Not threat.
Something else.
I look at Logan.
He’s already looking at me.
Still here.
Still standing.
Still—
Us.
“Together,” I say quietly.
He steps closer.
Close enough that everything else fades again.
“Always.”
And this time—
There’s nothing left to break it.
53
Scout
Tessa is safe with some of the Brave team. Just where she was when we left.
Unharmed.
And still—
Not okay.
She’s sitting on the edge of the bed when I walk in, her hands clenched in the fabric of her jeans, her shoulders tight like she’s bracing for something that hasn’t happened yet.
Or maybe something that already did.
Her head lifts the second she sees me.
“Scout…”
That’s all it takes.
She’s on her feet before I can close the door, crossing the room in a rush that isn’t controlled, isn’t measured—nothing like her.
She crashes into me.
Hard.
Her arms wrap tight around me like she’s holding on to something that almost slipped away.
I don’t hesitate.
