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Ma shuddered as she looked at the pictures and pulled Rebecca into her arms. “Aleks, you and your brothers make sure that the people who live in town go to one of the lock down houses. Claybourne, you and Felix are welcome at the Arkadion ranch. You’re family,” she said.
“I’d like to stay with Rebecca anyway. Let me run to the clinic and grab some things,” Claybourne said.
“When you’re done, come back here and we’ll ride back to the ranch together,” Ma offered.
“Thanks, Doc.” Aleks shook the man’s hand, and he, Emmett, and Duncan left the diner before splitting up and jogging in opposite directions. Claybourne and Felix were right behind them heading to the clinic.
Madison stood and walked over to Connor. The picture of her laughing in the diner flashed in his mind’s eye. He pulled her into his arms.
“This is all my fault. I brought him here,” he said miserably.
“This is not your fault. The only one who can be blamed for this is the killer,” Madison said, wrapping her arms around him.
He breathed in her scent and began to calm down.
“He’s after my family. My baby sister, my friends,” he whispered. It was his worst nightmare come to life.
“We’ll get him, Connor, and then he won’t be able to hurt anyone else again,” she said confidently.
“What about your friend Giddey?” Connor asked, pulling back to kiss his mate on the forehead.
She snorted. “It will take him at least a week to figure out what to pack. I probably won’t hear from him for a little while,” she said, grinning.
“I’m nervous. He’s breaking pattern. In those pictures he has targeted three unborn children. It’s a sign that he is even more unpredictable and dangerous than before.” Connor sighed.
“One little guy versus all of Arkadia? I think the odds are stacked against him this time. He must really be unbalanced thinking he could come to this town and hurt someone,” Madison said, shaking her head.
“Ma, I want my gun,” Rebecca said quietly.
Ma nodded. “It’s in my safe at the ranch. Aleks didn’t trust you with it in your house. We’ll pick it up and then go get settled in. You can show me all the new things you have done with the nursery,” Ma said, rubbing Rebecca’s arms.
Aleks walked through the doors with Pa, and both wore grim expressions. Pa immediately went to Ma and kissed her before kissing Rebecca on the forehead.
“Aleks and I pulled up the SUV and my truck to the front door. Claybourne and Felix can ride with Aleks and Rebecca. Marg, you and I can follow in the truck. Connor, are you okay bringing up the rear?” Pa asked.
“Yes, sir,” he said.
“I called the boys and told them to meet at Aleks’s house,” Pa told Ma.
“I’d love to see the nursery. I’ve never been an aunt before.” Madison turned and smiled brightly at Rebecca. Connor could tell she was trying to distract his tiny sister.
Rebecca’s eyes widened. “That’s right! You’re going to be Aunt Madison. We’re having a boy! I want to name him Liam Gabriel Arkadion, but Aleks said no.” Rebecca sighed.
“I told you. We need an ‘A’ name. And why would you want to name him after that annoying cat?” Aleks asked grumpily, trying to keep the conversation light.
The door opened and Connor turned quickly to see who it was. It was Claybourne and Felix returning with their medical kit. Connor turned to Aleks and Pa.
“Let’s go,” he said and held out his hand to Madison. She laced her fingers in his and he walked with his family to their cars.
Chapter Seven
Connor sat next to Madison the next morning at breakfast.
“People need to be able to leave their homes,” Ma started.
“Let’s keep it to a minimum then, only those who have to leave,” Connor said.
“I’m going to open the diner. Those poor Sentinel boys need to eat,” she said.