Page 23 of Reaper

Raker’s eyes bored into Savannah, his hatred rolling off him in waves. Finally, he let out a low, frustrated growl.

“Fine. They live. For now.” He sneered at Samantha, who was still sobbing softly, clutching Caleb so tightly the boy let out a whimper. “Lucky for you, I’m feelin’ generous today.”

He yanked Savannah forward, and she stumbled, her shoulder nearly wrenched out of its socket. Samantha’s broken apology cut through the air like a blade.

“I’m sorry, Savannah. I’m so, so sorry…”

Savannah didn’t look back. She couldn’t. If she saw Samantha’s tearful face or Caleb’s frightened eyes, she’d break. Instead, she gritted her teeth and focused on keeping her steps steady, her head high.It’s going to be okay, she told herself, her mantra against the terror trying to consume her. Reaper will come. He’ll know what to do. She clung to that hope like a lifeline. Reaper had to come.

They led her out of the apartment, Slim closing the door behind them with a grim finality.

The hallway was dim, the air stifling, the weight of her decision pressing down on her like a slab of concrete. Raker’s fingers bruised her arm, and she bit back a wince.

“Don’t try anything stupid,” he hissed as they walked toward the stairwell.“You’ll regret it.”

“I already do,” she snapped back, venom in her voice.

He laughed, the sound low and menacing. “Still got that fire. I’ll enjoy puttin’ it out.”

They descended the stairs, each step echoing ominously. Savannah’s mind raced, cataloging exits, timing her steps, searching for any opportunity. But she couldn’t risk it. Not yet. They were still in the building, too close to Samantha and Caleb. If she made a move now and failed, they’d pay the price.

The parking lot was eerily quiet, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the cracked asphalt. Raker’s bike was parked near the exit, a gleaming black monster that seemed to mock her with its presence.

Slim climbed on his bike, kicking it to life, the engine’s growl breaking the silence. Raker jerked his head toward his own bike, his grip on Savannah unrelenting.

“Get on.”

She swallowed hard, glancing back at the building, at the windows where Samantha’s unit was. There was no movement, but she knew her friend was probably calling Reaper, giving him every detail, every scrap of information she could.

Hurry, Reaper.

Her hands shook as she swung her leg over the bike, the leather seat cold beneath her. Raker climbed on in front of her, his back a wall of muscle and menace.

“Hold on,” he said, his voice laced with cruel amusement. “Wouldn’t want you fallin’ off now.”

The engine roared, vibrating beneath her, and the bike shot forward, tires squealing against the pavement. The world blurred around her, the wind whipping her hair into her face, stealing her breath. Fear clawed at her insides, sharp and relentless. The reality of her situation was sinking in, the cold dread that she was alone with two men who wanted nothing more than to see her broken and powerless.

But she wasn’t that girl anymore. She wasn’t the scared, naive girl who had fallen for Raker’s charm and lies. She was stronger now, sharper. She had something worth fighting for. Someone worth fighting for.

Reaper’s face filled her mind—his steady gaze, his rough hands, the quiet strength he radiated. She clung to that image, to the memory of his arms around her, his promise that she was safe.

The bike sped toward the edge of town, the buildings giving way to trees and open fields. Savannah’s pulse quickened. They were taking her out of Sentinels territory. Away from safety. She had to do something. Now.

“Raker!” she shouted over the wind.“You think you’re going to get away with this?”

He laughed, a dark, hollow sound.“I already have, darlin’.”

Her fingers curled into fists. Her eyes darted to the road behind them, praying for a glimpse of headlights, of salvation. And then, in the distance, she heard it. The low, familiar rumble of motorcycle engines. Her heart leapt into her throat. Reaper.

The sound grew louder, the thunderous chorus of vengeance on two wheels. Raker tensed in front of her, his head snapping around.

“Shit,” he snarled.

Savannah’s hope flared, fierce and blinding.

Hold on, she thought.Just a little longer.

Reaper was coming. And this time, she wouldn’t be running away.

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