Page 56 of Sage Haven
But tonight was different.
Their words were sharper and hungrier.
Their stares made my skin crawl.
And deep in my gut, something primal twisted, cold and certain.
I had to get out.
But Klay wouldn’t move.
He stood, posture as casual as ever, with his one arm slung lazily over the back of his bike, watching me.
Not watching them.
Me.
Likethis was a test I was failing.
I swallowed, my throat dry, as panic crawled up the back of my spine, winding itself around my ribs and squeezing tight.
I couldn’t breathe.
I couldn’t think.
And all I could think of was my father.
How I promised him to check in. Hours ago.
The guilt crashed through me like a wave breaking over brittle glass.
What if something happened?
What if he was waiting?
Needing me?
He was all I had left.
The only person who loved me without condition.
The only reason I kept trying.
I blinked hard, but it was already too late.
The tears slipped free before I could stop them.
One.
Then another.
Warm tracks sliding down my cheeks as I tried—and failed—to hold it together.
And Klay saw.
His gaze sharpened as it snapped to my face, narrowing.
Displeasure carved harsh lines into his features.
