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It was one thing he appreciated about Ariana. She knew everything about him and his family, and she loved him unconditionally. Her parents had even accepted him as family, even after Cal targeted them.
That was why he needed to get to Ariana, to save her. Because she was the one person who loved him as much as his mom had.
He would do for her what he couldn’t do for his mom.
Damon glanced up at the night sky.This is for you, Mom, as much as it is for her. I’m sorry I couldn’t have done more for you.
A warmth swept through him. It was as if his mom was telling him she loved him and wished she too could’ve protected him from the monster who’d fathered him. She’d been the kindest of souls, so that was probably how she felt in her last moments. Knowing she wouldn’t be there for her son had likely broken her heart as her life slipped from her. She’d always done everything she could to shield him and would have taken that instinct to her grave.
He wiped a tear from his eye before it escaped.
“Turn here,” Rita said.
Damon cleared his throat and turned sharply, nearly missing the gravel road. They continued on in silence for miles as he drove as fast as he could on the narrow lane as the tires shot pebbles out behind. Some bounced off the Charger, but he didn’t care. Scratches could be buffed out, dents could be fixed.
Ariana could not be replaced. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt her like his father had done to his mom.
“Go left at the Y,” Rita said.
They continued on, taking several more forks.
“You’re sure there’s a church all the way out here?” Grayson asked.
“It’s abandoned and dilapidated, but it’s there.”
“And your church meets there?”
“Myformerchurch. And to be clear, it’s a cult.”
“Right.”
“Take the next left.”
Damon’s anxiety was increasing. “Are we getting close?”
“Not much longer now.”
“Didn’t you say that earlier?” Grayson asked.
“It isn’t my fault it’s so far out here. They have a lot to hide, as evidenced by them kidnapping Bella and Ariana just so they can force my sister into marrying a guy twice her age.”
“If they won’t listen to reason, they should listen to fear.” He patted his pocket, where he had put a pistol.
Damon too was carrying. He also had an array of pocketknives, the largest one with a blade longer than his hand. It was anyone’s guess what they were walking into, and they had to be prepared.
“Last turn,” Rita said. “Take the right side of the fork.”
Damon’s heart rate spiked. They were almost there.
He’d do whatever it would take to protect Ariana.
They rounded a corner.
Gunshots sounded.
“Tell me that’s fireworks,” Rita said.
“Nope,” Damon and Grayson said in unison.
