Page 644 of One More Kiss

Hidden Gifts

A Jagged Peaks Story

Rae B. Lake

Chapter1

Vana putanother log on the fire and watched the sparks float up the chimney. It was cold tonight. Colder than usual. She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, trying to generate some heat.

She had been running for weeks. Running from her ex-husband and the memories of the life they had shared together. She had left everything behind in her haste to escape him. Her only possession now was the clothes on her back and the knife she kept tucked into her waistband.

She had no idea where she was or where she was going. She just kept running. Running until her legs felt like they were going to give out from under her. Then she would find a place to hide and catch her breath before starting off again.

She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep this up. She was tired. Tired of running. Tired of being afraid. But she knew as long as her ex-husband was out there, she would never be safe.

She had to put one foot in front of the other.

She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants. It was time to go. She couldn't stay here any longer. She had to keep moving.

She walked to the edge of the woods and paused, looking out at the open field beyond. She knew her ex-husband was out there somewhere. Searching for her.

She took a deep breath and steeled herself for the journey ahead. Then she stepped out of the safety of the woods and into the open.

"Come on, Lucky. Let's go."

Vana started walking across the open field, keeping her eyes peeled for any signs of her ex-husband. She knew he was out there looking for her.

She had to keep moving.

Suddenly, she heard a noise in the distance. She froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Was her ex-husband coming for her?

She clutched the knife in her hand, preparing to defend herself. But then she heard the sound again. It was Lucky. Barking.

She relaxed, exhaling a sigh of relief. It was just her dog.

"Lucky, you scared me," she said, scolding him lightly.

But then she heard the sound again. This time it was definitely not Lucky. It was her ex-husband. And he was coming for her.

"Rich, I told you to leave me alone. I don't want anything to do with you," Vana said, her voice trembling.

"You can't just walk away from me, Vana. We're married. You're my wife," Rich said, his voice full of anger.

"Not anymore. I left you. Remember? I'm done with you," Vana said, her voice rising.

"You can't just leave me. I won't let you," Rich said, stalking towards her.

Lucky growled, positioning himself in front of Vana.

"Don't come any closer, Rich. I'm warning you," Vana said, her hand shaking as she held up her knife, only wishing that some invisible force would stop him. She didn't have an invisible force, but she did have Lucky.

"You think you can just walk away from me? You're mine, Vana. You'll always be mine," Rich said, lunging at her.

Vana screamed as Rich grabbed her arm, yanking her towards him. Lucky leapt at Rich, biting his leg. Rich yelled in pain, releasing Vana.

She ran as fast as she could, Lucky by her side. She didn't know where she was going, but she had to get away from Rich. He was dangerous. He was going to hurt her.

She had to get to safety.

---