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He held up his hands. “Compromise. Let the SWAT go in first, and then you four will follow in a squad car. Once the location has been secured, you will be allowed out.”

It was the best offer we were going to get. “Fine,” I said. “Let’s go.”

We piled into a squad car, and I prayed to any god listening that Ember was okay. That I had done enough to find her.

Chapter 56

Ember

Time dragged out in bursts of light and sound. I tried to sit up several times but ended up sliding down. My head spun and my skin turned clammy. I was so hot I felt like I would vomit from overheating but then chills made me shake.

“Ember? Can you hear me?” Greg asked, leaning over the chair.

“So cold.” I shivered again, smelling my own sweat and burnt lemon scent with a chemical tang. I gagged, my stomach rolling. I couldn’t remember which way was up or down.

“You were hot a minute ago.” He picked up a scratchy blanket and put it over me.

I whined, shrinking away from it. “Too itchy.”

“Make up your damn mind,” he snapped, throwing the blanket on the ground. “You should be in heat by now.”

“It’s almost like illegal drugs aren’t all that reliable.” I shivered again, burrowing into the arm of the chair. It was too bright in the living room, even though the quality of light was different than it was when Greg brought me here.

How long had it been? It couldn’t have been more than a few hours. Unless I lost an entire day.

“This is great.” Greg stalked across the room, raking his hands through his hair. It was greasy now, and he had dark circles under his eyes, like he wasn’t sleeping well.

Good. I hoped the bastard was flipping out.

My vision wavered, the lines of the carpet and stupid lamp blending until they almost looked like a person.

My body ached, fire and acid running through me like a confusing burst of light. My ears roared.

I jumped in my seat. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” Greg rolled his eyes. “Focus. Are you cramping yet?”

I shivered again, my teeth chattering. My bonds felt woozy. I could feel my pack, but they mixed together until it felt like we were one single person, the same rope made from different strands, and the thought comforted me.

My vision swam and my mom stood in front of me. She had a bowl of soup in one hand, and she touched my forehead with the other.

“You’ve got a fever.”

“Mom.” My voice sounded hoarse. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She smiled. “We love you.”

Next to her, my dad and pops appeared.

“I didn’t mean to go on without you,” I said, tears streaming down my face.

“What are you talking about?” Greg shook my shoulder. “You’re seeing things. Your parents are dead.”

“I know,” I sobbed. “I didn’t mean to live when they died. I should have died too.”

“Nonsense.” Greg snarled. “You’re mine.”

“Never,” I shouted. My parents stood by approvingly. “I have my pack, and they’ll never leave me.”