That stops her, because she knows I’m right and because she felt it too. This isn’t over, not even close.
Chapter 13
Maddie
Idon’t realize how badly I miscalculated until I see his face.
Ethan isn’t loud when he’s angry.
He doesn’t yell. He doesn’t snap.
He goes still.
And that?
That’s worse.
We’re halfway back to the cabin when it happens—when something in him shifts so sharply it feels like the air drops ten degrees.
“What?” I ask, breath still uneven from trying to keep up with him.
He doesn’t answer.
Doesn’t even look at me.
He just stops.
Drops low.
And studies the ground like the forest just told him something it wasn’t supposed to.
“Ethan,” I push, stepping closer. “What is it?”
His hand comes out without looking, catching my wrist, holding me in place.
Not rough.
But not gentle either.
“Don’t move.”
My pulse spikes. “Why?”
“Because he was here.”
The words land like a strike.
I freeze instantly.
“Where?” I whisper.
His grip tightens just slightly as he angles his body in front of mine, putting himself between me and whatever he’s seeing.
“Close,” he says.
“How close?”
He doesn’t answer right away.
