The Exception

Chapter 40

*Selena POV*

Although the pain was ripping through me, I fought to maintain my focus. As I turned my eyes back towards Josh,  I felt the vibrations of footsteps getting closer. I could hardly focus on anything as the pain was progressively getting worse.

It felt as though everything around me was muffled as an unfamiliar voice called out.

"Everyone move aside. I can help him."

Light whispers were heard all around me, but I couldn't focus on anything specific. 

"Do it." I suddenly heard Jake's voice more clearly than the rest.

Clenching my hands shut, I kept trying to push through. But, I knew I was deceiving myself. This wasn't the kind of pain you could just push through.

Then, a single heartbeat echoed in my ears.

As my vision started to blur, all of my pain abruptly stopped. All at once Jake's scent lessened and my arm no longer felt sensitive to his touch.

As I closed my eyes, I heard a light gasp escape from Josh, causing me to quickly turn my head towards him.

"Josh?" My eyes welled with tears again.

"He's going to be fine," The unfamiliar voice rang out. 

It was then that I noticed the guy on the other side of Josh who looked vaguely familiar. 

"... Aaron?" I questioned hesitantly.

A light chuckle escaped from his lips, "Sorry, I don't think we've met. My name is Nathan, Aaron's twin."

"Nice to meet you," I smiled as I wiped away a few stray tears from my eyes.

I felt the light touch on my shoulder disappear as I looked back towards Jake. He smiled, relief in his eyes as he walked away. Turning back towards Nathan, he continued.

"I could say the same, though I wish we could have met under a less dire situation," a kind smile formed on his face that vastly contrasted the sinister smile I witnessed from Aaron.

"He had me worried for a bit there, but thankfully, I was able to bring him back."

Those last words caught me by surprise, "Bring... him back?"

"Yeah," Nathan put his hand on the back of his neck, "He technically died on us there for a few moments."

As my thoughts suddenly became hazy, I felt like I could pass out any moment now.

"Selena?" I heard a soft, voice snap me back to reality as I looked down into rich, brown eyes.

"Josh..." my voice trailed off as I could feel my body shaking.

"It's good to see you're okay," a weak smile spread across his now human face.

Although many words flooded my mind, all I could do is throw my arms around his neck.