Silver Lining - The Host fanfiction

Chapter 68 The Marked Man

I think that hate is a feeling that can only exist where there is no understanding.

 

-William Tennessee.

 

 

Burns

 

Emma has a tight hold on my hand. She seems so scared. I wish I could comfort her. Strangely enough, I feel completely calm.

Logan is walking behind us, a rifle hangs over his shoulder. I could have told him I won’t try to run, but I don’t think he would have believed me.

We arrive at a broader tunnel with more light. The others are already there, even Rachel. She is leaning against the wall with her arms crossed and her head turned away. She seems vulnerable and I know it’s my fault, my kind’s fault.

We are directed to a corner where Logan and Blake take a stance on either side of us. I look around and see the humans’ faces. Hostile faces, a few uncertain faces, frightened faces. My eyes land on Nate, but his expression gives nothing away.

When Kelsey and Will have settled as well, Nate stands up. “Good,” he says, “now that we’re all here, we can start.” He looks at all the faces. “As all of you know, we have two new additions to our group.”

“For now,” someone mutters.

Nate ignores it. “This is Burns and Emma.” He turns to us. “You’ve already met some of us.” He nods towards the others one by one. “That’s Tom, Kim, Carlos, Milo and Mick over there. And Marcus.”

I nod and try to remember all of the new names.

“Why don’t you get to the point, Nate?” an elderly woman speaks. I think her name is Anna-May. “Why are we all here?”

“So that we’re all clear,” Nate says calmly, “no one is allowed to harm either Burns or Emma. And they won’t harm any of us. They are officially new housemates.”

“You’re not serious, Nate,” Will says, “you know what he is! He’ll lead the others to us.”

“How would he do that, Will?” Nate asks, “he has nowhere to go. He’s stuck here with us.”

“He might be wired, give off some signal.”

“He’s not,” Blake cuts in, “we checked before we brought him here. He protected Emma.”

“You’re pleading for him now, Blake?”

“I’m just saying,” Blake says calmly, “there’s nothing one of them can do against all of us. We’ll watch him. It’s not like he’ll have a free pass, but…” He looks at Emma. “…he deserves a chance. He’s brought us one of our own. He helped Nate. We’re not monsters. We can’t just shoot someone that hasn’t done anything wrong.”