Ethan reluctantly moves out of the way so I can collect Rory in my arms. She squishes her face into my chest and Mason shifts in to hug her from behind.
“He’s so mad at me,” Rory whispers. My heart breaks at the anguish in her quiet voice.
“He’s just disappointed, angel,” Mase tells her, rubbing her back. Rory doesn’t say anything so I’m inclined to believe that she disagrees.
“Cal just needs time, Rory.” I look up at Fallon. He’s watching us with a sad expression.
They all are.
Rory exhales deeply before lifting her head.
It’s okay,I assure her with my eyes.
She shakes her head once. Guilt and doubt swirls in those dark brown, gold irises.
Mason slips his hand into hers when she turns around, my front pressing against her back as she leans against me. I wrap my arms around her waist, kissing the crown of her head.
“When?” Xander asks simply.
“Tomorrow. Drake warned me about dear old dad getting too comfortable with the Dark Riders. I should have left weeks ago.” Rory puts her hand on mine, resting on her stomach.
“Where are you going?” Rowan rumbles.
“We have a property,” is all I tell them.
“In your name?” Fallon asks me. I shake my head.
“Untraceable?” He pushes and I simply nod. “Good.”
“You don’t think going with friends ofThe Slayerwill cause more trouble than it’s worth?” Ethan focuses the conversation back on Rory.
“Where better to hide thanwithThe Slayer?” Rory plays along with the nickname almost mockingly.
“Really, Aurora?” Rowan demands. “You’re going to put a target on your back like that?” He steps forward to come closer. Before I can move, Mason shifts in front of Rory, protectively.
Rowan takes a single step back, looking at Mason like he slapped him. Rowan’s gaze swings back to Rory, covering the hurt that flickers in his dark irises before it’s gone.
“Mase.” Rory places her hand on the centre of Mason’s back. “Rowan would never hurt me,” she murmurs.
Mason stares at Rowan for a moment or two longer before shifting so that she’s visible again.
“And neither would Luc, Rowan,” Rory says sternly to the mountain before her voice softens. “I didn’t come here to ask for permission. I know you offered for me to stay here but you know that wouldn’t work. You need to be here and Ican’tstay in this house all day, every day and not have to go into town at some point where I would get recognised. I can’t stay in this town.”
“You know we would go with you,” Ethan says softly.
Lindsey comes back—Xander instantly tugging her into his arms.
“I know.” I hear the emotion in Rory’s voice.
Fallon asks a few more questions about our security and I answer them honestly. It’s obvious they care about Rory.
We talk until Mase gets a call from Jace wondering where we are. Cal still hasn’t come back out by the time we make the move to leave after Rory gets everyone’s numbers.
I admire how she’s eighteen and has survived without a phone. Hell, I couldn’t do it.
“We’ll visit,” Lindsey promises, pocketing the address to the property.
“You better.” Rory hugs her tightly. There’s a few tears from her and Lindsey. Mason and I let the girls have their space.
