falling away from his touch. I pull the sheets over my body, suddenly feeling naked from his taken presence.
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"You should rest." He breaks the short-lived silence. The image of my father's worried face suddenly appearing in my mind. "My dad, he must be worried about me." I move to get up but he pushes my shoulders back gently, my head softly hitting the pillow. "He knows." Xander's deep soothing voice is enough to send me off to unconsciousness. I turn my body to face him, "please don't go, I don't want to be alone." I cross my fingers at the boldness of my statement.
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What if he rejects-
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"Of course."
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I smile in relief, scooting deeper into the warmth of the comforter as he settles himself onto the couch in the corner of the room. Guarding the room for me, he fills up the open space with his protective demeanor.
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