Selena's POV:

"Look, I already told you that I don't know!"
"Wrong answer."

Another slap on the face. If that keeps coming, I would get a good looking purple and blue bruise that will contrast with my fair skin tone.

"I give you three minutes, Lockhart. Try to remember."

I know that someone else have it, but who? Who could that be? It was passed on from generations to generations, or not? Something's not- bingo! But- that can't be possible, can it?

"I remember."
"Spill it."
"I saw it on Lady Catherine's wrist. Dr. Wilson gave it to her."

The details weren't so necessary. What I mean, is that he gave it to her and then they did that gross thing that starts from 'k'.

"I see now. Wilson's been toying with that woman. He needs to know that Protessors aren't on the same lines as Baundors."

Banners piped in. He's definitely up to something that is utterly despicable. I can't stop him, and I won't. I don't care who he kills, unless it's my friend or whom I consider my family.

"Give her the treatment."

Tristan folded the paper and slipped into his pocket after taking a quick glance at a tree near me. He walked towards me and started doing what he does best. He, of all people, knows what close proximity does to me, and when he does that, means the worst cuts. Trust me, I am not going to give all the details.

"That's it, boy. You can move back, it's my time."

I glared at him, even when my vision was blurry and my brain was malfunctioning.

"I think that's enough, sir?"

Say what now? He can't be serious?! He was defending me?!

"What did you say?"

Banners mocked his brow and slowly stepped in his direction. Bad move.

"We need to go to Texas for the meeting and we should leave now or we'll miss the plane."

He checked the time and nodded.

"Untie her."
"But sir, she-
"No, she can't. She knows she can't move easily, and if she tells it to someone else, she has to pay the price."

They, the Wantors, released me in an instant. I fell to the ground with a thud. Tears were filing my eyes due to the pain. I tried to keep them in. I hope they vanish. I don't wish to shed them in the front of those 'pure ones'.

"Retreat, boys."

They all walked along Banners. Tristan was standing where he was the last time. He looked towards the gang and then to me with- sympathetic look?! Yep, I'm going crazy. He took out his pocket knife and threw it at me. In that knife, I could clearly see a parchment neatly folded inside. I sighed. Another threat from Tristan Banners.

"Come out now, Jacob. They're gone."

He jumped from the tree. Taking a glance side to side, he dashed to me.

"You okay?"
"Do I look like I am?"
"Uh, sorry."

He started examining my bruises.

"How did you know I was there?"
"I felt your presence. I caught your scent, and saw you."

I took a peek at the pocket knife that Tristan threw. I just hope Jacob forgets it.

"What's that?"

Nevermind, I take that back. He took out the parchment and unfolded it. His eyes furrowed and he re-read it two to three times. His fists clenched.

"Goddamit, Banners Jr. I will be the death of you!"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Give it to me, Jake."
"No."
"GODDAMN IT JACOB, GIVE IT TO ME ALREADY!"
"I SAID NO, OKAY!"

He panted after he growled. Tears were again filling my eyes and my heart was beating fast. Damn fast. He bit his tongue and hit his head hard with a tree.

"WHY THE HELL DOES THIS WORLD HATE ME?!"
"Jake-
"No. He threatened you. He really did. He wants me dead. So be it. If he does want me dead-
"Shut the crap up, Jake. I-I don't want you dead, none of you guys, you hear me?! I love you guys, all of you. You are the only ones I ever had, or will. You are my family, my everything. I can't lose you guys, not after what happened this year. I can't lose Nathan, Lilac, Alex, Tina and others. I can't lose you, after what you became. You are my best friend, my family. You are the one who gave me hope. You are the one who made me realize what life is all about. You are the one to tell me what it's worth is. Please understand, Jake. Don't take any irrational steps. He can abuse me, but he can't steal my hopes, and that's the only thing I've got now."

Now I can't control it, neither can he. He fell to his knees and started shaking, tears falling uncontrollably from his eyes. I crawled to him and took his hands in mine.

"He can send those threats as much as he wants, but he can't steal my spirit."

I wiped the tears from his eyes. He hugged me in a jerk reaction. I flinched but then relaxed.

"I can't afford to loose you too, Saltybuns."
"Saltybuns?"
"That's a nickname for you."
"I love Saltybuns, though."

We laughed simultaneously, enjoying our little moments.

"What did he exactly write this time?"

He let out a deep breath and slipped it into my hands. I read the chit carefully. On it, with neat hand writing, was written:
'Someone, who's with you, is alive, for now, but will be dead soon.'

"Remind me why I was wailing over this piece of shit?"

I scoffed. He scorned.

"You sure do curse. A lot."
"You're saying it like this is your first meeting with me."

He shrugged.

"I was just saying."
"I know you were."
"You sure do."
"Let's go back. Help me up."

He slung his arms around my waist and helped me stand up. I winced when he touched the spot where the bruised was formed.

"Sorry."
"It's okay."
"Hey, let me carry you."
"Oh no, you don't."
"Oh sure I will."

He, being him, picked me up bridal-style. Again.

"Put me down, Jake."
"Let me think. Uh, no."
"Please."
"Nope."

I smirked. He's being himself now.

"Jakey-bakey!"

He kept on walking.

"JBeeyyyyy!"

No effect.

"Goddamit, Jake! Put me down already!"

He dropped me on the ground. I fell with a loud 'thud'. It hurt pretty bad, just because those bastards kicked me on my back, hard.

"OW!"
"Satisfied?"

He then looked at me and smirked. I gave him a venomous look. He clutched his stomach and rolled on the floor, laughing. I scoffed. He tried not to laugh but failed. I started twitching. He stood up, brushed his pants, and folded  his arms, still smirking.

"That twitching and look on your face was priceless."

He guffawed. I punched his thighs. He winced in pain and whined.

"Kay, I'm sorry."
"That's more like it."
"Now would you let me take you?"

I rolled my eyes and opened my arms, signalling him to pick me up. Don't know why, but when he touches me, it gives me creeps. Lemme remind you, I'm not a big fan of close proximities. Here we go. He scoops me up in his arms again and starts walking. All that I noticed was he kept smirking and I kept sulking.

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Word count: 1180