I glanced over at him. Tensing up, he squinted into the distance. Following his gaze, I stiffened as I saw a figure wearing a green hoodie lingering at the tree line. Fear mixed with anger buzzed through my body.
Before I could even mutter a word, Adam took off running that way.
“Wait,” I yelled. What the hell was he thinking? I knew he was pissed and sick of dealing with this guy, but he couldn’t just leave a scene to chase after a possibly dangerous criminal.
And what was I supposed to do? I couldn’t leave Seth and go after him. I glanced around, wishing the second ambulance would show up already.
Shock infiltrated my thoughts, my emotions heightening my distress. Adam was always so levelheaded. He was the last one of these guys I’d expect to do that. Just like the rest of us, he was angry and beyond frustrated that we were still dealing with the arsonist. But his impulsive decision was reckless. What if he got hurt? Or worse. My heart beat faster at that thought.
Zack jogged over, brows pulling together as he stared after Adam. “Where’s he going?”
“Adam took off after someone in a green hoodie.” The words tumbled quickly from my mouth.
Zack’s eyes widened. “Jesus Christ. We don’t have time for this. I need to put out a fire, not save his ass from being stupid.” And then he was gone too, sprinting after Adam.
Pinching my eyes closed, I used one of the breathing techniques my therapist taught me to calm my mind and body and help stop myself from spiraling. After a moment, I opened my eyes and looked around. Everyone else was busy, still working the fire. But someone needed to update Dylan. I pulled out my phone and shot off a quick text, updating him not only about the arsonist and the two knuckleheads who gave chase, but also about Seth. That way he could let Violet know and fill in any details she hadn't already heard.
Focusing back on Seth, I checked his vitals again. The sound of sirens approaching registered, and I whispered, “Thank God.”
The paramedic unit pulled up a moment later, and after I updated the pair, they loaded Seth into the back and drove offto the hospital.
I turned just in time to see Zack trudging back toward me. His lips formed a tight line. “Lost him.”
I stood there, staring blankly at the tree line, praying Adam would appear.
Dylan pulled up, and I didn’t even have a chance to fully update him before gunshots rang out in the distance. They were coming from the woods.
No. This was not happening. My heart plummeted, and if I didn’t already have adrenaline coursing heavily through my body, I probably would have collapsed to the ground.
Please don’t let him be shot. I wrapped my arms around my middle, a knot forming in the pit of my stomach. I couldn’t lose him.
Not after we'd just found our way to each other and what we both truly wanted.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
ADAM
The barkof the tree I leaned against felt rough on my back, but the pain just below my ribs grabbed most of my attention. I gasped for air, sinking down to the ground, and pressed firmly against my side. Deep breaths, I reminded myself.
My vision blurred.
Do not pass out.
I had to hope the arsonist chose to continue running rather than sticking around to finish the job. I chuckled darkly to myself. I finally get the girl and now I might die alone in the woods. It was my own stupid fault. But all I saw was red when the fucker appeared at the tree line, like he was gloating over his latest success. Or taunting us.
Blood covered my hands when I pulled them away. Thatwasn’t good, and I knew I needed to keep the pressure steady, but I also needed to assess the wound. It didn’t feel like the bullet penetrated, but I’d never been shot before, so I had no idea what that felt like.
I lifted my shirt, feeling around and scrutinizing the area. A long sigh slipped through my lips. It was just a graze. Still, I would need to get it cleaned and bandaged. I took in another deep breath and applied pressure to the wound.
After making sure the arsonist wasn’t in sight, I got to my feet and started limping slowly back the way I came. Fatigue spread through my body within minutes, and I questioned if I could make it.
Fear enveloped me as movement through the trees caught my eye. Had the fucker hung around waiting to see what I would do? But my panic quickly morphed into relief as Dylan came into focus.
He glanced down to where I held my bloody side, and his jaw visibly clenched as his gaze bore into me. I could only hope he thought to bring a med kit. He shifted to the side and my heart took off running at the sight behind him.
My love.
“Oh my God,” Lyla exclaimed, running toward me. She set the large jump bag down, and with shaky hands, tried to pull my shirt up.
