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I clear my throat. “Right, of course. That’s…probably for the best.”
Jagger eyes me shrewdly for a moment before turning away to speak to one of his men. I watch as Cedara is ushered away by her aunt and uncle, her mother’s arm looped through hers. She glances back over her shoulder at me, her eyes finding mine across the small distance. Something wordless passes between us before she’s pulled along, disappearing out of the clinic.
Letting out a slow breath, I push a hand through my hair, telling myself this is how it should be. She’s home with her people now; she doesn’t need the complication of me hanging around. Still, a hollow ache settles in me as I turn away, preparing myself to give her the space she needs.
???
Cedara
I’m overwhelmed by the love and joy radiating from my family as we walk through the quaint streets of Steel Lakes. Their excited chatter fills the air, and I can’t help but smile at the happiness in their voices.
“Thank the heavens Edirn was there,” Aunt Julie says, squeezing my hand as she tells me about their escape. “I’d begun to fear the worst.”
“That boy is tough as nails,” Uncle Allard adds with a chuckle. “Held his own until Casey showed up and turned the tide.”
“A real warrior woman, that one is.” My aunt looks tremendously impressed as she glances at the tall redhead who is striding ahead of us. I’m not quite sure where we’re going, but Casey appears to be in charge of getting us there.
“Just like our little warrior,” Mom coos, ruffling my hair. “Bravely waiting in the woods for us.”
I nod, realizing their daring escape is what drew the police presence Barrett and I had to evade. A pang of guilt hits me as I think of him, the expression on his face as I walked out, reunited with my loved ones.
“I’m just glad it all worked out in the end.” Uncle Allard beams at me. “But I’m not gonna lie: I enjoyed every minute I spent ripping those filthy bastards up.”
I give a small shudder but manage a tight smile. We’ve paused in front of a building.
Casey jerks her head toward it. “So…these are your digs.”
I stare up at the three-story block. It’s old but well-tended, red-brick framed by freshly painted trim. We follow her as she strides down the front path to a neat entrance, then up the stairs to the second floor. She stops at a bright blue door and unlocks it.
“Voila,” she says drily. “Make yourselves at home.” She sweeps an arm. “Jagger will be round to make sure you’re comfortable.”
I stare around. It’s not anything like the modern human cities I’ve heard about, but it is nothing like the rustic homestead I grew up in.
“It’s perfect,” Mom says warmly, resting a hand on Casey’s shoulder. The redhead glances down at it, then smiles back. I don’t think she’s used to physical gestures, but it seems that my mother gets special privileges.
The others shuffle in behind us, looking around and making appropriate sounds of appreciation. I’m still struggling to come to terms with the new turn my life has taken.
It feels like too much.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it,” Casey says briskly. She snaps off a mock salute and heads for the door, leaving without a backward glance. I turn to where my mother is smiling at me.
“Isn’t it wonderful, baby?” She loops a hand through my arm and leads me further inside. The living room is inviting, with plush couches and soft carpets.
“I found tea in here!” my aunt calls out from the kitchen. My uncle, who’s peering out of one of the tall windows, makes an approving sound.
“I could use a cup,” he calls back, disappearing into the small room to join her. I watch him in bemusement, trying to take it all in.
“Come. Sit,” my mother tells me. I comply silently. Yet, as I sink into the cushions, surrounded by my cherished family, a part of me aches for Barrett’s comforting presence.
“You must be exhausted, baby.” Mom brushes a stray curl from my forehead. “Are we tiring you?”
“I’m okay. I’m sure you’re tired too, Mom.” My smile is wan, though.
“Actually, I’ve had the best rest here in longer than I can remember.” She smiles back. “Plus, we’ve been back a couple of days already. You’ve just arrived.”
A couple of days.
More time that’s passed me by.
