Page 66 of The Hunted

“Thanks.”

“Anytime, and some of our brothers are out here. You see them, you better tell them you ain’t on the losing team before they try to mow you down. Some are still outside this place in case we need backup.” He motions toward the woods before taking off toward the sound of gunshots, drawing another gun from behind his back. I crouch down and start removing the lengths of cut rope from Raven’s wrists before moving to untie it from her ankles.

“Knox.”

Raven’s sweet voice is strained and weak, but she’s starting to gain her senses. I finally get the rope free from her ankles, tossing it into the pond before sitting and placing her head in my lap.

“Little Bird.”

“Thank you for saving me.”

“It’s my honor, baby, taking care of you, keeping you safe. Can you get up? I need to get you some place safe, so I can come back and wrap this shit up.”

“I think so.”

I help her stand and pull her to me. She wraps her arms around my waist. I lay a couple of soft kisses to the top of her head.

Jesus. I almost lost her. Just like I lost Mom.

“I thought I lost you.”

“I’m here.”

I cup her face and kiss her, gently, deeply, trying to show her how much she means to me. This woman is working her way into my heart.

“Let’s go, baby. I need to get you somewhere safe.”

---