The Host Chapter 37: Wanted

thither was a pattern to the wins. If Jargond and Kyle compete together, they won. If Jared played with Ian, then that team would win. It seemed to me that Jared could non be defeated, until I saw the brothers play together.At first it seemed to be a strained thing, for Ian at to the lowest degree, playing as teammates with Kyle. But after a some minutes of running in the low-spirited, they fell into a familiar pattern-a pattern that had existed since long before Id come to this planet.Kyle knew what Ian would do before Ian did it, and vice versa. With place having to speak, they told each other e very(prenominal)thing. Even when Jared pulled all the best players to his side-Brandt, Andy, Wes, Aaron, Lily, and Maggie as destructionie-Kyle and Ian were victorious.Okay, okay, Jeb utter, catching Aarons goal attempt with virtuoso hand and tucking the ball at a lower place his arm. I think we all endure the winners. Now, I hate to be a party pooper, but at that places work wa iting and, to be honest, Im bushed.There were a few halfhearted protests and a few moans, but more laughter. No one seemed too kerfuffle to have the fun end. From the way a few people sat down right where they were and tack together their charges between their knees to breathe, it was clear Jeb wasnt the unless one who was tired out.People began to drift out in twos and threes. I scooted to one side of the corridors mouth, making room for them to pass, probably on their way to the kitchen. It had to be past snip for lunch, though it was hard to mark the hour in this black hole. Through the gaps in the line of exiting hu mankinds, I watched Kyle and Ian.When the game was called, Kyle had raised his hand for a high five, but Ian had stalked past him without acknowledging the gesture. Then Kyle caught his brothers raise and spun him most. Ian knocked Kyles hand aside. I tensed for a fight-and it seemed the like one at first. Kyle threw a punch toward Ians stomach. Ian dodged i t easily, though, and I saw that there was no force behind it. Kyle laughed and used his superior reach to rub his fist into Ians scalp. Ian smacked that hand away, but this time he halfway smiled.Good game, bro, I heard Kyle say. Youve even-tempered got it.Youre much(prenominal) an idiot, Kyle, Ian answered.You got the brains I got the looks. Seems fair.Kyle threw another half-strength punch. This time, Ian caught it and twisted his brother into a headlock. Now he was sincerely smiling, and Kyle was cussing and laughing at the uniform time.It all looked very violent to me my eyes narrowed, tight with the stress of watching. But at the akin time, it brought to reason one of Melanies memories three puppies rolling on the grass, yapping furiously and baring their teeth as if their only desire was to rip out their brothers throats.Yes, theyre playing, Melanie confirmed. The bonds of brotherhood go deep.As they should. This is right. If Kyle really doesnt kill us, this depart b e a good thing.If, Melanie repeated morosely.Hungry?I looked up, and my heart stopped beating for a some painful moment. It seemed that Jared was still a believer.I shook my head. This gave me the moment I needed to be fitting to speak to him. Im not sure why, since Ive do zipper besides sit here, but Im just tired.He held out his hand. entrance a crap of yourself, Melanie warned me. Hes just being courteous.You think I dont know that?I tried to keep my hand from shaking as I reached for his.He pulled me carefully to my feet-to my foot, really. I match there on my good leg, not sure how to proceed. He was confused, too. He still held my hand, but there was a wide space between us. I aspect of how ridiculous I would look hopping through the caves, and felt my neck get warm. My fingers curled around his, though I wasnt really using him for support.Where to?Ah I frowned. I dont really know. I suppose theres still a mat by the ho-in the storage area.He frowned put up, liking th at idea no emend than I did.And then a strong arm was under my arms, supporting my charge.Ill get her where she needs to go, Ian said.Jareds prospect was careful, the way he looked at me when he didnt want me to know what he was thinking. But he was looking at Ian now.We were just discussing where exactly that would be. Shes tired. Maybe the hospital?I shook my head at the same time Ian did. After the past horrible days exhausted there, I didnt think I could bear the room Id once misguidedly feared. Especially Walters empty bedIve got a better place for her, Ian said. Those cots arent much softer than rock, and shes got a lot of sore spots.Jared still held my hand. Did he realize how tightly he was gripping it? The pressure was starting to get uncomfortable, but he didnt seem aware. And I for certain wasnt going to complain.Why dont you get lunch? Jared suggested to Ian. You look hungry. Ill take her wherever you had planned?Ian chuckled, a low, dark beneficial. Im fine. And honestly, Jared, Wanda needs a bit more help than a hand. I dont know if youre comfortable equal with the situation to give her that. You see -Ian paused to lean down and pull me quickly up into his arms. I gasped as the movement tugged at my side. Jared didnt free my hand. My fingertips were turning red.-shes actually had enough exercise for one day, I think. You go on ahead to the kitchen.They stared at each other while my fingertips turned purple.I can hold up her, Jared finally said in a low voice.Can you? Ian challenged. He held me out, away from his body.An bump offer.Jared stared at my face for a long minute. Then he sighed and dropped my hand.Ow, that hurts Melanie complained. She was referring to the sudden lance of pain that shot through my chest, not the return of blood to my fingers.Sorry. What do you want me to do about it?Hes not yours.Yes. I know that.Ow.Sorry.I think Ill tag along, Jared said as Ian, with a tiny, triumphant smile h all overing around the edges of his mouth, turned and headed toward the exit. Theres something I want to discuss with you.Suit yourself.Jared didnt discuss anything at all as we walked through the dark tunnel. He was so quiet, I wasnt sure he was still there. But when we broke out into the light of the cornfield again, he was right beside us.He didnt speak until we were through the big plaza-until there was no one around but the three of us.Whats your take on Kyle? he asked Ian.Ian snorted. He prides himself on being a man of his word. Usually, I would trust a promise from him. In this situation Im not letting her out of my sight.Good.It will be fine, Ian, I said. Im not afraid.You dont have to be. I promise-no one is ever going to do something like this to you again. You will be safe here.It was hard to look away from his eyes when they blazed like that. Hard to mistrust anything he said.Yes, Jared agreed. You will.He was walking just behind Ians shoulder. I couldnt see his expression.Thanks, I whispered.No one spoke again until Ian paused at the red and gray doors that leaned over the entrance to his cave.Would you legal opinion acquiring that? Ian said to Jared, nodding toward the doors.Jared didnt move. Ian turned around so we could both see him his face was careful again.Your room? This is your better place? Jareds voice was full of skepticism.Its her room now.I bit my lip. I wanted to tell Ian that of hunt this wasnt my room, but I didnt get a chance before Jared began questioning him.Wheres Kyle staying?With Wes, for now.And you?Im not exactly sure.They stared at each other with appraising eyes.Ian, this is - I started to say.Oh, he interrupted, as if just remembering me as if my weight was so insignificant that hed forgotten I was here. Youre exhausted, arent you? Jared, could you get the door, please?Wordlessly, Jared wrenched the red door back with a bit too much force and shoved it on top of the gray one.I now really saw Ians room for the first time, with the noon sun filteri ng down through the narrow cracks in the ceiling. It wasnt as bright as Jamie and Jareds room, or as tall. It was smaller, more proportionate. Roundish-sort of like my hole, only ten times the size. There were two twin mattresses on the floor, shoved against opposite walls to make a narrow aisle between them. Against the back wall, there was a long, low wooden cupboard the left side had a pile of apparel on top, two books, and a stack of playing cards. The right side was completely empty, though there were shapes in the dust that indicated this was a recent occurrence.Ian set me carefully down on the right mattress, arranging my leg and straightening the pillow under my head. Jared stood in the doorway, facing the passageway.That okay? Ian asked me.Yes. You look tired.I shouldnt be-Ive done nothing but sleep lately.Your body needs sleep to heal.I nodded. I couldnt deny that it was hard to hold up my eyelids.Ill bring you food later-dont worry about anything.Thank you. Ian?Yeah?Thi s is your room, I mumbled. Youll sleep here, of course.You dont mind?Why would I?Its probably a good idea-best way to keep an eye on you. Get some sleep.Okay.My eyes were already closed. He patted my hand, and then I heard him get to his feet. A few seconds later, the wooden door clunked softly against stone.What do you think youre doing? Melanie demanded.What? What did I do now?Wanda, youre mostly benevolent. You mustiness realize what Ian will think of your invitation.Invitation? I could see the direction of her thoughts now. Its not like that. This is his room. There are two beds here. There arent enough sleeping areas for me to have my own space. Of course we should share. Ian knows that.Does he? Wanda, open your eyes. Hes starting to How do I explain it so that youll understand right? To aroma about you the way you feel about Jared. Cant you see that?I couldnt answer for two heartbeats.Thats impossible, I finally said.Do you think what happened this morning time will influe nce Aaron or Brandt? Ian asked in a low voice from the other side of the doors.You fuddled Kyle getting a bye?Yeah. They didnt have to do anything before. Not when it looked so likely that Kyle would do it for them.I see your point. Ill speak to them.You think that will be enough? Ian asked.Ive saved both their lives. They owe me. If I ask them for something, theyll do it.Youd bet her life on that?There was a pause.Well keep an eye on her, Jared finally said.Another long silence.Arent you going to go eat? Jared asked.I think Ill hang out here for a bit How about you?Jared didnt answer.What? Ian asked. Is there something you want to say to me, Jared?The girl in there Jared said slowly.Yes?That body doesnt belong to her.Your point?Jareds voice was hard when he answered. Keep your hands off it.A low chuckle from Ian. Jealous, Howe?Thats not really the issue.Really. Ian was sarcastic now.Wanda seems to be, more or less, cooperating with Melanie. It sounds like theyre nearly on friendl y terms. But obviously Wandas making the decisions. What if it were you? How would you feel if you were Melanie? What if you were the one invaded that way? What if you were trapped, and someone else was congress your body what to do? If you couldnt speak for yourself? Wouldnt you want your wishes-as much as they could be known-respected? At the very least by other humans?Okay, okay. Point taken. Ill keep that in mind.What do you mean, youll keep that in mind? Jared demanded.I mean that Ill think about it.Theres nothing to think about, Jared retorted. I knew how he would look from the sound of his voice-teeth clenched, jaw strained. The body and the person locked inside it belong to me.Youre sure that Melanie still feels the -Melanie will always be mine. And I will always be hers.Always.Melanie and I were suddenly at opposite ends of the spectrum. She was flying, elated. I was not.We waited apprehensively through the next silence.But what if it were you? Ian asked in little more th an a whisper. What if you were stuffed in a human body and let loose on this planet, only to find yourself lost among your own kind? What if you were such a good person that you tried to save the life youd taken, that you almost died trying to get her back to her family? What if you then found yourself surrounded by violent aliens who hated you and hurt you and tried to murder you, over and over again? His voice faltered momentarily. What if you just kept doing whatever you could to save and heal these people despite that? Wouldnt you deserve a life, too? Wouldnt you have earned that much?Jared didnt answer. I felt my eyes getting moist. Did Ian really think so highly of me? Did he really think Id earned the right to a life here?Point taken? Ian pressed.I-Ill have to think about that one.Do that.But still -Ian interrupted him with a sigh. Dont get worked up. Wanda isnt exactly human, despite the body. She doesnt seem to respond to physical contact the same way a human would.Now Ja red laughed. Is that your theory?Whats funny?She is quite capable of responding to physical contact, Jared sensible him, his tone suddenly sober again. Shes human enough for that. Or her body is, anyway.My face went hot.Ian was silent.Jealous, OShea?Actually I am. Surprisingly so. Ians voice was strained. How would you know that?Now Jared hesitated. It was sort of an experiment.An experiment?It didnt go the way I thought it would. Mel punched me. I could hear that he was grinning at the memory, and I could see, in my head, the little lines fanning out around his eyes.Melanie punched you?It sure wasnt Wanda. You should have seen her face What? Hey, Ian, easy, manDid you think for one moment what that must have done to her? Ian hissed.Mel?No, you fool, WandaDone to Wanda? Jared asked, sounding bewildered by the idea.Oh, get out of here. Go eat something. Stay away from me for a few hours.Ian didnt give him a chance to answer. He yanked the door out of his way-roughly but very quietly -and then slid into his room and put the door back in its place.He turned and met my gaze. From his expression, he was strike to find me awake. Surprised and chagrined. The fire in his eyes blazed and then slowly dimmed. He pursed his lips.He cocked his head to one side, listening. I listened, too, but Jareds retreat made no sound. Ian waited for another moment, then sighed and plunked down on the edge of his mattress, across from me.I guess we werent as quiet as I thought, he said. get going carries in these caves, I whispered.He nodded. So he finally said. What do you think?