The Girl in the Middle

Back in his arms

*Amber*

The voice comes from behind us. It is a authoritory voice with a threatening edge to it. Zombie slowly turn us to face the newly arrived. I don't know him, but he has three stars tattooed on his neck, telling me he is from The Stars.

"Gerard". Zombie say the name like they are best friends and he has missed him tremendously. Like he isn't standing here, ready to wring my neck.

Gerard look icy cold and composed. I have heard a lot about him. He has been Clay's mentor and friend for many years. I kind of imagined him older, but beside for him being only around forty, my image was pretty correct. Dark blonde hair that looks like he cut it himself and a thick beard. But he looks strong. He hasn't pulled any weapons which might make him look like not much of a threat. I know he is a friend of Clay, but does that make him my friend ?

"You understand why she can't be allowed to live, don't you ?" Zombie ask him, like he is asking what his favorite sandwich is.

"I understand why you don't want her to live". Gerard correct him coolly. "But we can't go around killing people because they make our life difficult Zombie". He sound like a father telling of his son. "Your grief won't be bigger or smaller because she is in the world".

"She is going to change everything". Zombie is losing some of his self-control and with that also some of the amusement and indifference in his voice. "Her being her will ruin everything. Everything we have tried to make right the last two years".

"I agree". Gerard sounds almost like he don't care what Will happen. Don't he notice how Zombie is tightening his grip around my neck ? That he is squeezing the breath from me. I can't barely breathe at all by now.

"Then let me do it. We don't have to let anyone know that you were here. Just look the other way". Zombie's voice is enticing. "Don't you want to spare Clay for more grief ?"

"Yes Zombie". Gerard smile half-heartedly. "I would do anything to spare Clay from more grief. Which is the reason I can't let you kill her". He nod to someone behind us, which make Zombie snap around, pulling me with him.

Clay is standing right in front of us, a gun pointing to Zombie's forehead. "Let her go dearest brother". Hearing his voice is close to making me smile. White spots are dancing in front of my eyes and I can't focus on Clay's face. I can't find those beautiful eyes, I want to badly to see right now.

"Oh Clay, so they did let you go again". Once again Zombie seems over joyful. Like his best friend or well brother has just returned to him. "I am just getting to know the princess a bit here".

"I can see that.. LET HER GO". Ben hisses through gritted teeth.

"Really Clay?" Zombies grib on my neck loosens just a bit and I am gasping for air. "Is she what makes you forget ? How can you forget ?" He must have seen something in Clay's eyes I couldn't see.

"I will never forget". Clay answers, his voice icy cold. "But don't let someone innocent pay for that. For what happened".

"Oh this is going to be so much fun. You have just showed me what a thrill it will be letting the princess stay alive for now". It takes Zombie less than three seconds to turn me around, press himself into me and place his lips on mine. I can't push him away. I can't even resist the kiss. Even his lips are stronger than mine. A knife pierces the thin skin on my cheek and it hurts when the salty tears run into it.

I can't breathe.

I can't collect my thoughts.

I can't get away from him.

I hate Zombie. Not only do I hate him, I wish him a world of pain. I wish him dead.

"So I got the first kiss.. Again.. Seem like you Will always get stuck with my sloppy seconds". Zombies pushes me away and into Clay's arms. I break down. My whole body is shaking and I can't stop the sobs coming from my throat. I hide my face against Clay's chest, while his strong arms holds me protectively into him. Everything hurts. My throat, my cheek, my chest, everything.

"Clay, I ...". Kattie's voice reaches us. I hadn't even realise she woke up.

"Later..". Clay cuts her of.

I feel that the others leave, but I can't muster enough strength to pull myself out of the protective embrace, that right now is the one thing keeping me in one piece. I feel I am going to pieces inside. Zombie had tried to kill me. Who knew how much more time he had needed.

In one smooth motion Clay lifts me so he is carrying me with one arm behind my back and one under my knees. I rest my head against his shoulder, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I need to learn how to defend myself". I whisper hoarsely. It hurt a lot in my throat to talk.

"Yes". Is all Clay say.

He don't promise to keep Zombie away from me or that no harm will ever come to me. He don't make promises he couldn't keep. But his arms gives me a silent promise, that he will always fight for me and that he will be there when I need him.