I bite my lip and look at Rhett. He shrugs and gives me a look. We’re getting pretty good at this silent communication stuff.
I’ve watched Mira like a hawk ever since last year, terrified something might happen to her. What if Rhett’s just biding his time, waiting for a chance to strike?
My instincts tell me no. That I need to relax.
Rhett starts, “I think you should listen to your?—”
“No, it’s fine.”
I trust you.
I walk around the cabin, heading to the yard. My body is still warm from the dojo, and the aching potential. I’ve even got a small smile on my face when I lean down for the trash bag.
That’s when I hear it.
A low whistle.
I look up and see Lucian standing deep in the trees, hands in his pockets, watching me. He’s too far away to be sure, but I think he’s smiling.
I scream.
CHAPTER 9
RHETT
If I had any doubt that I was developing feelings for Elle, they’re obliterated when I hear her scream.
I drop the trash can, scoop Mira up, and drop her on the porch. “Inside. Now.”
“But—”
“Inside the house, young lady.”
I run around the cabin, instincts firing, ready for anything.
My heart cracks when I see her pressed against the wall. Hands over her face. Chest rising and falling as if she’s having a panic attack. I scan the trees, the yard. She drops her hands when she hears me.
“Where’s Mira?” She yells. “Mira!”
Mira walks around the cabin and rushes to her sister. “I’m here, Sissy. I’m here!” She throws herself against Elle, clinging to her tightly, then turns in Elle’s embrace and looks at me. “I’m sorry. You said go inside, and I tried to, but I didn’t have the key and?—”
“Hush,” I say softly. “That’s my fault. Don’t beat yourself up.” I approach the pair cautiously. “Elle, what happened?”
One hand on Mira’s hair, she raises the other to the forest. Points with a trembling finger. “I suh-saw… someone. Someone was watching me. They looked scary.”
“Man, woman?”
“Man, definitely a man.”
“Okay. Did he have a weapon?”
She glares at me. “Not that I saw.”
Does she think she saw Lucian? Is that why she’s so mad?
“I’ll check,” I tell her. “But first, I need you two inside, doors locked.”
She lets out a shuddering breath. “Yeah, okay. I can make us some huh-hot cocoa or something.”
