Page 109 of Anchored to the Storm

I found a washcloth and soap, then proceeded to clean his chest and stomach of the recently dried blood stuck to them. On his chest was a symbol I’d never seen before, in the form of a scar. When I gently scrubbed over it, removing blood, I felt a flutter in my stomach. This scar was no accident and had an otherworldly purpose.

When done, Ethan held out a limp arm so I could wipe away more grime.

I demanded, “Breathe, Maddox.”

His chest expanded.

I wiped his left side free of any proof of revenge. His left leg. His left foot.

Ethan helped to spin Maddox around so I could clean his whole right side.

I asked, “How about another breath?”

His back stretched.

“Thank you.”

Under the spray of the water, I scrubbed his back, sure to be gentle around the bullet hole.

Gage had told Ethan and Finn about what he’d witnessed. But now, knowing Maddox was able to withstand bullets, was even more mind-blowing.

After asking Ethan to help Maddox face the water again, I asked our friend, “Can you sit for me?”

Maddox knelt in the tub, sitting on his feet.

Starting to hum, I cleaned his shoulders and neck. I kept humming as I lathered his hair.

His head drooped, his voice so weak. “Van Morrison.”

Loving to hear him finally speak, I smiled. “Yes, Seb sang me one of his songs in a sad shower, like yours now. I researched the song. Feels right to hum it now.”

Maddox grabbed my hand, then pulled it to his damp cheek. He sighed. “Noma loved his music.”

Sometimes things happen that appear small at first glance, yet are truly monumental. One puzzle piece creating many more to fall into place.

Suddenly, Maddox arched in the tub, sucking in air. His face to the ceiling, fresh water moved—not dripped—all over his body.

Ethan and I looked at each other in disbelief, then back to Maddox.

His body soon eased before he sighed. “She found me.”

Once we got Maddox into Noma’s bed and he was fast asleep, we closed the door because the house was getting noisy with a little girl loving her new freedom, so many things completely unknown to her.

I took a step in Bluebell’s direction but was confused when Ethan led me back to the bathroom. He shut the door, then stood behind me, spinning me to face the mirror above the sink.

I gasped. I was covered in blood, too.

Watching me through the mirror, he lifted my pajama shirt, exposing my breasts and smeared shoulders. Not taking his eyes off mine in the shared reflection, he slid his hands down my torso, his fingers featherlight along the trim of my PJ pants, then pushed them down, exposing all my nakedness.

My skin was laced with murder, yet I saw none of it. Only deep blue, bottomless eyes and loving hands.

The water was turned back on and, this time, it was me being showered with love. From head to toe, I was cleansed of the night and day that made it so we couldn’t go home. So that we couldn’t hug the only parents we’d had for the last few years.

Ethan at my back, a gentle finger lifted my chin and tilted it, so I could be blessed with the kiss I had been waiting for. It wasn’t out of desire, but being affected by a dream connection. It wasn’t a silent warning that my life was in danger. It was… an innocent vow of how much he loved me and always would.

I wanted more. Ethan wanted more.

And that time would come.