Logan

The thief took a step forward, with her chin in defiance. Despite the anger simmering beneath my skin, I let out a smirk, almost impressed at her audacity. I glared into her eyes as she locked hers into mine; her piercing emerald eyes filled with determination. I soon softened my glaze as I saw a little girl, twisted with pain, cradled in the arms of the other.

God, to steal from me, they must really be clueless. Poor lamb, that cut is bad. I must say this is perfect timing. Desperation at its best. I have to admit, the girl in question is also pretty. Beauty and guts, I love it.

I let out a low chuckle, a hint of admiration seeping into my tone. "Bold move, breaking into my bunker," I remarked, my eyes flicking to the little girl cradled in the arms of the other intruder. "But it seems you have a good reason."

The girl's gaze softened imperceptibly, a flash of gratitude flickering in her emerald eyes. "She's injured," she explained, gesturing to the child. "We didn't have anywhere else to turn."

I nodded, my expression unreadable as I assessed the situation before me. "Let me see that," I said gruffly, my voice commanding yet tinged with an unexpected hint of compassion.

A nasty gash. She definitely needs stitches, from a professional, no doubt. 

I took a step back and cleared my throat. "And what do you expect me to do about it?" I queried.

I just need a reason to keep you around. Ask for my help. Let me help you.

She hesitated, her defiance faltering for a moment before she replied, "We need medical assistance. Anything you have."

A slow, wicked smile spread across my face. "You're in luck, then," I announced, my tone dripping with malice. "I happen to have a professional medical assistant at my disposal."

Her eyes widened in surprise, a glimmer of hope flickering in their depths. Beneath the hope, I could see her fear. I released a small chuckle; the realisation struck her that she was at my mercy and there would be no escape. She was very smart.

 I couldn't help but relish the look of terror that crossed her face. In that moment, I felt more powerful than ever, a king reigning over his subjects with an iron fist. For in this world of chaos and despair, only the strong survived. And I intended to be the strongest of them all.

"Follow me," I commanded, my voice cutting through the tense silence like a knife.

 As we emerged into the open, I led them towards a battered van, its paint peeling and windows shattered, but still operational. It was mine—a relic from a time before the world had gone to hell.

"Get in," I ordered, my voice cold and commanding as I ushered them towards the van. "We're going for a little ride." the girl eyed me warily, her gaze flickering between me and the van, but she said nothing as she helped her friend load the child into the backseat.

"I'm Logan", I announced as I sat in the passenger's seat, looking over my shoulder to our newfound guests. 

I stared at the girl, waiting for an answer. Her chestnut brown hair swayed as the van hit a few bumps. I admired her love for the child, as she fretted over her. Her eyes flickered with intelligence and hardship. 

There's just something about you. I want you near, in sight, at all times.  A diamond in the rough, perhaps, or a thorn in my side - I will figure you out.

Suddenly, my ears perked up.

"I'm Daphne, this is Ava, my younger sister and my friend, Ryan", she cautiously replied, without making eye contact.

My attention diverted to Ryan. Ryan, a lean statured man with golden tousled hair, sat above his ears. He had hazel eyes with light freckles on his cheeks.  Ryan nodded in acknowledgment, his expression guarded, without a hint of gratitude. "Nice to meet you," he murmured sarcastically.

I tilted my head in surprise, seething with anger. He is not scared of me. I turned away, drifting my gaze on the road, whilst plotting ahead.

Be fearless all you want, but don't be so fucking stupid Ryan.

As we arrived at the destination, I took charge and demanded everyone out of the vehicle, in a pissed off tone. However, when I glanced at panicked Ava and immediately reassured her, "you're going to be alright, Ava, you're in good hands now", my heart softened.

My gang greeted me as we entered into our safehouse. We all exchanged a concerned look as Ava was the centre of attention. I nodded my head in approval and watched them take the group inside immediately to treat Ava. As I watched my gang spring into action to assist Ava, a sense of satisfaction washed over me.

I followed the group into the safehouse, my footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridors. My gang moved swiftly, their expertise evident as they tended to Ava's injuries with care and precision. Daphne hovered anxiously nearby, her eyes never straying far from her sister's side. Ryan stood off to the side, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his expression unreadable. An hour passed by; Ava had now been treated and was fast asleep. 

"Now, let's talk about returning the favour," I said, my tone serious as I addressed them both.

Ryan's jaw clenched in frustration, but he remained silent as Daphne spoke up. "We were desperate," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret. "We had nowhere else to turn."

I fixed them with a steely gaze, my expression unwavering. "I understand that," I replied evenly. "But desperation can be a dangerous thing. And now that I've helped you, I expect something in return."

Daphne and Ryan exchanged another glance, their expressions conflicted as they weighed their options. Finally, Daphne spoke up, "what do you want from us?" she asked, her tone firm but tinged with resignation.

I met her gaze head-on, "I want you both to stay," I stated firmly, my tone brooking no argument. "With me."

"I believe you are both valuable assets and you've got guts. My gang is steadily growing but most reside under the same roof; can't afford anyone to disobey me.. so everything will be done my way", I felt a rush of authority over me as I grinned.

Daphne opened her mouth to protest, but I held up a hand to silence her, I stepped closer to her ear and whispered, "we can always reverse the damage on little Ava... and this time, she won't have any help", I chuckled slowly in her ear as I felt her whole body tremble with fear and desperation.

"Welcome to the team.", I smirked.