Page 93 of Sawyer

“Some wounds are too harsh to reopen,” he whispers.

Crunching startles me as Bryn and Rumor creep up. “We should go.” Bryn glances between us, still wearing night vision glasses.

“Lead the way, oh strong and mighty delta.” I bow before Rumor, who frowns.

“She’s tired.” He looks around the forest. “Can you make it until we find a clearing about two miles from here?”

“I shall function as I can.” I won’t make a single promise. My legs feel like lead, and my body aches. Night hiking is no longer recommended.

I follow them out, doing my best not to trip and break something because they won’t leave me behind. I swear I see snakes and other creepy crawlies a few times, and it’s then I decide I cannot trust my brain or my heart anymore…not when I get the oddest sensation that I’m being watched, which is impossible. Rumor would know. I have faith in him. Me? Not so much.

“I hear water,” I whisper sometime later. “Am I hallucinating?” Time no longer exists. It’s nothing but woods and darkness.

And maybe those snakes.

“Ahead,” Rumor whispers, crouching down again.

My thighs can’t take much more of this, but I crouch because, again, I’m a bad bitch. Rumor remains still for a long moment, almost long enough for me to fall asleep.

“Let’s go.” Rumor glances back at us before he pops up and begins moving through the forest at a ridiculous speed.

Once more, I imagine him tripping over his feet. For the first time in my life, I wish I was a mage, because then I could magically trip him.

I’m so lost in my reverie that I run into his back. Sin catches me as I bounce off of him, and with my eyes blurry and sore from the glasses, I look ahead.

“Cabin.” I squint. “There’s a cabin.”

“Stay here.” Rumor doesn’t allow for any questions. I know he’s getting tired because he’s getting short with me, or maybe that’s my emotions taking control.

“Almost there, princess.” Sin tugs me back, but he’s too warm, too comfy.

I step away. “I’m going to pass out if I snuggle you.” Screw it. I creep toward a tree, focusing on the cabin ahead. There are no lights, and ivy grows up the side, invading most of the roof. Out back is a decaying shed with one slat falling over to reveal a four-wheeler.

Rumor stomps out of the cabin and beckons us over.

“It’s not much, but it’s sturdy and safe for the night,” he says. “I’ll take first watch.”

I don’t even have time to hear more of their plans. My pack swings around me as I unbuckle it and grab my sleeping bag.

Inside, dust motes fill the air, tickling my nose, but there’s a roof and a door, and that is really all I need.

I’m a low-maintenance kind of gal who is tired.

“Let me.” Bryn grabs my sleeping bag and rolls it out in the corner of the room, leaving space for one against the wall. He unravels his and places it beside mine. “Sleep, Sawyer.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” I barely get under the sleeping bag before I’m out cold.

Rumor

“Where are we?” Bryn asks as he steps out of the dilapidated cabin. He tries to shut the door gently, but the hinges squeak, and the boards crunch beneath his feet.

“Hey, Superman.” I tap my thumb against my lips as I scowl at the map I have set up on a picnic table that’s older than me. “I have a general idea. Only using analog items makes this a little difficult.”

“Compass?” he questions, stepping up beside me and passing me a steaming mug of black coffee.

With my first sip, all I can think about is how much Sawyer will hate not having creamer and sugar. She’ll tough it out, and I can already envision her scrunched face. Clearing my throat, I take a sip and savor the hot beverage. “Here.” I tap the map. “We are about eight miles from our starting point. The incline at the beginning set us back.”

“I’m more concerned at how many camps they set up.” He lowers his voice even more. “I’m even more anxious that we brought Sawyer with us.” Regret deepens his voice, and a wrinkle creases his forehead.

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