Number 5

Chapter 22

"You'll answer all my questions then?"

"I promise."

I relax contentedly against Grayson's chest, feeling at peace for the first times. However I also feel completely at a loss. I have no grasp on anything.

All I know is we have to get Mangold and quickly. My sister is in jeopardy. I feel myself begin to slip into the oblivion sleep brings, with the firm resolution that I shall not let either myself or Grayson rest until she is safe. The day Mangold's filthy hands are bound behind his back, unable to harm anyone else with the streaks of blood red poison that surge through his veins will be the day I am fully able to give myself to my life in the 5th dwelling. Until then, I feel half full; stuck in the middle between love and hate.

Blinded by my irrevocable love for Grayson and the searing animosity for the man who dared to lay a hand on my sister. It seems I am back to square 1 again.

"Don't dream of any other crazy plans Elle." Grayson murmurs.

"Too bad - I was just planning my escape route." I say wickedly. Immediately I feel Grayson stiffen. Paranoid but with sound reason to be. In the darkness, my fingers find his and interlock them. I bring his hand to my lips and place a gentle kiss on his knuckles.

"It was a joke."

"Good." Gray says gruffly. "I was trying to figure out how I would execute my earlier threat."

I smile against his knuckle. "You wouldn't really handcuff me to the bed."

"Sweetheart, your naivety is facetious and I assure you that I always follow through."

"So domineering." I sigh to myself.

"Please do not forget narcissistic. I like my personality to be thoroughly illustrated." Grayson answers, but the light tone he uses portrays his amusement.

"Go to sleep." I mumble, stretching my legs across the seat.

"Promise me something first."

"What is it?"

"Promise me that no matter what happens, you won't give up on me."

"That is only too easy to promise."

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I awake to the sound of the slurred whirring of the copter blades. I open my eyes groggily, lifting my head from my firm pillow to see a sloped roof, fashioned out of twigs. The aroma of an earthy musk chokes me and I cover my nose with my hand to try and mask the smell. Where am I? Is this the fifth dwelling? Gray said he would wake me.

"Gray are we here?" I murmur. However I receive no answer. Immediately, I feel my skin begin to prickle.