Odyssey Of Survival-Chapter 181 - They Found Us

Nate knew Madison. Knew her well. Before the plane crash, back in school, she had always been strict around boys. She never entertained anyone. She barely talked to them. And now? Now, she was on top of him, letting him touch her in ways he would never have thought.

It was new.

It was intoxicating.

He squeezed again, testing her reaction, and instead of stopping him, Madison let out a small hum before crashing her lips onto his again. The kiss was hungrier this time, full of need, full of all the pent-up emotions she had been holding back for so long. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself closer against him, her wet clothes clinging to both of them, making everything feel hotter.

Just as Nate was about to take things a step further, a voice interrupted them.

"You two, get a bed."

Nate groaned internally.

Madison didn't even move. She simply turned her head slightly, peering over her shoulder at Alice, who was standing by the doorway, arms crossed, eyebrows raised in amusement.

Alice was now dressed in a light nightgown, her hair slightly damp but mostly dry. She sighed dramatically and threw a piece of clothing at Madison's head. "Go change before you soak the whole floor."

Madison huffed, rolling her eyes, but there was a mischievous glint in them. She slowly climbed off Nate, her fingers trailing down his chest before she finally stepped back, grabbing the nightgown Alice had thrown at her.

Nate exhaled deeply, running a hand through his already messy hair as he watched Madison walk away. She didn't look back, but he could tell by the way her shoulders shook slightly that she was laughing to herself.

Alice smirked. "Good luck sleeping tonight."

Nate threw a pillow at her.

Nate stood up and stretched, only to realize a problem—he had no clothes to change into. His current ones were completely soaked from the rain, clinging uncomfortably to his skin. Just as he was about to figure out a solution, Madison casually strolled out of the hallway and tossed a bundle of clothes at him.

He caught them mid-air and furrowed his brows. "Where did you get these?"

Madison rolled her eyes. "Where do you think?"

Nate immediately knew. "You teleported to my place again, didn't you?"

Madison smirked but didn't deny it as she turned away to go change her's. There was no stopping her from using her powers—it was second nature to her. Even when they had agreed not to use them unnecessarily, Madison never took the warning seriously.

Nate just shook his head and sighed, then peeled off his wet shirt, his muscles flexing slightly as he did so. As he unbuckled his belt and began changing right in the living room, Alice, who was casually drying her already dried hair with a towel, did a double-take.

"Whoa—what are you doing?" she asked, staring in shock.

Nate smirked. "What? Why are you acting like we haven't seen each other naked before?"

Alice scoffed and turned away, mumbling under her breath. "That's different."

He chuckled, finishing dressing quickly before scooping up his wet clothes. He walked over to Madison's laundry room and casually threw them into the basket. After the day he'd had, he just wanted to crash on a bed and get some much-needed rest. With a tired yawn, he started heading toward the guest room.

Just before he reached the door, Madison suddenly hijacked him, grabbing his wrist and pulling him toward her room. "Of course, you're sleeping with me tonight."

Nate froze mid-step, his mind processing what she had just said. His eyes slowly met hers, and he could see the playful glint in her gaze. "Wait… what?"

When Madison saw the look on his face, she instantly realized what he was thinking and groaned in frustration. She kicked his leg lightly. "I mean you're sleeping in my room, dumbass. Get your mind out of the gutter."

Nate smirked, amused by her reaction. "You kick like a baby," he teased, earning him an annoyed glare.

The two entered Madison's room, and before Nate could get comfortable, Alice also waltzed in behind them.

Madison groaned. "Oh, come on. My bed isn't meant for three people."

Alice just grinned as she hopped onto the bed. "Exactly, it's made for four people. You'll barely even notice I'm here."

Madison glared at her but sighed in defeat. "Fine, but don't disturb me."

Alice made herself comfortable under the blankets, giving Madison an innocent smile. "I won't… I promise."

Madison muttered something under her breath before flopping onto her side of the bed. Nate just shook his head with a chuckle, knowing very well that tonight would be anything but peaceful.

Nate let out a tired sigh as he shifted on the small mattress. Sleep had been eluding him for a while now. His mind was restless, filled with the weight of everything that had happened. But as exhaustion finally won over, he felt his body give in, slipping into unconsciousness—only for a brief moment before he suddenly felt movement. Before he could react, a warmth pressed against him.

Alice's soft hand found his, and in the next instant, she curled against him, draping his arm over herself as she rested her head on his chest. Her breathing was calm, steady, and soothing. He thought he'd feel awkward, but strangely, it wasn't uncomfortable. In fact, it was comforting.

Madison, on the other side, had already drifted off, her body close to his, her presence equally calming.

There, in the silence of the dimly lit room, the three of them lay together. The tension that had been gripping his shoulders for days eased away as warmth surrounded him. It was rare for him to find such peace. And in that rare moment, he allowed himself to let go.

Sleep came easily after that.

—

The first thing Nate felt when he woke up was warmth. A soft weight pressed against him, and the slow rhythm of breathing filled the quiet room. He blinked his eyes open, his vision adjusting to the morning light filtering through the curtains.

And then, he saw them.

Alice was still resting on his chest, her peaceful face inches from his. Strands of her silver-white hair framed her delicate features, her lips slightly parted as she slept.

Madison was beside him as well, her back half-turned to him but close enough that his other arm had naturally settled over her as they slept.

Two beautiful women in his arms, their presence like a serene dream he didn't want to wake from.

But reality came crashing back fast.

Nate's senses twitched—something wasn't right. His sharp hearing picked up movement just outside their room. More than one person. No, at least five. Heavy boots moving in unison, deliberate and cautious. Armed men.

His body tensed instantly. He turned his head slightly, eyes narrowing at the door. The sound of safeties clicking off told him all he needed to know. Whoever they were, they weren't here for a friendly visit.

He shifted slightly, squeezing Alice's shoulder gently.

"Wake up," he murmured, keeping his voice low but firm.

Alice stirred, her eyelids fluttering as she adjusted to wakefulness. At the same time, he nudged Madison, who blinked sleepily before she registered the seriousness in his expression.

"What—?" she started, but he shook his head, signaling for silence.

That's when the door burst open.

Five operatives stormed in, clad in tactical gear, their rifles aimed inside. But the moment they entered, they froze.

The room was empty.

The bed was still rough, the sheets still warm, proof that someone had been there only moments ago. But now? Gone.

The leader of the squad frowned, glancing at the others. "They were just here," he muttered.

His partner cursed. "Teleporters," he spat. "They must've gotten tipped off."

The leader motioned to search the room, but he already knew it was pointless. Their targets had vanished before they could make a move.

—

Meanwhile, just outside the house, Nate, Madison, and Alice crouched on a neighboring rooftop, watching the scene unfold.

A man lay motionless near them—a sniper.

Nate had taken him out the moment Madison transported them. He hadn't killed him, but the guy wouldn't be waking up anytime soon.

They exchanged glances, their expressions grim.

"Whoever these guys are," Nate muttered, his eyes still on the house, "they knew we were dangerous."

Madison's jaw clenched. "They found us."

Alice exhaled sharply, her fingers tightening into a fist.

Their worst fears had come true.

The government might know about them now.