“What took you so long?”
“Miss Drache-
“Scrounge the neighboring forests. The thief escaped through the railroad. There should be a manhole not far from here.”
The furious snap of my teeth has the guard stumbling back.
“Ma’am, I was told there were two-
“Then what are you waiting for?”
He swallows, wide eyes dropping to the silk sheets clenched between my fists.
“Did you need something else, soldier?”
His eyes snap back to mine, “N-No, Miss Drache.”
I raise a brow, watching his cheeks flush under my stare. Mumbling another apology the guard backs away slowly, keeping his eyes trained on the floor before running the other way.
Stilettos in one hand, a pillowcase in the other, I use the maintenance exit to slip out of Drache Manor. Patter barefoot through the forest while crows swoop and scream around me.
Only once I reach the boulder, do I stop. Riffle through the contents of my makeshift bag until I find what I’m looking for.
Placing the stack of papers on the rock, I pull out my phone and listen to the sound of crashing waves in the distance. Inhale the sweet twang of saltwater infiltrating the breeze.
ME: The keys to Wolf Hollow belong to you.
Chapter 56
CHRISTOPHER
I should be at the airport.
Gripping the steering wheel tightly, I listen to the purr of my engine. Feel the vibration beneath my legs as I watch the figure move stealthily through the thick patch of trees.
The streak of blonde hair that never fails to catch my eye.
Blood stains cling to her every curve, the tatters of her red dress forgone in exchange for tight spandex shorts and a loose tank top.
She’s a picture in the making, and after all we’ve been through, I can’t believe she thought I would leave without saying goodbye.
My boots hit the ground as I step out of the driver’s seat, the steady beat of my heart skipping a fucking beat the moment this woman looks at me.
“Don’t you have someplace to be?”
It’s too early to be considered morning, too late to be considered evening. Lost somewhere in the space between dusk and dawn, it feels like another sliver we’ve managed to steal from father time.
“Probably.” Clearing my throat, I try and fail to look away, “But I thought maybe there was something you'd want to see before I go.”
A beat passes and the air seems to still around us.
“You found them?”
“Jasper did. I texted him the names last night.”
“Where.”
“Considering you left me alone in a sewer last night, I’m not taking any chances.” Lifting a brow, I tilt my head, “Come for a ride and I’ll show you.”
