Three trucks rumble into the clearing, their headlights cutting through the dark. Greyson is out first, already assessing the scene, and Harlan moves to form a perimeter, their expressions grim. From the last truck, Tiana emerges, her eyes finding mine with immediate concern as Zach follows close behind her.
"Morgan!" Tiana rushes forward, pulling me into a quick hug. "We heard you found her."
I nod, unable to find words as emotions threaten to overwhelm me.
Caiden approaches Charlie, crouching to her level. "Hey there, kiddo. I'm Caiden. These are my friends. We're going to make sure you're safe."
Charlie looks at him with wide eyes, then back at me. I give her a reassuring smile. "It's okay. They're here to help."
"What's the plan?" Greyson asks, his voice low as he approaches Trenton and Matthew.
"Hospital first," Trenton replies. "Then we figure out our next move."
Harlan steps forward, his normally playful expression serious. "The police are on their way. They'll want to question her."
"She needs a doctor first," I insist, my arm tightening around Charlie's shoulders.
"We'll handle the police," Cole assures me. "You focus on the kid."
As if on cue, sirens wail in the distance, growing steadily louder. Red and blue lights flash through the trees, approaching our location.
"The cavalry arrives," Zach mutters, moving to stand with his sister. "Right on schedule."
Two police cruisers pull up, officers spilling out with their weapons drawn. I pull Charlie behind me, shielding her small frame with my own.
"She's safe," I call out. "She needs medical attention."
The lead officer lowers his weapon, recognition dawning on his face as he spots Greyson. "Greyson. Didn't expect to find you here."
"Ethan called us in," Greyson explains smoothly. "Morgan found the girl. Harris is gone, but he left a note."
The officer approaches, his expression softening as he looks at Charlie. "Hey there, sweetheart. I'm Officer Johnson. Can you tell me your name?"
Charlie shrinks against me. "She's traumatized," I tell him. "She needs to see a doctor before you question her."
The officer nods. "We'll have a unit take you to the hospital. Our forensics team needs to assess the cabin."
As arrangements are made, I help Charlie into the back of a police car. She clings to my hand, her small fingers cold against mine.
"I'm scared," she whispers.
"I know," I tell her, brushing her hair from her face. "But I promise, you're safe now."
"Ms. Morgan?" Her voice is so small I can barely hear her. "Will you stay with me?"
I look up at Trenton and Matthew, who are watching us with identical expressions of concern. Without hesitation, they nod.
"We'll all stay with you," I promise. "As long as you need."
As we drive away from the cabin, the headlights catching on the faces of the club members who came to help, I realize we've only won the first battle. Evan is still out there, his delusions intact, his threat hanging over us.
But as Charlie's head droops against my shoulder, her eyes finally closing in exhausted sleep, I know I'll do whatever it takes to protect her. To protect all of us.
"He'll be back," I murmur.
Trenton nods, his jaw set. "Let him come."
The hospital corridor feels endless as we walk alongside the gurney carrying Charlie. Her small hand remains clasped in mine, her fingers still trembling despite the blanket they've wrapped around her thin shoulders. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across her face, making her look even more fragile than she already is.
