The healer [Maze runner Newt x OC]

Chapter eight

"Do you ever get the feeling the whole world's against you?" Jorge asked, his voice calm yet laced with menace.

The Gladers exchanged uneasy glances, their silence answer enough.

Jorge grinned humorlessly. "Three questions. Where did you come from? Where are you going? How can I profit?"

Minho shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flicking to Thomas, who finally broke the silence. "We're headed for the mountains," he said. "Looking for the Right Arm."

A ripple of laughter spread through the room, and Grace noticed the girl with the pixie cut exchange a knowing glance with Jorge. The blond's frown deepened.

"You're looking for ghosts, you mean," Jorge said, pouring himself another drink. He took a sip before asking his next question. "Where did you come from?"

"That's our business," Minho snapped.

Grace felt her stomach sink at his response. Not now, Minho. She saw the way Jorge's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. The air in the room grew tenser by the second.

"You didn't just say that to me, did you?" Jorge asked, his tone deceptively calm. "Please tell me you didn't just speak to me like a dog. You have ten seconds to apologize."

Grace turned to Minho, her eyes wide with alarm. "Don't push him," she hissed, tugging at his arm.

Minho smirked, ignoring her. Jorge began counting.

"One. Two. Three. Four."

"Just do it," Grace urged, her voice more desperate now. Her heart was pounding in her chest.

"Five. Six," Jorge continued, his voice rising.

Thomas finally spoke up. "Minho, just apologize."

"Seven. Eight."

The people around them began moving closer, their expressions cold and predatory. Grace clenched her fists, her body taut with tension.

"Nine."

"I'm sorry," Minho said, his voice devoid of sincerity.

Jorge shook his head, displeased. "I don't think you meant that," he said, then kicked Minho hard in the leg.

Grace gasped, stepping forward as Minho cried out in pain. She froze, helpless, as Jorge kicked him again, twice as hard.

"Say it with meaning, hermano," Jorge barked.

Minho groaned, clutching his leg. "I'm... sorry," he said, his voice strained with pain.

Grace rushed to him the moment Jorge backed away, kneeling beside her best friend. "Are you okay?" She quickly scanned him for injuries as he nodded.

"I'm fine," Minho muttered, but the look in his eyes said otherwise.

Before she could respond, rough hands grabbed her arms, yanking her away from him. Grace yelped in shock, struggling against her captors.

"Let her go!" Newt's voice rang out, filled with rage. He lunged forward, only to be shoved back by another man.

"Shut up, you big baby," the girl with the pixie cut said, stepping closer to Grace. She brushed Grace's hair back, exposing the tattoo imprinted on her neck.

"You were right," she said to Jorge.

Grace flinched as Jorge leaned in, his fingers tracing the tattoo on her skin. Newt shouted again, his voice cracking. "Don't touch her! Don't you bloody touch her!"

Jorge pulled back with a sly grin. "Sorry, hermano. Looks like she's tagged." He stepped back, his eyes sweeping over the Gladers. "You came from WICKED, didn't you? Which means..."