Chapter 236

“Yes, owned with humans, experiments conducted on our kind. Not many escape but when they do, they are hunted…” Leland growled. “So that’s why some never leave,” I said in understanding, Gabriel remained silent at my side, and I knew he was sizing this all up, just taking everything in while Marlon spoke, “We couldn’t return to our families, bring that kind of danger to them so we would run, but we were waiting for something, someone. You…” the faith in his words and thoughts sure, incorruptible. I rested back thinking… “How many available properties are on the island? You see it won’t just be me, I have a pack…” Marlon smiled, “There is room for plenty, your father has been planning, and we’ve been preparing as well,” What do you think? I’m not sure, but do we have other options, they seem loyal… “Would you and your mate like to look around?” Marlon offered. Yes. “Yes, thank you…” I nodded, standing, leading the way, going outside, walking on the path nearly 200 feet we come up to another house, encircled by palm trees, a stone path surrounding the front curving around the side leading to a back I couldn’t see from where I stood “Can we look at this one?” I asked looking at the two-story place that actually had steel covered windows. “Sure, the security code is 9182, until the one living here chooses something for themselves,” Marlon says entering the numbers, the steel shutters opened revealing large glass windows, the door exposed as well. Entering looking around, the open floor plan, kitchen and living room shared space; stairs leading upstairs with open ceilings and view up rooms upstairs. “Marlon would you excuse us for a moment,” I said not looking at him, not expecting him to object. He doesn’t and in a few moments Gabriel and I are alone. Walking to him, I wrap my arms around his torso lying my head on his chest, relaxed, what do you think? That your dad had a lot going on, but they seem loyal to you Chelsea, I think this place would be better than Clearwater, Logan could bring in supplies depending on how long we stay, we’d be safe here, Gabriel thought looking around this place. In Gabriel’s arms I let myself think about Oakley and Ben, can we put Oakley and Ben here? I ask, Gabriel pulls away to look at my face, if you want them here Chelsea that’s fine… Logan and I will handle it, but we’ll have to take them – make it look like they died. They are letting Oakley go home today but she isn’t going to live with her father… Gabriel continues to tell me about the situation, when he’s done, my mother sure can pick them.  I say actually feeling sorry for Oakley, but happy that she at least has Ben. From your fathers notes we don’t know who the Elder has watching them, so we need to have them here before we get here… if we try to make a move after – The Elders will be suspicious, I finished. Leaving we locked the house up, going outside entering the code, “Are you sure you want this Chelsea, bringing them here?” Gabriel asks, his eyes focused on mine, looking for a hint of indecision but there wasn’t one. No, this is home until we can go back, and I want Oakley and Ben here, I bob my head determined. . . . Oakley Lawson POV (November 27th after explosion) “Ben? Aunt Julia? Uncle Grant?” I said my voice shaky, unsure of where I was; I could hear the heartbeats, then their panicked voices as well. Using my enhanced sight, relieved I could see in the dark, I stood searching for a light switch, finding one I turned the lights on. Julia, Ben and uncle Grant immediately stopped screaming, the worry apparent. Turning back I rushed for Ben, “How did? Where are we Oakley?” he asked worried, you are safe here, the voice in my head said calmly, but that did nothing to ease my heart. “Grant?” Aunt Julia said in his arms, “we were in the car and then, just here, I – I don’t understand?” they faced us, coming over, checking us out, as worried and confused as Ben and I were. Looking around we were in a house, the windows were covered in steel, we were standing in the living room and on the kitchen. My eyes welled and I was crying for a whole other reason, “Oh god it’s all my fault,” I cried, “I showed the video and they came and punished us,” the words tumbling out as I thought of everyone listening, mom warning me on who not to trust. “I should’ve listened! Why didn’t I listen!?” I rocked back and forth, panic taking over. “Hey! Hey! Oakley, no… this isn’t – I don’t know what this is but its not because you played the recording…” Uncle Grant tried to immediately reassure me but I remained unconvinced. Uncle Grant scoped out the place, eyeing the door and alarm code box next to the light switch I turned on, “Come on guys,” he said releasing me, taking my hand while Julia took Bens, following us stopping at door. Taped to the door is a note, written to me. Dear Oakley and family, Please make yourselves at home, we didn’t have a lot of time; this circumstance will be explained to you in a few hours when I return. As I’ve already said, please make yourself comfortable; we’ve filled the fridge with food, as you can see the electricity has already been turned on…  I would have rather been here waiting and explaining right away but I had to return home, but will be back tomorrow. Sorry for doing things this way, but it couldn’t be helped. Chelsea. “It is my fault,” I said sadly, my chest hurting. No we are all safe now, protected, the voice in my head trying to calm me, but nothing was working, it felt like my lungs weren’t working correctly, I couldn’t breath and as Ben and uncle Grant tried to calm me, my vision danced, their voice got further away, drenched and hazy. I panted, trying to fill my lungs, crying, shaking, until darkness took over, Ben’s worried voice the last thing I heard.