Dragging myself out of the tent, I could already hear laughter. I rubbed my sleepy eyes and took in the beautiful morning. Annette was sleeping in Elias's tent, and I couldn't help but feel glad about it. I thought that was really where she belonged. To avoid any love triangle and conflict within our group, I planned on removing myself from the situation.
Later in the afternoon, as I moved toward the log, I spotted Annette sitting next to Elias. She seemed to be doing better and was in less pain. I ran my fingers through my long hair and marched over to the coffee pot, gulping down my first cup instantly. Earlier in the morning, I had already run through the rainforest, fought off snack people, and the usual.
I still hadn't figured out how to make Annette understand that I wasn't happy she didn't follow my orders and return to camp. Seriously, it felt like no one took my commands seriously, and that had to change. Maybe it was my fault for not being persistent enough.
"King Able," I heard Finn call from behind me.
I turned around. "What's up, Finn?"
"I took down a snake person early this morning. It was really close to camp, closer than any before."
"Was it responsive?"
"Questionable. He put up a fight." Finn lifted his sleeve, revealing some scratches on his arm, but nothing too concerning.
I frowned. We weren't supposed to destroy a snake person if they showed any sign of sanity. But if they got too close to camp, I had no choice.
"Was he talkative?"
He nodded. "A few words."
"Keep this to yourself." I noticed the concern on his face as his eyebrows furrowed. I realized I would have felt the same way. This treaty wasn't going to hold if responsive ones kept attacking us.
I took my place around the campfire, relieved to see everyone there. This way, I could address everyone at once. I cleared my throat to demand their attention.
"Things are going to get serious around here. I'm sick of giving orders that aren't followed. This isn't a game; we're not all equal members. I'm in charge, and I expect my commands to be obeyed."
"I feel like this was directed toward me," Elias said, crossing his arms.
"If it were only directed at you, I would have spoken only to you. Annette deliberately disobeyed my orders yesterday. Both you and Finn have been drinking on school nights. And as for your relationship with Annette, I'm not even going there."
I saw everyone's eyes drop to the ground.
"So, what's wrong with our relationship?" Annette asked.
"I've already explained that I don't want any drama within the group. Regardless of what has already happened, from now on, my commands will be followed, or people will start leaving."
Everyone nodded, even Elias, to my surprise.
Hours later, the warm weather in the rainforest wasn't helping my workout. The sun beat down as I wiped the sweat from my forehead. I grabbed a tree branch and pulled myself up, feeling the stretch in my abs. This was probably my hundredth pull-up on that branch, and I was enjoying the burn in my arm muscles.
Feeling eyes on me, I looked up to see Abby. She was on her phone, obviously upset. I couldn't help but eavesdrop on her conversation a bit. It sounded like her boyfriend was mad that she wasn't going to see him. Maybe I was being a bit unfair, but if he were an honorable guy, the situation would be different.
Dropping from the tree branch and landing on my feet, I grabbed the shirt that lay on the ground and wiped the sweat from my chest.
As I moved toward Abby, I felt a sense of sadness at her tears.
"What's wrong?" I asked, reaching out to wipe away a fresh tear from her face.
"Nick is mad at me."
"Abby, just break up with him." I felt my forehead crease in concern.
"I can't; I love him." My stomach turned into knots hearing her say those words. I didn't think it was jealousy, but I wished she felt differently.
"Please, Abel, let me see him tonight," she pleaded.
"Abby, why? I don't understand. You deserve so much better."
Her eyes dropped to the ground. "Please?"
"Fine, but if you come back in a different condition than you left, I'm going to beat his ass."