“You see that fork in the road comin’ up?” I ask, pointing to the top right of the display. “Act like you’re gonna take it right, then swerve left and hit the brakes. There’s another split two miles down. By the time they turn around, we’ll have lost ‘em. If we’re lucky, they’ll hit the lake since it’s dark. Dec’s car and their shadow will go past us as well, which will leave us free to take out the tail.”
Sam meets my eyes in the mirror. “You sure about this?”
I nod, my jaw set. “I’ve memorized the map of the surroundin’ area. I’m sure.”
Sam nods once, and then we’re a mile away.
“Ready?” he asks, pushing the gas so our assailants have to go faster to catch up.
Both West and Hayden put their arms out in front of me.
The split is right in front of us, and Sam turns the wheel slightly so it looks like we’re going to turn right, but at the last second swerves the other way, going into the passing lane, and stomps on the brakes ashard as he can. I can’t help but laugh as the blacked out SUV whizzes past us, even when the squeal of tires is so loud it hurts my ears, and I’m sure I’m gonna have a bruise from the seatbelt.
“And we’re off!” Sam whoops as Declan and the other blacked out SUV pass us on the right, and we pull out behind them, gaining speed quickly.
“Let us see if we can help your brother out, no?” Kole rolls down his window and leans out, aiming for the tires of the car chasing Declan. The SUV starts swerving, but it doesn’t do any good. Kole takes out two of their tires quickly, and they lose control, the car crashing into the forest and smashing against a tree.
Armed men in all black pour out of the car and try to shoot us out from behind, but then we’re gone. We’re tense until we’re past the second fork in the road, Sam following the directions on the GPS, and then slowly, we relax.
“Looks like we lost them,” Sam says finally, and all the tension in my shoulder leaks out.
“Who do you think they were?” Hayden asks, speaking up for the first time since he announced he might be sick.
“They definitely weren’t FBI or any government authority,” Sam answers, meeting our eyes in the rear-view mirror. “If I had to guess, I’d say that Whitmore went to whoever funds him, and they sent their own guys. It looks like he’ll want to keep this under wraps after all.”
A yawn leaves me, and suddenly I’m feeling all sorts of weird. My body is heavy, my thoughts fuzzy, and it feels so good to just rest my head on this strong shoulder…
“...adrenaline crash…” Is that West’s voice?
“No proper nutrition…” Maybe it was Sam.
All I know is that for the first time in a year, I feel safe enough to slip into a blissful sleep.
eighteen
Kole
After Jo falls asleep, we drive in silence. I look out the passenger side window, the dark forest full of dangers and secrets.
The GPS takes us off the two-lane road leading up to Thornfield, and finally, I can relax.
We did it.
Three years spent in a glorified prison, being poked and prodded by needles, and injected with so many different things I’ve lost count—I’m free.
For the first time in my life, I don’t have to answer to anyone. Not my father, not Brooks…just my omega. Which issomething that Iwishto do.
Now that we’re out of that hell-hole, and myLisichkais no longer being held prisoner out of our reach, something in my chest eases. Turning in my seat, I spy the omega, her head on West’s arm as she sleeps. Despite the blood of her enemies splattering her cheeks, she looks as innocent as a sleeping fox—which is convenient, considering the nickname I’ve given her. MyBratishka’s arms are wrapped around her like a belt, his head buried in the crook of her neck, and his soft snores fill the vehicle.
I was very worried for him when Jo was missing. He nearly lost control of his alpha, and I had to bring him down with my dominance. Unlike other alphas though, Hayden seems to find a sort of comfort in it. With as young as he was when he arrived at Thornfield, I know that he didn’t have much experience reining in his alpha. Hopefully, now that Jo is back, he will settle again.
West runs a hand over Jo’s hair in a soothing motion as he looks at me. “Are you as freaked out as I am?” His voice is a hushed whisper.
“I doubt it.” I scoff. “As soon as I arrived from Russia, my father’s top enforcer, Alexei, started training me. I have seen my fair share of gun fights and car chases.”
“You’re right, that was a stupid question.” West quietly snorts at himself. “You were ten, right? When he brought you over?” Of course, the doctor already knows this about me—he’s been my psychologist the last three years.
“Yes.” I turn back around in my seat, my eyes on the road. More questions will only lead to me talking about Mama.
