Ghost’s mouth barely moves. “That’s how power works.”
Blade shifts his weight, calm and steady. “We can end this now if you want.”
The men freeze. The leader looks at our cuts again. He gets it.
Ghost nods toward the steps. “Leave.”
The leader lifts his hands. “Fine. No trouble.”
“Too late,” I say.
They back off. Slow. Eyes locked on us until they reach their car.
Doors slam. The engine growls to life and pulls away.
Blade keeps his eyes on the road. “They’ll be back.”
Ghost looks at me. “She inside?”
“She is,” I say. “And she’s staying that way.”
Ghost nods once. “I’ll post a couple prospects at the road. Eyes up.”
I nod. “Appreciate it.”
Blade gives the treeline one last sweep, then falls in behind Ghost as they head for their bikes.
Engines fire low and smooth. They roll out, taillights vanishing between the trees.
I turn back to the cabin.
To Carly.
To whatever comes next.
“You’re safe here,” I say.
Chapter 3
Carly
“You’resafehere,”hesays.
The door shuts.
The lock clicks.
I keep staring at it. Waiting.
I’m wrapped in a blanket on the couch. Warm now. Warm enough that the shaking’s quieted to a low buzz under my skin. But my head’s still out there, on that porch.
I heard voices. Men. I didn’t catch it all, but I heard the tone. Heard it shift. Heard them leave.
Something happened out there.
Doc kneels in front of me again, calm like the world didn’t just tilt sideways.
“I meant it,” he says. “You’re safe.”
