Page 234 of The Reluctant Hero

I look over to find her texting as we sit at a stoplight.

“Okay,” I give in and stare out the windshield. The amount of guilt that floods me as we approach the manor makes me feel like I’m going home to face my parents.

It’s after five. There’s no way they aren’t home and-

My phone starts ringing, making me cringe.

Jake’s name flashes up. With a wince, I answer.

“Hey.”

“What are you up to, my little imp?” Jake asks sweetly. Underneath I hear how pissed he is and turn to South helplessly. I didn’t expect to be out so long I got busted.

“Hanging out with South,” I try to sound calm.

“And when will you be home? Dinner will be done shortly.”

“I’m on my way,” I sigh.

“Amanda?”

“What?” I wait for whatever threat is about to come out with a roll of my eyes.

“Did you have fun sightseeing?”

I blink as Cade and Ace start raging in the background.

“No,” I whisper.

“Best come home quickly then,” his tone gentles. The words stop the tirade going on until silence reigns. “I’ll run you a medicinal bath and bring your dinner to you. Perfect peace for the night. Sound good?”

“Yes. Thank you,” I hang up, suddenly feeling defeated.

“It will pass,” South comments.

“How would you know,” I scoff weakly. I doubt she’s ever felt the raw emotion that comes with a loss.

Everything in me rebels at what I’ve seen today. This is too big for me to take on. Following everything else, it feels like my mind is a minefield of horrors that I’m being forced to navigate with a blindfold.

The gates are open, and the lights are blazing in the mounting darkness. It should be a horrible sight but my shoulders sag at the knowledge I’ve reached a safe haven. Oh, what a difference a day makes. South stops at the open doors where Mikael and Ace are waiting with clenched fists.

“Tell them these are off the board,” she hands me the pages back.

I nod and get out. As usual she barely waits for the door to close before she pulls away.

“Darlin’.” Ace has his arms wrapped around me before I can even turn around. “Where the fuck have you been? And why do you smell like gas?”

“These four sites aren’t usable anymore,” I hold up the pages weakly. Mikael takes them from me, but he stares at my face with concern.

“The last one was almost ready to be used. I couldn’t leave it like that.” My voice sounds weird. My head is killing me. “I want to lie down.”

“Doctor first,rakas,” Mikael rumbles and takes me away from Ace to carry me inside.

50

Away & Here

Amanda

---