Page 202 of Nyx

I stand still, not arguing about anyone else's opinion on the group. I've come to know these people, and they're the nicest, most sincere people I've ever met. Any negative opinion someone may have about them is either from rumors created by lies or from the belief that they're doing something in their own lives that would go against what Cerberus believes in.

"They're good people," I offer.

"I know they are, but that doesn't change their opinions," she argues. "I can't risk not being able to see Aleah if we show up with a Cerberus entourage."

I consider her reasoning, and I know that the foster parents hold all the power in this situation, and showing up with Cerberus would look exactly like it has in the past. A handful of members, black SUVs, and protection like she's on a hit list, and they're tasked with keeping her safe.

"A group of commandos is going to draw too much attention," Kayla continues. "And the foster parents will call security and not let me see my daughter. Please, Juliet. It can only be just us."

The idea of leaving the Cerberus property alone, without protection, knowing that Graham is out there somewhere, makes my skin crawl and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up in fear.

"Okay," I agree before I can let that terror sink inside me. "I have to grab my keys."

I turn and walk further down the hallway, feeling her close at my back as I step into my room. I slip my keys from my purse and grab my driver's license and insurance card just in case we run into an issue and I have to identify myself.

"We can't tell anyone," Kayla says as she takes a step back so I can close my bedroom door. "They'll insist on coming along, and that will ruin everything."

I nod, knowing she's right. Cerberus, and especially Nyx, wouldn't let us risk our safety by going alone, no matter what others' opinions of them are.

"You have to stop crying," I tell her. "It'll draw attention."

She straightens her spine, giving one more sniffle before wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"I want you to walk out first," I tell her, my voice lowered now that we're closer to the hallway opening into the common area. "Head to my car, and I'll be a minute or so behind you, making sure we don't draw too much attention."

"Okay," she says, her head dipping in a nod. "Don't take too long."

"I won't," I tell her, watching her walk away.

My heart races, every warning bell in my head going off simultaneously, warning me that this is the wrong choice. I should tell someone. I should find Nyx and get him to agree to take us and to wait in the parking lot while Kayla attempts to gain access to her daughter.

But I don't.

I straighten my back, put a smile on my face, and leave the hallway, walking toward the front door without making eye contact with anyone.

The room continues to bubble with life. People talk and laugh. Several people are still picking over the food left on the long table, but no one stops me.

I don't even feel eyes on me the way I normally do when Nyx is around, telling me that he still hasn't returned after leaving the room earlier.

I close the front door softly, my eyes scanning the parking lot, feeling a little disappointed that there isn't someone out here wanting to know what we're up to. I promised Kayla it would just be us, but part of me wants someone else to step in and demand protection.

Kayla is jittery, trying the locked door handle over and over as I approach.

"I have to unlock it from the inside," I tell her, skipping looking under the vehicle and back seat for the first time in years as I unlock the door and climb inside.

The second I lean over and pull up the lock, Kayla opens the door and slips inside.

I look over at her as I slide the key into the ignition, wanting to ask her again to let us find someone to go with us, but she looks terrified.

I'm not a medical person. I don't have any formal training beyond the CPR and Heimlich maneuver required to work at the women's shelter, but I do know how serious the decision to consider a ventilator is.

I keep my mouth closed as I put my car in gear and pull out of the parking area.

The drive to the gate is filled with Kayla's renewed sobs and whispered worries about her daughter.

It strengthens my resolve to help her.

Of course, we're stopped at the gate.