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“What is it?” I hiss, stepping closer to him as fear clutches my heart. “Are you okay?”
He swallows thickly and then lifts his chin. “Just tell me how they died.”
“Who?”
“Mom and Dad and Dawson.”
I reach up, swiping the tear on his cheek away with my thumb. “They’re alive, Ro. Everyone is alive.”
He launches himself at me for a tight hug, his entire body trembling as he breaks down with emotion. “Thank God.”
“We’re going to be okay. It’s all going to be okay.”
I believe those words a hundred percent. I hope he does too.
They’re alive.
While we’ve traveled all day and evening through the woods, it’s all I’ve been able to think about. My parents didn’t die. My baby brother is still here on Earth.
Unlike Michael’s son.
Every time I close my eyes, I see his pale, tiny foot sticking out of those leaves. That baby didn’t deserve to die.
Rowdy whistles at us up ahead, motioning down. I force the previous nauseating image from my mind to trot ahead and investigate. Down a steep incline is a small meadow nearly surrounded by more hills. It’s a perfect place to stop and rest for the night. We could even have a fire without being easily seen. Since my head has been throbbing continuously, I’m eager to crawl into a tent and sleep.
Ryder slides down the hill ahead of Rowdy and holds out his arms, waiting for him to pass Destiny to him. I’m not sure how he’s been able to carry her this entire time. His arms must be about to fall off. Thankfully, Kristen hasn’t made me or Ryder carry her. I can barely put each foot in front of the other, much less take care of someone else.
“You go first,” I tell Kristen. “I’ve got your hand.”
She clutches onto me while reaching for Rowdy with her other. He helps her down the hill and then takes Destiny from Ryder. I gingerly start making my way down. My foot slips and I fall down onto my ass. Hard. It’s jarring and painful.
Closing my eyes, I breathe through the throbbing reminder of Logan’s rape, trying desperately not to break down.
I can do this.
I’m safe.
Warm hands clutch onto mine and then I’m being pulled to my feet. Rowdy’s strong arm slides around my waist as he assists me the rest of the way down. I lean against him, soaking in his strength, hoping just a little bit will rub off on me.
“I’ve got you,” Ryder rumbles. “You’re okay.”
It’s like he knows I’m struggling with a lot more than just a fall down the hill. The pain I’m feeling, yes, is physical, but there’s a whole mental aspect to it that keeps fucking with me.
What will Ryder think when I tell him about me and Raegan?
Will he hate us?
I can almost see his handsome face twisted into one of pain. It makes me sick to even think about. Maybe we can forget about everything that happened with Michael’s psychopathic cult.
That would be amazing.
Forget the sex with my sister. Forget the rape. Forget the lifeless baby I was forced to bury.
“Hey,” Ryder says, snapping his fingers in my face. “You’re out of it. What’s going on?”
His concern sends warmth coursing through me. Unable to stop myself, I pull him to me for a fierce hug. I bury my nose against his neck, inhaling his woodsy scent. He rubs his palm up and down my back, offering me the comfort I so desperately need.
I wish he could hold me like this forever.
