“We must, for the sake of our family.” I stumbled past the bathroom and shot a curious glance at tom and jenna. They shot straight and locked their eyes on me.

“whats goin’ on?” A small thump in my chest set about the creeping cold in my spine.

“um-“

“tally, do you want some breakfast?” Jenna smiled ear to ear and rushed to my side. i shook my head in response and pulled away from her arms.

“i promised I’d meet with Laila today.” I sighed. “Her parents keep acting weird and she’s worri-“ my mind snapped awake. I shot them a horrified glare and as my heart roared blood through my ears i backed against the wall.

“tally?” Tom cocked his head.

“your not gonna…” my lungs filled with bricks. “Your no-“ my stomach churned.

“tally…tally you have to understand…we, we have Kalen and sam to look after and..and-“

“thanks jenna, i really appreciate your kindness.” I growled, gritting my teeth in order to keep from throwing up. I turned and thudded down the hall and into my room. I shoved the sickening bile down my throat with a swallow and snatched a bag from my closet.

“tally-“ my hand shot up.

“you don’t even need to apologize, i get it.” I snapped slamming more clothes and my locket into the bag.

“tally, please let me explain.” Jens soothing voice almost drew tears from my burning eyes.

“you don’t have to, I’m going.” I gasped back a breath and winced at the burn on my tongue.

“what do you mean?” Toms rough voice pushed adrenaline through my veins. I grabbed a pillow and a small throw blanket and stomped it in before tightening the drawstrings and slinging it over my back.

“I’m going, todays the day and I’m sure Laila’s going through the same thing.” The snide comment came out in quick snap as i shoved my way past him. ‘My sister isn’t going to get killed, if I’m going, ill go for both of us.’ They shared a glance and as i snatched the doorknob a hand griped my shoulder. A rough hand that made it ache.

“I’m not letting my kids get killed, ill take you.” Fire burned down my body.

“I’m not letting my sister get killed! If your taking me your taking Laila here.” His nose wrinkled pulling up his lips in twisted fury.

“if it’s there choice to sacrifice your sister, then ill take you both. You can go together.” He tried to hold his shaky voice steady but it only rumbled deep.

“your not taking her.” I growled back shooting a quick glare to jenna. Kalen and sam stood tucked behind her, both of them with tears in their eyes. I drew a breath and bolted out the door.

“tally!” Tom snapped, his claws missing me by mere inches. “Tally!” His heavy footsteps pounded behind me pushing adrenaline through my muscles and forcing them to keep moving.

Authors note: this story continues in my other writing titled Traitors