Lover || Newt x reader

1.8 - Attack

"Gosh, the sun is killing me," Thomas complained from the shade, doing absolutely nothing but whining.

"Go get some fertilizer, shank," Zart chuckled, handing him a basket.

Newt, who was crouched nearby, glanced at me and frowned.

"Take Maya with you," he told Thomas. "She could use some shade." He nodded toward my arms, which were starting to turn an alarming shade of pink.

I nodded, grateful for the break, and followed Thomas to the Deadheads.

As soon as we stepped inside, the temperature dropped, the cool air a relief against my overheated skin.

"Much better," I sighed.

We decided to split up since there were two different storage spots filled with fertilizer.

I had gathered enough when I heard a twig snap behind me.

Assuming it was Thomas, I spoke without turning around.

"Hey, will you hand me the basket?"

No response.

A strange chill crept down my spine.

Slowly, I turned—only to see a tall figure standing in the shadows.

At first, I couldn't make out his face. But when he stepped forward, relief flooded my body.

It was just Ben.

Ben wasn't scary—he was quiet and sweet. I ate breakfast with him almost every morning.

"Oh, Ben, you scared me," I chuckled, though something about the way he was standing made my stomach twist uncomfortably.

He didn't say anything.

Instead, he let out a low, guttural growl.

I took a small step back, suddenly uneasy.

"Are... are you okay?" I asked cautiously.

But before I could react, he lunged.

His hands slammed into my shoulders, knocking me backward.

"What are you doing?! Get off me!" I screamed, struggling against his grip.

His nails dug into my arms, sharp and painful, making me cry out.

"It's all your fault," he growled, his voice unrecognizable. "I saw you!"

I didn't understand.

"Ben—stop!" I gasped, kicking at him, trying to break free.

His hands wrapped around my throat, squeezing.

Panic surged through me.

I clawed at his grip, but he was too strong. My vision blurred, black spots creeping in.

With all the strength I had left, I brought my knee up—hard where it hurts.

Ben let out a strangled noise and released me, stumbling back.

I gasped for air, coughing as I scrambled to my feet.

Then I ran.

"Thomas!" I screamed. "HELP ME!"

I didn't dare look back, but I could hear him behind me, his heavy footsteps crashing through the undergrowth.

Branches scraped against my skin, but I pushed forward, running as fast as I could toward the Glade.

Then—Ben tackled me.

We tumbled down a hill, rolling violently until we hit the ground with a painful thud.