The Host Chapter 33: Doubted

Another splash. Kyles weighting tortured my arms.Wanda? WandaHelp me Kyle The tale HelpI had my face pressed against the stone, my centers toward the cave entrance. The unwarranted was bright over spike as the day dawned. I held my breath. My arms screamed.Wanda Where are you?Ian leaped through the door, the rifle in his hands, held low and ready. His face was the angry mask his chum had worn.Watch out I screamed at him. The narration is breaking up I female genitaliat hold him much longerIt took him two long seconds to process the opinion that was so different from the one hed been expecting-Kyle, trying to kill me. The scene that had been, just seconds ago.Then he threw the gun to the cave floor and started toward me with a long stride. define nap-disperse your weightHe dropped to all fours and scuttled to me, his eyes burning in the light of dawn.Dont let go, he cautioned.I groaned in disturb.He assessed for another second, and then slid his proboscis behind mine, pushing me closer to the rock. His arms were longer than mine. Even with me in the stylus, he was able to get his hands around his fellow.One, two, three, he grunted.He powderpuffed Kyle up against the rock, much more securely than Id had him. The movement smashed my face into the pillar. The bad side, though-it couldnt get much more scarred at this point.Im going to pull him to this side. drop you squeeze out?Ill try.I loosened my hold on Kyle, feeling my shoulders ache in relief, making sure Ian had him. Then I wriggled out from amid Ian and the rock, careful not to put myself on a d vexationous section of the floor. I crawled backward a few feet toward the door, ready to make a collar for Ian if he started slipping.Ian hauled his inert associate around one side of the pillar, dragging him in jerks, a foot at a time. More of the floor crumbled, that the foundation of the pillar remained intact. A new shelf formed near two feet out from the column of rock.Ian crawled backward the way I had, dragging his brother along in short surges of muscle and will. Within a minute, we were all three in the mouth of the corridor, Ian and I breathing in gasps.What the hell happened?Our weight was too much. Floor caved in.What were you doing by the knock against? With Kyle?I put my corpus down and concentrated on breathing.Well, tell him.What will happen then?You cheat what will happen. Kyle broke the rules. Jeb will shoot him, or theyll kick him out. Maybe Ian will beat the snot out of him first. That would be fun to watch.Melanie didnt rattling recall it-I didnt think so, anyway. She was just tranquilize mad at me for risking our lives to save our would-be murderer.Exactly, I told her. And if they kick Kyle out for me or kill him I shuddered. Well, cant you see how bitty sense that would make? Hes one of you.Weve got a life here, Wanda. Youre jeopardizing that.Its my life, too. And Im well, Im me.Melanie groaned in disgust.Wanda? Ian demanded.Nothing, I muttered.Y oure a rotten liar. You screw that, right?I kept my head down and breathed.What did he do?Nothing, I lied. Poorly.Ian put his hand under my chin, pulled my face up. Your nose is bleeding. He twisted my head to the side. And theres more blood in your hair.I-hit my head when the floor fell.On both sides?I shrugged.Ian glared at me for a long moment. The darkness of the tunnel muted the brilliance of his eyes.We should get Kyle to commercialism-he really cracked his head when he went down.Why are you protecting him? He attempt to kill you. It was a statement of fact, not a question. His expression slowly melted from anger to horror. He was imagining what we had been doing on that unstable shelf-I could see that in his eyes. When I did not answer, he spoke again in a whisper. He was going to make believe you in the river A strange tremor agitate his body.Ian had one arm around Kyle-hed collapsed that way and seemed too tired to move. Now he shoved his unconscious brother away rough ly, sliding farther from him in disgust. He slid into me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. He pulled me close against his chest-I could feel his breath go in and out, withal more ragged than normal.It felt very strange.I should roll him right back in there and kick him over the edge myself.I shook my head frantically, making it throb in pain. No.Saves time. Jeb made the rules clear. You try to hurt someone here, there are penalties. Therell be a tribunal.I tried to pull away from him, but he tightened his grip. It wasnt frightening, not same the way Kyle had grabbed me. But it was upsetting-it threw me come to balance. No. You cant do that, because no one broke the rules. The floor collapsed, thats all.Wanda -Hes your brother.He knew what he was doing. Hes my brother, yes, but he did what he did, and you are you are my friend.He did nothing. He is human being, I whispered. This is his place, not mine.Were not having this discussion again. Your definition of human is not the same as mine. To you, it means something negative. To me, its a compliment-and by my definition, you are and he isnt. Not after this.Human isnt a negative to me. I know you now. But Ian, hes your brother.A fact that shames me.I pushed away from him again. This time, he let me go. It might have had something to do with the moan of pain that escaped my lips when I locomote my leg.Are you okay?I think so. We need to take on medico, but I dont know if I can walk. I-I hit my leg, when I fell.A gnarl strangled in his throat. Which leg? Let me see.I tried to straighten out my hurt leg-it was the right one-and groaned again. His hands started at my ankle, testing the bones, the joints. He go around my ankle carefully.Higher. Here. I pulled his hand to the back of my thigh, just above the knee. I moaned again when he pressed the sore place. Its not broken or anything, I dont think. Just really sore.Deep muscle bruise, at least, he muttered. And how did this happen?Must have landed o n a rock when I fell.He sighed. Okay, lets get you to doc.Kyle needs him more than I do.I have to go find Doc anyway-or some help. I cant carry on Kyle that far, but I can certainly carry you. Oops-hold on.He move abruptly and ducked back into the river room. I decided I wouldnt argue with him. I wanted to see Walter before Doc had promised to wait for me. Would that first dose of painkiller wear off currently? My head swam. There was so much to worry about, and I was so tired. The adrenaline had drained, leaving me empty.Ian came back with the gun. I frowned because this reminded me that Id wished for it before. I didnt like that.Lets go.Without thinking, he handed the gun to me. I let it fall into my open palms, but I couldnt move in my hands around it. I decided it was a suitable punishment, to have to carry the thing.Ian chuckled. How anyone could be afraid of you he mumbled to himself.He picked me up easily and was touch sensation before I was settled. I tried to keep th e tenderest parts-the back of my head, the back of my leg-from resting on him too hard.Howd your clothes get so wet? he asked. We were going away under one of the fist-sized skylights, and I could see the hint of a grim smile on his pale lips.I dont know, I muttered. Steam?We passed into darkness again.Youre lacking a shoe.Oh.We passed through another beam of light, and his eyes flashed sapphire. They were serious now, locked on my face.Im very glad that you werent hurt, Wanda. Hurt worse, I should say.I didnt answer. I was afraid of bountiful him something to use against Kyle.Jeb found us just before we hit the big cave. There was enough light for me to see the sharp glint of curiosity in his eyes when he saw me in Ians arms, face bleeding, the gun resting gingerly on my open hands.You were right, then, Jeb guessed. The curiosity was strong, but the steel in his tone was stronger. His prattle was tight beneath the fan of his actd. I didnt hear a shot. Kyle?Hes unconscious, I s aid in a rush. You need to warn everyone-part of the floor collapsed in the river room. I dont know how stable it is now. Kyle hit his head really hard trying to get out of the way. He needs Doc.Jeb raised one eyebrow so high it almost touched the faded bandanna at his hairline.Thats the story, Ian said, making no effort to conceal his doubt. And shes apparently sticking to it.Jeb laughed. Let me take that off your hands, he said to me.I let him have the gun willingly. He laughed again at my expression.Ill get Andy and Brandt to help me with Kyle. Well follow behind you.Keep a close eye on him when he wakes up, Ian said in a hard tone.Can do.Jeb slouched off, looking for more hands. Ian hurried me toward the hospital cave.Kyle could be really hurt Jeb should hurry.Kyles head is harder than any rock in this place.The long tunnel felt longer than usual. Was Kyle dying, despite my efforts? Was he conscious again and looking for me? What about Walter? Was he sleeping or gone? Had the Se eker given up her hunt, or would she be back now that it was light again?Will Jared still be with Doc? Mel added her questions to mine. Will he be angry when he sees you? Will he know me?When we reached the sunlit southern cave, Jared and Doc didnt look like theyd moved much. They leaned, side by side, against Docs makeshift desk. It was quiet as we approached. They werent talking, just watching Walter sleep.They started up with wide eyes as Ian carried me into the light and laid me on the cot next to Walters. He straightened my right leg carefully.Walter was snoring. That well eased some of my tension.What now? Doc demanded angrily. He was bending over me as soon as the words were out, wiping at the blood on my cheek.Jareds face was frozen in surprise. He was being careful, not letting the expression give way to anything else.Kyle, Ian answered at the same time that I said, The floor -Doc looked back and forth between us, confused.Ian sighed and rolled his eyes. Absently, he laid one hand lightly on my forehead. The floor crumbled by the first river hole. Kyle fell back and cracked his head on a rock. Wanda saved his worthless life. She says she fell, too, when the floor gave. Ian gave Doc a meaningful look. Something, he said the word sarcastically, bashed the back of her head pretty good. He started listing. Her nose is bleeding but not broken, I dont think. Shes got some ill-use to the muscle here. He touched my sore thigh. Knees sliced up pretty good, got her face again, but I think maybe I did that, trying to pull Kyle out of the hole. Shouldnt have bothered. Ian muttered the last part.Anything else? Doc asked. At that moment, his fingers, probing along my side, reached the place where Kyle had punched me. I gasped.Doc tugged my shirt up, and I heard both Ian and Jared hushing at what they saw.Let me guess, Ian said in a voice like ice. You fell on a rock.Good guess, I agreed, breathless. Doc was still touching my side, and I was trying to hold back whimpers.Might have broken a rib, not sure, Doc murmured. I wish I could give you something for the pain -Dont worry about that, Doc, I panted. Im okay. Hows Walter? Did he wake up at all?No, it will take some time to sleep that dose off, Doc said. He took my hand and started bending my wrist, my elbow.Im okay.His kind eyes were soft as he met my gaze. You will be. Youll just have to rest for a while. Ill keep an eye on you. Here, turn your head.I did as he asked, and then winced while he examined my wound.Not here, Ian muttered.I couldnt see Doc, but Jared threw Ian a sharp look.Theyre transport Kyle. Im not having them in the same room.Doc nodded. Probably wise.Ill get a place ready for her. Ill need you to keep Kyle here until until we decide what to do with him.I started to speak, but Ian put his fingers on my lips.All right, Doc agreed. Ill tie him down, if you want.If we have to. Is it okay to move her? Ian glanced toward the tunnel, his face anxious.Doc hesitated.No, I whisp ered, Ians fingers still touching my mouth. Walter. I want to be here for Walter.Youve saved all the lives you can save today, Wanda, Ian said, his voice gentle and sad.I want to say to say good-goodbye.Ian nodded. Then he looked at Jared. Can I trust you?Jareds face flushed with anger. Ian held up his hand.I dont want to leave her here unprotected while I find her a safe place, Ian said. I dont know if Kyle will be conscious when he arrives. If Jeb shoots him, it will upset her. But you and Doc should be able to cope him. I dont want Doc to be on his own, and force Jebs hand.Jared spoke through clenched teeth. Doc wont be on his own.Ian hesitated. Shes been through hell in the past couple of days. Remember that.Jared nodded once, teeth still clamped together.Ill be here, Doc reminded Ian.Ian met his gaze. Okay. He leaned over me, and his luminous eyes held mine. Ill be back soon. Dont be afraid.Im not.He ducked in and touched his lips to my forehead.No one was more surprised than I, though I heard Jared gasp quietly. My mouth hung open as Ian wheeled and nigh sprinted from the room.I heard Doc pull a breath in through his teeth, like a backward whistle. Well, he said.They both stared at me for a long moment. I was so tired and sore, I barely cared what they were thinking.Doc - Jared started to say something in an urgent tone, but a clamor from the tunnel interrupt him.Five men struggled through the opening. Jeb, in front, had Kyles left leg in his arms. Wes had the right leg, and behind them, Andy and Aaron worked to support his torso. Kyles head lolled back over Andys shoulder.Stars, but hes heavy, Jeb grunted.Jared and Doc sprang forward to help. After a few minutes of cursing and groaning, Kyle was lying on a cot a few feet away from mine.How long has he been out, Wanda? Doc asked me. He pulled Kyles eyelids back, letting the sunlight shine into his pupils.Um I thought quickly. As long as Ive been here, the ten minutes or so it took Ian to carry me here , and then maybe five more minutes before that?At least twenty minutes, would you say?Yes. Close to that.While we were consulting, Jeb had made his own diagnosis. No one paid any attention as he came to stand at the head of Kyles cot. No one paid any attention-until he turned an open bottle of water over Kyles face.Jeb, Doc complained, knocking his hand away.But Kyle sputtered and blinked, and then moaned. What happened? Where did it go? He started to shift his weight, trying to look around. The floor is movingKyles voice had my fingers clenching the sides of my cot and panic washing through me. My leg ached. Could I limp away? Slowly, perhapsS okay, someone murmured. Not someone. I would always know that voice.Jared moved to stand between my cot and Kyles, his back to me, his eyes on the big man. Kyle rolled his head back and forth, groaning.Youre safe, Jared said in a low voice. He didnt look at me. Dont be afraid.I took a deep breath.Melanie wanted to touch him. His hand was clos e to mine, resting on the edge of my cot.Please, no, I told her. My face hurts quite enough as it isHe wont hit you.You think. Im not willing to risk it.Melanie sighed she yearned to move toward him. It wouldnt have been so hard to bear if I werent yearning also.Give him time, I pleaded. Let him get used to us. Wait till he really believes.She sighed again.Aw, hell Kyle grumbled. My gaze flickered toward him at the sound of his voice. I could just see his bright eyes around Jareds elbow, focused on me. It didnt fall he complained.