Accepted

The Second Wave

We rejoined the others and ate quickly. We didn't know how much time we'd have until we were attacked again so we tried to make the best of the small break we had been given. The sun was starting to set and it was getting darker outside as night crept in.

"How many people died?" Esat asked, looking around.

"I heard someone say it was around 5,000," Jeremy said, stuffing his face with a burger.

"5,000?!" Star exclaimed, her brows furrowing.

"Did you happen to hear how many of them died?" I asked.

"The Delegation said it was a little over 3,000," Joel said.

"That's it?!?!" Bonnie said, shaking her head in confusion.

"How many fled?" I asked, fearful of his answer.

"About as many that died," Jeremy said.

I sighed in relief but my relief was gone just as quick as it came with Tom's next words.

"Apparently there are more. They just haven't made it here yet. This was just the first wave," Tom said.

"First wave?! How many more waves are left?" Zion questioned.

"At least 5," Joel replied.

It became dead silent as we all processed the information that he had told us.

I knew it was naïve to think that we'd win the war in one battle but to hear that we had just begun and had barely made any progress. It was gut wrenching. I looked around camp. Most were healed up and the others had minor injuries but we had lost too many. At this rate, there wouldn't be anyone left for the 4th or 5th wave. And there might be even more than that. If any of us were to survive, we needed a better plan of attack.

"I'll be back," I said, getting up.

"Where are you going?" Esat asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

"I just need some air."

I could feel someone trailing me as I walked away. Sighing, I turned around.

"I'm fine."

"No you're not. I know what you're doing," Zion said, passing me to walk ahead.

"What am I doing then?"

"You don't think we're going to survive long enough to kill them all so you're going to the Delegation. Your martyr complex isn't going to help you this time."

My mouth dropped, shocked at how well he had read me. I mean I shouldn't be surprised. He was my mate after all.

"And you have a better idea?"

"No."

"Then where are you going?"

"Same place you are."

"You're not here to stop me?" I asked, cocking my head up at him.

"No. Because you're right about one thing. We won't survive if something doesn't change."

I nodded, walking alongside of him in silence.

"Zion, my dear. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Meda greeted him warmly. I flinched at the warmth in her eyes as she looked at him. You'd have never guessed she was once once of his captors.

"We're here to discuss battle strategy. We already lost too many. If there are more waves coming, there won't be enough of us to fight them all," he answered coldly.