Page 24 of Bones

Shit, I’m out of shape.

Shit, shit, shit.

Stopstopstop!

Even as I swore in my head at the rustling that seemed closer than before—I was clearlynota skilled outdoorswoman—my exhausted brain tried to tell me to stop.

To stay where I was.

Towait.

For what, though?

If it was a wild animal, I would be waiting for death.

And if years of training were demanding I obediently wait for Ryan? It wouldn’t be so he could guide and help me—what he’d always claimed to do. It would be so he could hand me over to the man from my vision.

Not about to let that happen, I didn’t run, but I walked as fast as I could while being as silent as possible.

I thought I was doing a good job until I heard growling.

It wasn’t right behind me, but it was too close for comfort.

Stop.

Wait.

Continuing my stealth attempt would’ve been the smart thing, but instinct took over, and Ibolted. Every ounce of willpower and strength I had went into fighting. First, against the repetitive demands my brain was issuing for me to stop and wait. And then fighting to keep moving when my legs wanted to give out and my stomach threatened to empty the small amount I’d eaten that day. I kept stumbling, my steps wobbling as I tried to look around while still moving.

There wasn’t light in the distance, but it was slightly less dark, so I took that as a good sign. I zigged to the left and headed for it. When I got closer, I could see it was another clearing.

I wasn’t sure what my plan was when I reached it, but it seemed like a good spot to pause and assess.

So close.

Almost there.

I’d barely finished my thought when I was tackled to the ground mere feet away. I braced for impact.

Or teeth and claws.

Or a fist.

It was unnecessary.

My attacker wrapped around to cushion the fall that they’d caused. I may have been protected from the ground, but whoever or whatever wasn’t exactly made of memory foam. The air was knocked from my lungs, and it took me a few tries to fill them again.

I scrambled, my fingers digging into the dirt as I worked to crawl out from under the heavy weight. When that didn’t work, I kicked and launched my elbows backward.

One connected, and I heard and felt a rumbled, “Oomph.” I tried to take advantage of any opening that might have given me, but whoever was on top of me didn’t budge.

Stop.

Wait.

My heart slammed painfully in my chest. Not from exertion, panic, or the impact from the fall. It was like it was trying to burst through my ribs. Reaching toward something.

Him.

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