Setting Up

THANE

As he walks into the room, he sees that's she's already sound asleep. He turns the large overhead light off and just leaves on a small lamp next to his bed. He shuts the room door and walks back over, pulling his covers back but he can't help but steal glances of her.

Even before he knew who she really was, he was always drawn to her sleeping face. She looks so pretty and peaceful when she's asleep like this. Before he realizes it, he's moved closer. He leans down and pulls her blanket up to her chin but as he reaches out to touch her hair, a small growl is heard.

His hand pauses as he looks over to see the tiny monkey curled up next to the back of her neck. He tries to reach out and touch her again but the little monkey bares his wickedly sharp teeth and growls even louder!

When she starts to stir, Thane smirks in disbelief and steps back. The monkey looks pleased with himself before laying his tiny head back down. Does it know that she's female? Is this his way of protecting her from me??

Thane feels himself chuckling before whispering "We will settle this later." and stepping back over to his bed. As he pulls the covers back again, he feels an odd chill run down his back. He quickly turns around and looks around the room with a frown.

When his eyes land on Valerie and the monkey, he sees that the two are still peacefully sleeping. He lifts a hand and rubs the back of his neck as he looks around the silent room once more. When he doesn't see or feel anything, he leans over and pulls out his blade and a small handgun.

He slips the blade under the mattress, right where he can grab it before checking to make sure the gun is loaded. He pushes the clip back in and climbs into his bed. He slips the gun under his pillow before turning the light off.

He doesn't know why but, for just a split second... it felt like someone else was in the room. He turns to his side so he can watch her as he falls asleep.

~~~~~~~~

The next morning, I wake up with a sore neck. When I sit up, I see that the little monkey was practically sleeping on top of me! I poke his little belly before getting up and heading to the bathroom.

After cleaning up, I get changed and head out to hear Thane and Titus talking. "I explained everything to headquarters and they told us to stay put for the time being. They want us to find out as much about the machines as possible so I guess we'll be staying here for a while."

As I walk in, the two turn to me and nod before going back to their discussion. As I slip into the kitchen, I walk straight to the fridge to see if there's anything left. Not much food is here and some of the other food has expired so it was slim pickings.

I find a mango that still looked decent in the back of the fridge so I grab it and walk back into the commons area where Thane and Titus were still talking. The monkey flies straight at me and climbs up my leg with lightning speed.

He makes himself comfortable on my shoulder before reaching over to the mango. I break off a small portion for him but he quickly grabs the larger one and starts eating it. I sigh and bite into my small piece as I say "If we're gonna stay here longer, we'll need to find food. The food here is almost gone."

Titus and Thane turn to look at me before nodding in agreement. Titus looks to Thane and says "We'll have to take turns going out and searching. Make teams of three so it won't draw attention but will give you the best fighting advantage."

Thane nods and says "I'll take Conner and Valen with me to do the first sweep. Troy and Cruz will stay here and help you look into that machine." Titus nods in agreement and says "Take the comlinks with you so we can stay in touch."

Thane nods and walks towards me as he says "Gear up, we're going hunting." I nod my head and quickly run back to the room to gear up. I don't like staying still or in the same place for too long so I was thrilled to be able to go out.

According to Thane and Titus, the entire perimeter around the base is protected with a security system that will keep the Ragers out. All we have to worry about is the wildlife. As I meet Conner and Thane at the front door, we strap on our guns and head out.

The little monkey chills on my shoulder but when he sees us going back out, he jumps up and down in excitement. As soon as we step outside, he jumps down and takes off to the closest tree. I giggle at him in delight as Thane lightly nudges my shoulder and says "I want you to stay close, alright?"

I roll my eyes and say "Yes yes, I hear you loud and clear daddy." Sarcasm thick in my voice. Thane freezes for a second before his eyes darken. He gives me a dark smirk before leaning over and saying "You can call me daddy anytime you'd like. I like the sound of it when you say it." I feel goosebumps crawl all over me as I step back and give him a look of horror.

Thane chuckles in delight as he walks away. Conner watches Thane walking away while chuckling with an evil look on his face and says "You know, I always wondered what he would look like if he ever laughed but after seeing this... I don't think he should laugh in the future... it's terrifying."

I couldn't agree more...