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That ache in my chest grew bolder as I caressed his cheek and repeated. “I know.”
She looked up through the side windows at the looming moon hanging heavy in the sky. I think she was expecting betrayal, after all…that’s all she’d had her entire life. But not this time. I glanced over my shoulder as she met my gaze. London flicked his eyes to the rear-view mirror and kept driving.
“There’re more Daughters out here,” I murmured. “They do all the cooking and the cleaning, but we have a team of men who patrol the grounds, just so you’re aware. I don’t want you to worry about them. They are loyal and trustworthy. They aren’t going to approach you unless your life is in danger, okay? So you have nothing to worry about.”
“Unless you call cleaning at three a.m. chaos,” London muttered.
I cut him a glare.
“What?” He looked my way. “It’s true, they clean at three a.m. What kind of person does that?”
One who’s been controlled their entire life.
London slowed the four-wheel drive at the turn-off, stabbed the button, and rolled down the window, then waved at the guard sitting in his car hidden by the bank of trees. One flash of headlights from the guard acknowledged he knew we were coming.
We might’ve found them a temporary house to live in, we might’ve even supplied them with food and drink and all the entertainment we could. We might’ve even helped them feel safe, as safe as they’d allow themselves to feel. But the Daughters of The Order we’d rescued were far from healed.
A lot of them had suffered things beyond comprehension and if vacuuming carpets at three a.m. made them feel comforted in any kind of way, then I say let them vacuum.
Lights twinkled through the trees up ahead. Shadows cut across the drive, the flash of a gun and the careful pace told us instantly who it was. London braked, pulled up carefully, and there was Guild. His focus shifted to me and there was an instant smile. “Good to see you’re up and about. As bossy as ever, I hear.”
“A little too bossy,” London muttered under his breath.
“Oh don’t worry, Guild.” I glared at London. “I won’t be taking over from you.”
“Good to hear it,” he chuckled. “I doubt London could handle it if it was both of us.” His attention shifted to the back seat. “Hi there, I’m Guild. We’re going to get you settled right in. You’re going to love it and I’m pretty sure some of the others have just started a movie and have cooked enough popcorn to put a movie theater to shame. I’ll meet you up at the house.”
London gave a nod as Guild turned and headed for the glaring bright lights of the beautiful and expensive mansion. The place had been empty when we’d first stepped in. Cold and empty and strange. Now, it was vibrant and full. London drove the Explorer toward the house, parking out front.
“This place is real?” The small voice came from the back.
“As real as you can get it.” I yanked open the door and climbed out.
Guild was there in an instant, holding my hand, letting me lean on him. I’d be lost without the man…we all would.
“Here we are.” London opened her door.
She climbed out, clutching the bag with clothes and essentials against her chest like a shield. A lot of them did that, refusing to let anything go until they felt safe. She would eventually.
The sound of a vacuum started upstairs, even though it was almost morning. London cut me a look that said ‘I told you so.’ One I ignored as we led her up the stairs, following the heady scent of freshly made popcorn.
Her steps were careful as she followed Guild, climbing the steps to the front door.
She’d make it here.
She’d find solace and hopefully peace.
In the meantime, we’d protect them and care for them as much as possible. Because it wasn’t just those vile men from The Order we needed to worry about. It was the Sons. They were out there, hunting for them. It was only a matter of time before they found where they were and they’d come.
That thought chilled me to the bone.
She stopped at the front door, then looked over her shoulder to where I stood with London. Her mouth quivered giving us a sad, sorrowful smile.
“Thank you.” She mouthed as Guild opened the door.
Laughter and voices spilled out. The sound made my chest swell with pride. They might have a long road ahead for healing…but at least now they’d found the path. One which would lead them on a journey of self-discovery.
“I wish there was more we could do.” I murmured as Guild closed the door behind them. “We need to protect them somehow. We need to keep them safe.”
