by Chanel Hardy
“It’s going to be okay.” His voice was calm. He looked over at River, who was panicking with tears in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, I can’t.” River opened the door, bolting for the woods. She was too late, as the ponytail man caught her before she could get away. River kicked and screamed, flailing her legs around trying to escape his grip.
“Let go of her! Please! Just take me!” Jax begged as the second man yanked him out of the driver’s side seat, dragging him over to the car.
“Stop fighting. It won’t do you any good.” The ponytail man said to River, as he dragged her over to the car, pushing her up against the vehicle, next to Jax. “I gotta say, we’re shocked you got this far.” He grinned at River. “But your little road trip is over.” He reached into his jacket, pulling out a syringe filled with orange liquid. The second man did the same, holding an identical syringe up to Jax’s neck.
Seeing the syringe ignited River’s will to live. She clawed at his face, lodging her right index finger into the ponytail man’s left eye. Her sharp nail, piercing his eyeball with all the strength she could muster. He dropped the syringe, shrieking out in pain as blood gushed from his eye. His accomplice became distracted, giving Jax the chance to take hold of the syringe in his hand, shoving the needle into the man’s neck. He dropped to the ground, out cold. The ponytail man reached for River, yanking her by the collar and shoving her face-first onto the ground. Jax ran for the other syringe before the man could reach it, putting him in a headlock and shoving the syringe into his neck. Both men laid motionless in the middle of the street as Jax and River ran back to the truck. Jax’s foot hit the accelerator so fast, River could see smoke emanate from the tires.
Jax kept driving until they reached the sign that read Welcome to Bertram: population 286. River hadn’t spoken to Jax at all up until that point. He asked her if she was alright a few minutes after they escaped the council’s henchmen, but she didn’t say anything. She just nodded. They checked behind them every few minutes, making sure that nobody else was following them. Thankfully, they were in the clear. Jax stopped the car, taking in a deep breath. He couldn’t believe that they actually got away. If River hadn’t done what she did, they’d be on their way to their deaths right now. River opened the door, jumping out and slamming it behind her. She ran toward the snow-covered grassy area next to the road, pacing in circles and burying her face in her hands.
Jax got out to go after her. “River, where are you going!?” He approached her, and she turned toward him, trembling. She pushed him, he stumbled backwards.
“I can’t believe you!” She began to push him repeatedly. “You were just going to let them take us?!” Jax gripped her hands before she could push him a fourth time. “Let me go!”
“No!” Jax pulled her in close, trying to calm her down. “River, stop! I’m sorry alright!” River tried to yank her arms away, clenching her jaw. She didn’t want to hear it. “I froze back there, and I shouldn’t have. I should’ve fought harder to protect you. I let you down, I know.” River’s head dropped, she couldn’t look at him. “I screwed up.” He let her hands go. “But we made it, and that’s all that matters now. I’m proud of you, for what you did back there.” She looked up at him, pursing her lips with her arms folded. “You saved us. We made it because of you.”
As much as she wanted to hate him for giving up, she couldn’t. He had been strong for her all this time, and it wasn’t fair for her to chastise him for being human. He had a weak moment, and it wasn’t his fault.
“I was so scared Jax.” She was still trembling as she tried to come down from her anxiety-ridden outburst.
“I was too.” He got closer, slouching down and resting his head onto her shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her waist, For the first time since they met, River was witnessing him in a vulnerable state. He had spent so much time saving her, that it never crossed her mind that he needed saving too. She placed her hand on the back of his neck, his soft curls tickling in between her fingers. River explored the area surrounding them. The crisp air from the cold temps prickled her face. There was nothing in sight, but grass covered in patches of melting snow. The outline of houses were stretched out in the distance. It was serene. River rubbed her face against his head, his hair brushing up against her cheek.
She whispered softly near his ear. “We made it baby.”
Chapter 5
River and Jax drove through Bertram, passing locals who peered into the truck occasionally. They were held up at a stop light, where a white woman was walking by along the sidewalk with a young boy. The little boy, who looked to be about five years old, just stared at River with his mouth hanging open. Drool dripped from his lips as he and River made eye contact. River smiled at him, but he didn’t smile back. She looked at the woman he was with, who had noticed that something held the boy’s attention. She glanced at River with narrow eyes, then yanked the boys arm so he could keep up.
“What did I tell you about staring?” She said to him. They continued along, but the boy kept looking back at the truck, bemused by River.
“I’m guessing Bertram isn’t known for its diversity, huh?” River turned to Jax as he drove through the changing light.
“They’re friendly people.” Jax smiled, but River wasn’t amused. Jax’s racially ambiguous features allowed people like him to fit in anywhere. River on the other hand, couldn’t escape her blackness even with her mother’s Southeastern Asian features blended in.
“We’ll I at least hope your friend is friendly.” River said with a smirk.
“He is. His name is Will. He’s a fey.”
River was relieved to know that it wasn’t a purebred. For the first time since her turn, she’d be around someone who was just like her. But she wondered how he was able to fly under the radar. If the council didn’t know about him, then there had to be a reason why. “How do you know him?” She asked.
“A few years ago, when I first moved out on my own, I used to go to the library every day to look up news stories on strange animal attacks from all over the country. I could easily tell if it was a shifter attack based on specific details about the victims. If they survived, I’d search for them. To teach them how to live with it.” River listened, captivated by his anecdotes of helping the cursed. “I’ve travelled all over. Some feys I’ve been able to help, and some, not so much.” His tone went fragile, as memories of those he couldn’t save flashed through his mind.
“But you saved Will?” River’s eyes were focused on him. He breathed in and out slowly through his nose, running his tongue across his teeth. He didn’t answer her question.
“We’re here.” Jax turned right on to a small path that looked like it led to a dead end. There was a “Road Closed” sign on the side of the path. Smart guy. River thought. The closer they got, the easier the house became to spot. It was a wide, two level structure. It’s exterior was an eggshell white, with shutters hanging off at the hinges and chips in the paint that were visible from the car. Tall, unmanaged grass surrounded the house. Jax could’ve told her that the place was abandoned, and she would’ve believed him. Jax parked in front of the house, getting out to meet River on the passenger’s side. He held her hand as she gazed at the house, with uncertainty in her eyes. As they walked up the porch, River got an eerie feeling about the house. Jax opened the screen door, knocking loudly. River looked around, and noticed a device with a small red dot in the upper left corner of the window. Jax knocked again.
“I think he knows we’re here.” River tugged at the arm of his jacket, pointing at the camera. Jax heard a soft click from behind. With his sharp reflexes, he grabbed River, jerking around and shoving her behind him. River didn’t even have time to react to what was going on. Then she saw him, standing at the foot of the steps with a rifle pointed directly at them.
“Will, it’s me. Don’t shoot.” Jax had his hands up, as River clung to him, her eyes wide and her heart racing. The barrel of the shotgun didn’t budge. “Will, don’t s
hoot please.”
“Who is she?” Will’s voice was deep, he sounded almost robotic.
“Her name is River. She’s with me. She’s a fey.” Jax still had his hands up, hoping Will would listen to him. “We came here because we need your help.”
Will lowered his gun, and began walking up the porch steps with the rifle at his side. He stood face to face with Jax, their eyes glued to each other. River didn’t know what to expect. Will’s long, thick dreadlocks hung down the sides of his face like rope. He had a scar on his cheek that expanded to his mouth. Jax said this guy was a friend, but right now it looked like the opposite.
“I almost killed you.” Will said.
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” Jax smiled, and suddenly the tension was gone. Will’s mouth formed a crooked grin, as he pulled Jax in for a hug. Jax welcomed him, and River could feel the bond they shared, radiating from their affection towards each other.
“Long time no see bro.” Said Jax.
“Too long.” Jax turned to River, who was still a bit shaken up from having a gun pointed at her. “This is River. We need your help. It’s bad.”
“Say no more. Let’s get inside.” Will moved past them to unlock the door. He pushed it open, stepping aside for them to come in. The house was dark, and there were large white sheets draped over furniture. Dust covered the floors, windows, anything where dust could possibly reach. “Follow me.” He led them to a door, that led to the basement. The door creaked open as they followed Will downstairs. River scrunched her face, confused as she took each raggedy step down into the dark basement.
“What’s down here?” She asked, as they reached the bottom. Will stood in the middle of the floor. “My sanctuary.” He kneeled down, lifting up a big square shaped door that blended in with the dark floor tile. “Ladies first.” River looked at him like he was crazy. She had no idea what was down there, and was hesitant to find out.
“It’s alright. I’ll be right behind you.” Jax told her. She thought about the council, and knew that if she wanted to be safe, she had to do what was being asked, even if it seemed insane. She walked over, peeking down into the gaping hole. There was a ladder attached at the edge. She turned around, going in feet first. She scaled down the ladder, and underneath her feet, she could see a light. This eased her nerves as she looked above her, and could see Jax following her down. At the bottom, there was a hallway where the light illuminated. She waited for Jax and Will to reach the bottom. Will led them down the small hallway, where there were three small rooms. River understood now. How Will was able to hide from the council.
“Shifters can’t track your scent down here. It’s where I spend most of my time.” He led them to one of the rooms. “Are you sure they haven’t followed you here?”
“I’m sure. For the last hour and a half of our trip, there weren’t any consistent cars behind us. We kept track this time.” Jax told him.
Will cocked his head, narrowing his eyes. “What do you mean, this time?” Jax and River looked at each other, then back at Will.
“You’re going to want to sit down for this.” Said Jax.
Chapter 6
Kareem ran his right index finger across the edge of the countertop as he slowly paced around Jax’s kitchen. Jon, Lester and Edward ransacked the cabin, searching for any clues as to where Jax and River could be. After the two henchmen failed to capture them that morning, the council was outraged.
Both men were found passed out in the middle of the road by a passing driver after Jax and River had gotten away. They were still unconscious from the serum, so they were taken to a hospital where they awoke later. Once the men realized where they were, they left the hospital in a panic, contacting the council immediately to explain what had happened.
The council viewed the henchmen’s incompetence as unacceptable. Both men were executed upon their arrival at headquarters. The council had no other leads and had to stoop to drastic measures to find Jax and River.
Kareem opened the cabinets where a few clean dishes sat neatly stacked. He was surprised that Jax kept the place so tidy. He was very well-ordered for someone who lived in the woods.
“Bingo.” Lester called out from Jax’s bedroom.
Kareem went to the bedroom to see what Lester found. In the room, Lester had slid the bed, flipped the mattress, and scattered clothes everywhere. He held a small shoebox in his left hand, with a bunch of papers in his right. Jon and Edward were standing next to him, and the three of them smiled menacingly. Kareem walked over to them, grabbing the papers from Lester’s hand. He swapped through them one page at a time, trying to figure out the importance of the documents.
After thumbing through a few more pages, he discovered what it was. The papers included lists of names and addresses. The other pages featured printed out newspaper clippings and map directions. The document was information on all the feys that Jax had researched. The council knew of his travels in the past and dealings with feys, but they never monitored him closely. Kareem chuckled as he was amused that everything, they needed was conveniently laid out for them.
“Where did you find this?” Kareem asked.
“Hidden behind a small compartment behind the headboard, said Lester as he pointed to the disheveled bed. I almost missed it. He’s a clever kid.”
“Not clever enough.” Kareem shoved the papers inside his blazer. “Let’s get going. We don’t have any more time to waste.
∞∞∞
River tossed and turned on the queen-sized mattress that sat in the corner of the room. Jax slept behind her, with his hand stretched across her torso underneath the itchy, polyester blanket. River hadn’t been able to sleep at all, flicking the switch on her flashlight. She pulled her hands inside her long sleeve shirt. Will had a portable electric heater that kept them warm as the temperature dropped into the thirties overnight.
She missed the snug warmth of the motel room back in Rockford. She wished they could’ve stayed there under the plush, white covers. Still, the sacrifice for safety at Will’s house was worth it.
River wondered how long they’d have to stay at the house, hiding out like fugitives. Will’s underground bunker was the perfect hiding spot, but River couldn’t imagine her and Jax staying there forever. She pondered if staying alive would matter if it meant a life of seclusion. River rid her head of these thoughts.
She thought about Tasha, who would’ve wanted her to survive no matter what it cost. After they told Will about what happened at the party, the attack at River’s house, and even Tatiana’s death, he contemplated on making them leave. He felt as though River was a liability, and her irrational actions at the party put the lives of every fey in the country at risk. Jax pleaded with him to let them stay, even if it was only temporary. Will agreed, only because he loathed everything about the council and the shifter community and felt like he owed a debt to Jax.
River had been holding in the urge to pee, feeling uneasy about leaving the bunker in the middle of the night. She could feel her bladder filling, and the need to urinate trumped her fear of going upstairs alone. She gently pushed Jax’s arm aside as she sat up, trying not to wake him. He flinched in his sleep, but he didn’t wake. River got up, adjusting the blanket over him, before making her way to the ladder that led upstairs. She climbed up, unlatching the hook and pushing the door open.
Lifting herself into the bunker, she noticed the basement door slightly open. She and Jax slept in the first room, so River couldn’t see if Will was sleeping when she left. She walked upstairs and heard footsteps against the creaking floorboards. Goosebumps appeared on her skin as she waited at the top of the steps, hiding behind the door.
A shadowy figure approached. Peeping through the crack of the door, she knew the mystery person was probably Will, but she didn’t want to risk being seen in case it wasn’t him. Suddenly, she saw Will, walking past the basement with something in his hands. He walked into another room, which seemed to be the kitchen based on River’s memory of being upstai
rs earlier. She opened the door and headed in his direction. She heard fumbling sounds as she approached the kitchen where Will was sitting at a table. He had a bear trap in front of him, with a dead rabbit caught in its claws. As River approached the kitchen, the floorboard creaked and startled Will. He drew his pistol, and River gasped, stopping in her tracks. She threw her hands up.
“It’s just me,” she said quietly. Will let out a deep breath, lowering his weapon.
“You can’t just sneak up on people like that,” he huffed, placing his gun on the table. “What are you doing up here?”
“I was just coming to use the bathroom. I heard someone walking around.” River put her hands down.
“Well, if it wasn’t me, you’d be dead by now.” Will rolled his eyes. “I guess stupid decisions are a common thing with you, huh?”
River furrowed her eyebrows. “Excuse me?”
Will shook his head, pulling the rabbit flesh from the trap. “I’m just being honest.”
River’s facial expression didn’t change. “Honest? You don’t even know me.” She folded her arms, getting defensive.
“I know enough,” said Will as he wiped the bear trap with a wet cloth, focusing on the task.
River was upset but she didn’t want to start any trouble. She and Jax were guests in Will’s home. She decided to disregard his rudeness and head to the bathroom.
“He really loves you,” Will said.
Will’s comment made River pause, and she turned to him. “Jackson has a heart of gold. That’s how we became friends. But I’m sure you knew that.” Will cracked a small smile, and River walked to the table, pulling out the metal chair to sit across from him. “I don’t know where I’d be right now if Jax hadn’t found me. He saved me in more ways than one.”