"There wasn't anything much to find." I threw down my finding to the floor in the middle of our circle.

After searching the already bare campsite we'd come up nearly empty handed. All traces of food, water and shelter were long gone, leaving behind only scattered knives and arrows. Something about the rushed clean up told me the person thought they had more than enough weapons to be worrying about leaving anything behind.

"Just some old knives."

Jesse and James threw what they had taken on top of mine, everyone's eyes growing wide at the surprisingly large number of blades.

There was about three more blades, tucked deep within my pack and that was going to be how they stayed till I had the chance to inspect them further.

"We got 3 crossbows." Vincent signalled to each member of his group that now had a weapon draped over their shoulders.

"We only found 2 more. But I hope you don't mind, we did a little hunting." Someone spoke up from the other group, kicking at a bag that had animal paws and tails hanging from it.

Elena and Dailia were quick to reach for the bag, pulling it towards the fire. As soon as they left the circle all eyes were back on me.

"What do we do now? How do we get ready for an attack?" Gemma arms crossed over her torso, shifting her weight to compensate for the heavy chunk of wood by her hip.

I searched the faces of the people stood in front of me, the determination still burning bright within each of them.

My heart swelled with pride as I watched people reach for knives, tucking them into their jackets and boots and jeans- they didn't want to be left unprotected. I didn't stop anyone; I even nodded as Ari bent down to grab some. He was the smartest kid I'd ever met, and Freyja couldn't take care of him on her own.

A million thought ran through my mind, how did we do this? Did we play the offensive of the defensive game? Did we rip up our own traps around the edges of the beach- something that would give us all time to prepare. Did we send out the strongest to search for the man and get this over and done with?

As much as I'd faked it until this point, as much as I had successfully gotten everyone to follow me, I had no clue how to move forward from him.

"Tomorrow, we plan. Tonight, we relax. We know that he is nowhere near here- I led him in the opposite direction." Jesse spoke up for me, his words evoking a few mumbled or calls of annoyance and disregard.

"Look, everyone should be well fuelled and rested before we start this, okay? No arguments." I stood back as Jesse stepped forward, his tone firm and serious- no one was going to argue with him when he was like this. With his presence commanding, his stance wide and his eyes shooting daggers at anyone who dare speak up in refusal.

I watched as the people slowly began to nod, walking away and towards the fire. One by one they settles into their spots, nestling in between loved one's.

Caila and Vincent remained by our side, turning to face us once even the most stubborn finally gave in to Jesse's glare.

"So, I've got first watch?" Vincent spoke up, rolling his shoulders and stretching out his arms. "Don't bother saying it's gunno be you- Dru."

He caught me with my mouth open, ready to shot back a protest. There was no way he was standing guard, not when it was my responsibility to take care of everyone. No one else should lose sleep over it.

"You need to check up on everyone, Besides- this will let me feel like I'm actually of some use to everyone." Vincent shut me down again, hitting me in the one place he knew I couldn't help but cave with. I was due a check up on Cara, Mason and Addy- who was still unable to walk.

"Fine, but Caila go with him- if he's on his own he'll just get distracted by something pretty and shiny." I pointed to Caila, handing over my crossbow shoving it into her hands hastily. Just because I had caved, didn't mean I was happy about this situation.

"If she come's then I'll definitely be getting distracted by something pretty." Vincent pushed Caila's shoulder with a tease, her eyes rolling to the back of her head.

"Yeah- your own reflection, pretty boy. Come on, let's go." She scoffed sending me one quick smile before turning to the outskirts of the forest.

Vincent mumbled after her, recovering from her shut down he grew flustered.

I watched the way he ran his fingers threw his hair, ruffling it as Caila's eyes momentarily glazed over. Maybe this time alone would be good for the two of them.

~~~~~

"What do mean it's all done?"

Rukma stood before me, wiping her hands down with a rag and alcohol as she pushed up from the ground.

"I just finished up with Cara and Mason, and I helped Addy whilst you were gone. Everything is dealt with- go get some of that dinner. I know I'm excited to finally eat some real meat and all I go is sit around all day, I can't imagine how badly you need it." The girl placed the rag on the bench, her hand going to my biceps giving it a quick squeeze.

"If any one needs to listen to what Jesse said about refuelling and resting – it's you two- why don't you listen to your own advice for once."

With a quick smile to Jesse she was gone, her step filled with more excitement than usual as she hurried off to get her hands on some real food.

I stood there wordlessly, trying to get my head to focus on one simple thought rather than the hundreds that were bashing around inside. Surely there was someone else that needed my help? There had to be something for me to do? There was no time for me to just sit around and eat- I couldn't stop working to ensure everyone's safety.

"Slow down there, Dru, I almost hear your brain working in over drive." Jesse flopped down onto one of the 'beds' in front of me, his body falling backwards with a soft groan of discomfort.

Still, I stood there, my teeth chewing at my bottom lip as my fingers twitched- annoying habits that I had always fought in times of stress.

" Listen, I know you don't know what to do with yourself If you aren't out saving lives, so how's this- you getting some food and rest in you will mean that tomorrow when there's actual things to be done you will be functioning properly. Plus, no one is going to get angry if you just let yourself take it easy, everyone can see how much you've done for them."

The words sounded odd coming from Jesse, his tone so genuine and smooth that I couldn't help but listen to it.

With a deep breath of defeat I knew that he was right, that I needed sometime to clear my mind so that I could plan it all properly.

I sat down besides his legs with a groan of my own, the feeling of not having to hold up my own body weight helping more than it ever had.

Jesse propped him self up onto his elbow's, his eyes looking straight ahead rather than at me. He looked just as worn out and exhausted as I felt. It had never even occurred to me that it would be hard for him sitting back and doing nothing, but at least one of us seemed to have some sense in them.

"Thanks for this, Jesse." His eyes turned to met mine, a shadow of a weak smile running over his features.

"Even the saviours need a break sometimes, right?"

Yeah; a break from screwing everything up.

~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N what do ya'll think?

Can we take a minute to admire the new cover by SinisterSushi , it's beyond perfection. 

Don't forget to vote and comment.

Sending all my love and all my positive vibes

xxxxx