Page 111 of (Sur)real
A hand touched my shoulder, and I glanced at Olivia. Dots of red painted her hair and face at an angle.
She wasn’t looking at me, but at Jim who still fought Blake.
“They need to hurry.”
I barely heard her over all the snarls and barking.
Pain erupted across my thigh. I gasped. My hands groped for whatever had hurt me but encountered nothing but unmarred jeans.
With horror, I looked up at Clay. He faced two Urbat. Saliva dripped from the elongated muzzle of one partially shifted man. The same man whose claw-tipped fingers of one hand were wrapped around Clay’s throat. The claws of the other hand were buried deep in Clay’s leg. The second man held Clay’s straining arms.
“Sam!” I yelled.
Sam twisted and swung out, raking his own claws down the back of the one holding Clay. The distraction freed Clay but cost Sam.
I watched in disbelief as a hand suddenly emerged through Sam’s front. His shocked gaze shifted to me.
“No,” I breathed, heart pounding. This couldn’t be happening again.
The hand pulled free, and I watched the man who’d raised me tip forward. I rushed to catch him, his weight bringing us both to the ground.
“No, Sam,” I said, looking at the hole helplessly. I pressed my hand against it and started to cry as the blood continued to pool around my fingers.
His expression shifted to guilt as our gazes held.
“There were twelve just in your senior year,” he rasped, his breathing labored.
“Twelve what?”
“Men I killed. They hid in the shadows, waiting for you to leave work.”
Blood colored the corner of his mouth. I looked around, desperately seeking someone who could help me. Everyone fought, though.
Sam’s hand touched my cheek, drawing my attention back to him.
“I waited, too. Every night. Made sure you got into your car safely. Made sure they never came back.”
All those years…he’d protected me by doing more than just giving me a place to stay. Pain squeezed my insides, making it hard to breathe through my tears.
“Why are you telling me this now?”
“I don’t want to die with you still doubting me. Seeing you Mated to one of ours was the best way to keep you safe. I never meant to hurt you, honey.”
Tears streamed unchecked down my cheeks.
“Don’t. I’m sorry. Don’t go. Don’t leave me. Please.” I begged, and I sobbed.
“I love you, Gabby. You’re the daughter I was lucky enough to find. Will you do something for me?”
I nodded, unable to speak.
“Comfort Winifred when I’m gone.”
How could I when we’d all be dead soon?
I brought his hand to my lips and nodded anyway.
ISABELLE…
