Page 43 of Red

“We’ve taken out a few—the odd one who comes further into our territory. We’re working on solutions, and all the Elders with Alphas are coming here to discuss a plan, but since I know you won’t tell anyone, it’s not hopeful. Fighting a blind fight is asking for things to go wrong.”

“I could see that being a tough wall to climb. Jocko’s looking good again, though. Faira was not happy when he asked me to stay.” She hasn’t thanked me in a direct way, but she doesn’t ask me to leave anymore. I’m accepting the win for what it is.

Stark studies me. “You care for him.”

“I do.” I smile. It’s nice to have a friend or two here. Lirea might become my next friend with all the time we’re spending together. She loves to talk about men, and I can’t say I hate it.

Stark sighs and stands. When the door shuts, my brain runs through every word Stark said.

There’s one thing I can do that they can’t.

In daylight, my plan begins. I find my phone and charge it for the first time since Pratt’s passing. When the green bar lights across the screen, I open my messages. Only one name looks back at me.

Be good, Alo. The last text my brother ever sent to me. My eyes blur, and I wipe the tears away with the back of my hand.

If only he knew what I’m about to do.

I close the app and switch to the camera before heading to Stark’s office. I take a few close photos of the map and do my best to mentally remember the roads. Our roads aren’t on human apps.

I head back to my room to pack, except all I have are a few sweaters and thin leggings made for humans in the summer. I’ll need to make a stop, but I throw the essentials in. I toss the bag in the bathroom to hide, then it’s time for another freezing shower. When I step out, I find my towel and wipe the mirror, dripping from a thick layer of condensation. This new cooling method is helping, but I am needing showers more than ever before.

A door slams in the house, and I head to the main room.

“What was that?” I ask Nikki. She’s been helping with meals.

“Kiya got hurt, but it’s nothing major.”

I start walking toward the med room before she can finish.

Kiya sits on the edge of the table while Faira inspects her hand.

“What did you do?” Faira asks.

“I heard a shot and took off. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going and . . .” She waves her bloody hand in the air.

I hand Faira a wrap to bandage it, and Kiya’s good to go in no time.

Lirea goes to check on the two who are still in bed after yesterday.

“Faira,” I say, but she keeps tidying up supplies. “I know you don’t like me.”

Her hands halt on the gauze rolls.

“So that’s why I’m asking. Do you know where the keys to my SUV are? If you do and could kindly leave them in here in the top cabinet, that would be—”

She raises her face to look at me, and I stop.

“Why?”

“Do you care?” We haven’t become friends by any means.

“I care about him, and I don’t want to create trouble.”

“I need to get something, please.”

Her arms cross and I hate that she’s got the height on me.

I lean back to look her in the eyes. “Wouldn’t you rather I be gone?”