Somewhere in the California valley...

past dark when I spotted a town. If you could even call it that.

From the looks of it, all that made up this 'town' was a run down motel and a gas station with an attached general goods store. I couldn't tell if it was the time or if this town was just abandoned, but I only saw a few cars in the area besides my own.

Though despite the unnerving emptiness, I realized that this deserted town would be a good place to rest and lay low. After all, Elias needed medical care and, after driving from mid day until well past sunset, I needed rest.

Besides, there was another reason swaying my decision. Looking down at my almost empty tank of gas, I sighed.

Not like we have much of a choice anyway.

My mind made up, I checked to make sure Elias was still laying down and out of sight before turning off the road, into the town's entrance. I drove slow, cautiously looking around the area as we headed towards the gas station.

From what I could see in the dark, the only sign of life was the movement of a lit cigarette to and from the mouth of an old man smoking on the porch steps of the motel. He tipped his hat back and watched us as we drove by and pulled into the gas station. I continued driving until I found a gas pump, pulling up to it and putting my car in park. Turning off the car, I let out a long breath before glancing over at Elias.

Elias was still asleep, his body stretched out beside me. He passed out shortly after we escaped the compound. My neck was sore from looking over at him every few minutes to make sure he was still breathing. I wasn't entirely sure, but I figured sleeping was a way for his body to recover. My mind drifted back to the last test he had to endure and how he passed out after it ended. I took comfort in the fact that he recovered quickly from that, and hoped he would do the same this time around.

Leaning my seat back, I reached over and brushed the waves of ebony hair that had fallen over his closed eyes. His eyelids fluttered at my touch as he began to wake up.

"Hey" I whispered as he stirred, finally opening his eyes.

Once his vision adjusted, he blinked a few times before his eyes widened in what could only be fear. I had to yank my hand back when he sat up so suddenly, seemingly taken aback. The movement caused his face to scrunch up as he clutched his chest and let out a low moan of pain.

After a few steadying breaths, he surveyed his surroundings. When his blue eyes settled on mine, I could see him release a breath as he visibly relaxed. I could see the events of today play in his eyes as he began to put together the pieces.

"Hi" he whispered back finally, his voice rough with sleep.

I gave him a small smile, "How are you?" I asked, my eyes searching. I saw the way sitting up pained him, and how he still continued to clutch his chest. The blouse I had given him was now soaked in blood, though to my relief it looked to be a darker hue than before, dried blood.

"Better" he said, following my gaze to look down at his chest. The hair I had brushed back fell in front of his eyes again, covering his reaction.

"Can I look?" I asked, pointing to his chest. His blue eyes studied me through thick tufts of hair before he quietly nodded, lowering my bloodied blouse from his chest.

With his permission, I leaned in closer. I could feel his eyes watching my movements and I had to focus to keep my hands from trembling.

Carefully, I pushed aside his ripped shirt to finally get a good look at his wounds. There was so much blood it is hard to tell, but I took relief in the fact that my theory about the blood was correct.

The blood staining the blouse and his chest was dried. From the looks of it, the claw mark wound across his chest had progressed in healing during the long drive and had managed to close on its own.

Nevertheless, it was still red and inflamed, not to mention covered in dirt. If anything he could be at risk for an infection if we didn't get that cleaned up.

"It looks much better" I said, sitting back up and meeting his gaze. "However, we need to get it cleaned up a bit, I fear you could get an infection if we don't."

When Elias didn't respond, I continued, "I found us a place to stay for the night. I just have to buy some things here first before we go. It shouldn't take long. Will you be okay waiting here?" I asked, watching his face morph into one of frustration and worry.

"No. I can come" he declared, beginning to sit up, his face contorting from the pain. Immediately I put my hands on his chest and gently pushed him back down.

"You need to rest." I stated, though my tone made it more like an order. Elias frowned up at me.

I didn't like the idea of being apart from him either, but I was half starved and dehydrated. Not to mention, he needed medical supplies. And it's not like I could bring him into the store with me.

We didn't have a choice.

"Two minutes tops. I'll be quick," I said finally when he still refused to speak, simply watching me with his brow creased in frustration and worry.

Giving him a reassuring smile, I turned to open the car door when I felt a hand clasp itself around my arm, stopping me.

"Please be careful" I heard him whisper. He sounded so vulnerable it made my heart ache. Glancing back at Elias, his frustration was gone. Now his blue eyes cast helpless looks around him and back at me, pleading with me to stay. I bit my lip. He looked so uncertain, so afraid.

Carefully, I lifted his hand off my arm, bringing it to my lips.

"I'm not leaving, okay? I'll be right back. I promise." I said, planting a soft kiss to his knuckles before releasing him. Our gazes locked for a moment, caught in a silent war.

His eyes searched my face as he carefully brought his hand up to touch my cheek. I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch. He remained silent, for a moment before he finally relented, "Okay" he answered, dropping his hand with a hint of uncertainty.

"Okay" I repeated, gesturing for him to get down and out of sight before finally leaving the car. I took note of my pump number as I strode to the dimly lit gas station store.

The doors chimed as I walked inside. From the looks of it, I was the only person in the store besides the gangly clerk who stood at the register. His red hair and sallow face was illuminated by the phone screen he hunched over, completely apathetic to my presence.

Walking down the aisles, I found bandages, four cheese and lettuce sandwiches, a container of chopped fruit, water, rubbing alcohol, scissors, two large shirts and two pairs of black sweat pants with the store logo.

With my hands full, I made my way to the register and piled my stuff on the counter.

"$40 on pump 2 please" I stated, pulling out my phone to pay digitally.

The gas station clerk set down his phone and looked down at my items. I watched as he glanced over what I selected, his eyes staying on the bandages and alcohol, before looking back up at me with one of his eyebrows raised in question.

I swallowed.

"Crazy night" I added casually, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. Last thing I needed was the towns people looking our way.

Fortunately the clerk seemed to buy my excuse, his expression returning to one of apathy. Reaching for the bandages first, he began scanning my items, putting everything into a bag.

Grabbing the bag, I muttered a quick 'thanks' and rushed back to the car. I headed straight to the passenger side, opening the door and setting the bag down inside the car. Reaching into the bag, I handed Elias an opened water bottle which he downed in one go.

I took a sip of mine before closing the door again. With the pump paid, I began to fill the car with gas, all while keeping watch.

Fortunately the clerk had gone back to looking at his phone. However, looking back at the motel, I realized that the old man smoking on the porch was no longer there. I repressed the urge to shiver.

When I finished filling up my cars tank, I settled back into the drivers seat and locked the doors. Suddenly I saw movement out of the corner of my eye and watched as a truck pulled up to a gas pump across from ours.

Noticing my unease, Elias sat up enough to look out the car, "Whats wrong" he whispered, looking at the truck.

I didn't respond. Instead, I watched as it parked and a large man stumbled out of the car, casting a look in our direction.

Immediately I started the car, backing out of the station as the man turns away and walks into the store. Not looking back, I drove across the way to the motel.

Pulling into the motel parking lot, I left Elias behind with much less resistance on his end this time, and walked into the motel lobby.

A bell chimed when I entered, alerting the old lady behind the counter. She waved me in as I walked inside, trying to ignore the overwhelming smells of rose perfume and cigar smoke.

"Hello dear, how can I help you?" She beamed as I approached the counter. Her red lips curled into a smile I'm sure some would find endearing, but after everything, I only see how it doesn't reach her sunken in eyes.

"Hi, uh...my friend and I need a room for the night." I stammered, overly aware of how suspicious I must look.

"Just one night? That'll cost you extra" the old lady drawled, her eyes twinkling.

"That's fine" I quipped, pulling out my phone to pay. Once paid, she reached into a drawer, handing me a silver card.

"Alright dear, here is your key. You and your friend can have room 14. Have a nice stay." She said, pointing to the number on the card.

"Thank you" I mumble, taking the card and rushing out of the lobby. Back outside, I get back into the car and we drive down the strip of rooms, counting down the numbers until we finally reach one that says 14.

Parking the car, I grab our bag of stuff I bought at the station and go to the passenger side to help Elias out. Casting a quick look around to make sure there were no cameras or people nearby, I helped Elias out of the car.

He kept his wings tucked close to his body as he leaned on me for support. Together we made our way to room 14 and once at the door, I scanned us inside.

Once inside, I helped Elias to the bed in the center of the room so he can sit down before going back and bolting the door. Once that was done, I let out a breath and surveyed the room.

Beside me there was a window with blinds, and a small table. In the center of the room there was the bed with a nightstand. Across from the bed there was a dresser with a miniature tv and a door which led to a simple bathroom with an old fashioned porcelain tub, toilet and sink. However something felt off about the room. Looking over it one more time, my eyes settled to where Elias sat on the bed.

Oh.

The bed.

The only bed.

Great.

Refusing to let myself dwell on our sleeping arrangements, I made sure the blinds were closed before I set my bag of stuff on the bed and took a seat beside Elias. He was stretching his wings with a yawn which suddenly made me realize how tired I was. Grabbing my water, I took a long swig before offering some to Elias.

As he drank, I closed my eyes as my fatigue began to catch up with me. I wanted to sleep but I couldn't. Not until I took care of Elias's wounds.

With a groan, I opened my eyes and began sifting through the bag to take out the medical supplies and the clean clothes.

Items in hand, I looked from Elias to where the bathtub awaited. He was far to weak to stand up by himself, let alone be able to undress and bathe himself. Besides, I wasn't sure if he even had any medical knowledge and I wanted to be sure his wounds were properly dressed and cleaned. My face flushed when I realized what I had to do.

It was going to be a long night.