The voices behind us are louder. The snow falls faster like a veil. I blink to see through the white.
Suddenly, I break out of the treeline.
Sparks fly from the tracks, as the freight train winds past us frighteningly close with a sound like rolling thunder.
“How do we get on it?” Bird stares at the train like it’s a wild animal.
I forgot that he’s never traveled on a train.
Everything in the world is new to him.
He’s fucking brave.
This was my gamble like everything in life.
I took a risk. But if one of the cars isn’t open, then we’re fucked.
I let out a breath of relief when the last car comes into sight and it’s open.
Jumping onto a moving train won’t be hard for me, but it will be nearly impossible for Bird.
Still, he’ll take a leap of faith for his Alpha, right?
For his freedom?
I have faith in him.
I grip Bird by his shoulders, and his wide eyes meet mine. “Don’t hesitate. Don’t think. Just do what I do and jump.”
Bird nods.
“See this as an adventure.”
“I wouldn’t change a single thing I have experienced with you for anything.”
My expression becomes fond.
Did I say my Omega was smart?He’s an idiot.
I let go of Bird, adjusting the weight of the backpacks. Then I run alongside the slow-moving train.
Snow stings my face. My lungs burn.
Yet my heart thrills.
This is the action that I have been missing.
People believe that life gives second chances. Yet I have always lived in a world that doesn’t offer them.
If I fuck up this jump…if Bird does…the wheels of this train won’t offer a second chance.
One…two…three…
I leap, and it feels like flying, escaping, and being fully alive.
I land hard inside the steel car, clutching onto the rusted surface with my hands. I scrunch up my nose at the ashy scent of coal.
I drop my bags and twist to grab hard onto Bird’s shaking shoulders as he lands heavily next to me on his face.
