They both kissed me, then drove off. Dani and Taryn looked surprised to see me when I went in, but it was a whole lot better than sitting at home and worrying.
Especially since the guys didn’t walk me in this time. They simply kissed me goodbye and waited until I was in the doors to leave.
“There’s a big fire out by Logan’s Crossing,” I said. “I’m going to shower, and then I’ll catch you up.”
I took the time to stow my bags and then headed for the shower. Once I felt human again, I joined them.
Dani was waiting with a warm cup of coffee. Decaf, most likely, but I didn’t question it this time. I simply needed the warmth.
I caught them up to speed, telling them about the date and then the big fire going on right now. I got a few details as we drove. Apparently, there was farmland and lots of brush out there, meaning it could turn quick.
“Oh, yeah, I heard that on the news,” Dani said. “I just didn’t think it would have your guys coming in.”
“I guess it’s a little too close for comfort and has the potential to spread. They’re trying to prevent a forest fire. It’s been dry.”
“I take it no signs of Cameron?” Taryn asked. “Is this an unrelated fire?”
“Not that we know of, but they aren’t ruling it out.”
It seemed no matter what we did, we couldn’t get closer to him. Nobody had any idea where he’d been hiding and he was careful.
“No, but I wish they would before this baby comes,” I said, my hands going protectively to my middle. “I’m so scared.”
“I know,” Dani said, moving closer and gripping my hand. She knew better than most what having a stalker could mean.
Taryn was next, moving in beside her, gripping my other hand.
“You’re not alone. You’ll never be alone,” she promised. “We’ll keep you and Phoenix safe.”
I tried to bury myself in work after that, but it wasn’t easy. All I could think about was the guys out there fighting fires. At least Ash was here to keep an eye on us. The bond echoed in relief when I told them that.
As it got closer to time to pick up Phoenix, I started to grab my keys and head out front.
“I need to go pick up Phoenix from school,” I called out.
“Oh, I already sent Ash after her,” Dani said, wincing. “I hope you don’t mind. I just wanted to help you out.”
“Oh, good,” I said, relaxing a bit as I started to stow my purse again.
Until the front door burst open.
Ash and Phoenix burst in. Their faces were pale, and I started to panic.
“What’s wrong? What’s going on?”
Ash didn’t answer. He slammed the door, locked it, and then rushed past us to the back. He had both doors locked faster than should’ve been possible.
“What’s going on?” I asked again.
Phoenix collapsed into my arms, sobbing hard enough her whole body shook. I held her close and tried to not let them feel the panic, but the bond was on high alert now.
“He was there!” she cried out.
“Whowas there?” I asked, needing to hear it, even though dread pooled in my gut. We all knew exactly whohewas.
“Cameron,” Ash answered for her. “He was on school grounds. She said she thought she spotted him during lunch, but didn’t think it was really possible. She tried to tell an aide but they told her it was fine. The resource officers were being extra careful. That whole spiel.”
He was livid, and so was I. Why would they not listen to her? She wasn’t simply trying to get out of school, she was terrified.
