Page 21 of Blade

“No. You checked the shelter?”

“I did. They haven’t seen her since she left yesterday morning.”

“Fuck!”

“We’re all out looking for her. I’m headed to the train depot just in case she’s trying to leave town.”

“That’s probably the best place,” I answered. “We’re headed back now. Call me if you find anything, Leland.”

“You got it, man,” he said before I disconnected the call.

“Layton and I can check the bus station in Dodge County. I’m sure you’re right and she was looking for some way to get out of town,” Smoke offered.

I nodded, unable to speak.

“We’ll find her, man, it’s going to be okay,” Bash promised.

We had to find her, I wasn’t sure I could live without her.

Chapter Six

Eliose

I sat down in the train depot bathroom and wrapped my arms around my legs before sobbing. I grieved properly for the first time since fleeing. I relived the pain, fear, and betrayal I’d suffered from the church, Billy, and my parents’ deaths. I cried from the hurt at the way things should have been and from the realization things would never be the same. I could never go back home. I’d never see my parents’ graves again. I’d never sleep in my childhood bed, I’d never have any childhood mementos, but that wasn’t what hurt the most. My heart was breaking because I was leaving Blade behind. He’d been so sweet to me, so gentle. I knew leaving him behind also meant leaving something special behind. Reaching into my backpack I pulled out a sweatshirt he’d left that morning. Lifting it to my face, I breathed in his earthy scent.

I wasn’t just leaving him behind either. Rogue, Tinsley, Leland, Tyler, and Elliot had all been so wonderful. I’d missthem too. Growing up in the church had always been hard and I’d never really had friends. I’d gone to a private school with a graduating class of twenty-three. Even though I’d fled only a few weeks ago, I realized I’d been on my own a lot longer than that.

Guilt nipped at my heart too. I’d left a note for everyone telling them how much I appreciated them and I’d been so sure I was doing the right thing, but maybe they’d been right. Maybe I should have just stayed—trusted them to help me. Making the right choice shouldn’t hurt this badly, right? What if I hurt Blade more by leaving? What if Tinsley couldn’t understand? I wrestled with my choices, my stomach cramping from stress.

Was I always going to let Billy have this much control over my life? I had a chance at a life in Strickland; was I going to ruin that because I was scared?

No. I couldn’t. I’d spent so long wishing for a good man, wishing for friends, I couldn’t lose all of that now.

Taking a deep breath, I stood and wiped my eyes. No. I was done running. After washing my hands and face, I left the bathroom and limped across the lobby of the station. I’d walked so many miles already, but that was nothing compared to knowing I was walking back into a chance at a better future.

“Eloise?” someone called.

Turning to look, I saw Leland standing in the middle of the lobby. He ran to me as soon as I’d fully turned around.

“Hi,” I said, giving a little awkward wave. Did he know I’d run away?

“Oh, hi, sweetheart. We’ve been looking everywhere for you,” he said, pulling me close.

Yeah. He knew.

He stepped back and pulled out his phone, calling someone. “I’ve got her, Blade.”

“Blade?” I questioned, stepping closer to him. He hugged me again and said, “She wants to talk to you,” before handing me the phone.

“Blade?”

“Eloise, baby! Are you okay? I’ve been so worried. Fuck, I’m coming to get you right now, okay? I’m about fifteen minutes away.”

“Okay. I’m really sorry I left. I thought I was doing what was best for you all, but I didn’t even make it out of Strickland and I already miss you. You’re right. I’m safe now, and Billy can’t hurt me.”

“You’re right, baby, he’ll never touch a hair on your head again.”

I knew Blade would protect me if Billy ever came looking for me. I trusted him.

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