Good.
I look back once.
Flames crawl across the structure like they’re hungry.
“This isn’t over,” I say.
Marco appears beside us, stepping out of the shadows like he’s been there the whole time.
His face is calm.
But his eyes are colder than I’ve ever seen them.
“No,” he agrees quietly.
“But now she’s the one running.”
35
Laney
Ihear the helicopter before I see it.
The sound hits the air like thunder, the deep rhythmic chop of the blades echoing across the mountains.
My chest tightens instantly.
Hope.
Fear.
Panic.
All tangled together.
Wolf is already outside.
Trigger stands near the clearing with a radio pressed to his ear.
Marco stands by the door.
Very still.
Watching the sky.
I’m holding my daughter so tight she squeaks softly in protest.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, pressing a kiss against the soft top of her head. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”
The helicopter breaks through the clouds above the trees.
Wind from the rotors tears across the clearing, sending leaves and dust swirling in every direction.
The aircraft settles onto the ground.
The door slides open.
Men jump out.
