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“Come on,” I say, gently guiding her toward the waiting medics. “Let’s get you checked out.”
She leans against me as we walk, whether from exhaustion or something else. The contact sends a jolt through me, awakening feelings I never thought I’d have.
Dangerous territory, Hawkins. Reel it in.
But even as I think it, I know it’s too late. Ember Winters has gotten under my skin, and I have a feeling she’s there to stay.
As the team secures the area, I allow myself a moment to breathe.
To process.
But looking at Ember, I’m struck by the haunted look in her eyes and how she holds herself—arms wrapped tightly around her body as if trying to keep herself together.
The next few hours pass in a blur of debriefings, medical checks, and paperwork. The kids are whisked away to child services, and Daniel is taken to a hospital.
Through it all, I keep Ember in my peripheral vision, unwilling to let her out of my sight. Finally, as the first hints of dawn lighten the sky, Jenny pulls me aside.
“Good work out there, Delta-Five,” she says, her voice low and tired but tinged with pride. “You brought them all back alive. That’s a win in my book.”
I nod, too exhausted for words. Jenny glances over at Ember, who’s huddled in the back of an ambulance, a shock blanket draped over her shoulders.
“What about her?” I ask, unable to keep the concern from my voice. “We can’t just cut her loose.”
Jenny sighs, rubbing her temples. “She’s an adult, Hawkins. Legally, we can’t force her to accept medical care or protection. If she wants to walk away, we have to let her.”
My jaw clenches. “She can’t refuse something if she doesn’t know she can refuse it.” The words come out sounding all kinds of wrong before I can stop them.
Jenny’s eyes narrow. “Careful, Delta-Five. That’s bordering on unethical.”
I hold up my hands. “I’m not talking about lying to her, but you know as well as I do that it’s all in how we present it. If we frame it right, make her understand the danger she’s in…”
“You seem invested in this,” Jenny observes, her tone neutral but her eyes sharp. “Something I should worry about?”
“No. I’m solid.”
“Good.”
“But, I’ll take responsibility for her. She needs protection, at least until we’ve rounded up the rest of the Night Pack.” I meet Jenny’s gaze steadily.
“Just protection?” She raises an eyebrow, a knowing look in her eyes.
“Whatever she needs,” I say firmly, leaving no room for argument.
Jenny studies me for a long moment, then nods. “Fine, but if she refuses, you can’t force her. And Hawkins?”
“Yeah?”
“Keep it professional. The last thing we need are complications.” Jenny gives me a look that speaks volumes. Nothing goes over her head.
As Jenny walks away, I turn back to look at Ember. She’s still huddled in the ambulance, looking small and vulnerable, but I’ve seen the fire in her eyes and the stubborn set of her jaw.
She’ll refuse help if given the choice. She has the look of a runner, and I can’t let that happen. I can’t let her disappear back into the streets, not with the Night Pack still out there. Not when the thought of her in danger makes my chest tight with an emotion I’m not ready to name.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. I’m not above using every trick in the book to keep her safe. Even if it means bending the truth a little. Even if it means crossing lines I’ve never crossed before.
I wander over to Ember, each step feeling like I’m moving through molasses. She looks up as I approach, her body tensing, eyes searching for an escape route.
“Hey,” I say, keeping my distance. “How are you holding up?”