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But then she pulls away, shaking her head.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t. I won’t.”
“We can keep you safe,” I try again, my voice soft, pleading. “This isn’t just about Wolfe—it’s about everyone he’s hurt, everyone he might still hurt. You could make a difference.”
Ember’s eyes glisten with unshed tears, and she pulls her hand back, folding her arms tightly across her chest, a protective barrier.
“You don’t understand. I don’t want to make a difference. I want to forget. I want to pretend none of it happened.”
I swallow, feeling the weight of her words settle between us like a wall I can’t push through. Her words don’t match the fierce woman I saw when Aria was taken. Ember fought tooth and nail then, risking everything to protect someone else.
Where did that courage go?
What happened to that woman who was willing to face danger without hesitation? I don’t understand how she’s retreating now, and it doesn’t make sense.
I swallow, feeling the weight of her words settle between us like a wall I can’t push through.
“I get it,” I say, though it hurts to admit it. “But running won’t make it go away.”
She looks away, her jaw clenching. “I’m not running. I’m surviving. And right now, that means not looking back.”
The finality in her tone makes my chest ache. I wish I could say something to change her mind, but I see it in her eyes—she’s made her choice.
“Okay,” I say, the word almost a whisper. “I won’t push you.”
She nods, but the tension between us lingers. For a moment, neither of us moves, the silence stretching thin. Then Ember turns away, her shoulders stiff, and the space between us widens.
She needs time, and I’m afraid I’ve pushed too hard. Part of me wonders if I’ve lost my chance to reach her—if she’ll ever let me in again.
I can’t let Ember go home—not now, not when we have no idea what Wolfe’s next move might be. The thought of her stepping out of this safe house and being vulnerable out there makes my stomach twist. I try to ignore how my heart races at the thought of spending more time with her. I have to get her to agree to spend the night.
Jenny clears her throat, breaking the moment. “We need to move on this information. Jon, get in touch with the techies. I want everything we have on Damien Wolfe and his known associates.” Like me, Jenny doesn’t mention Damien’s connection to Aria’s father.
Jon nods, already heading for the door. Jenny turns to me, her expression stern.
“Blaze, I need you to stay here with Ember and Aria. Keep them safe. Don’t let them out of your sight. We don’t know how far Wolfe’s reach extends.”
The next few hours pass in a blur of activity. Jon and Jenny come and go, bringing updates and pressing Ember for more details. Each time, she shakes her head, her refusals growing firmer.
“I’m done,” Ember says finally, her voice trembling. “I just want to get back to my life. Back to my candles. I just want to go home.”
“You can go home tomorrow. Tonight, you stay with us.” Jenny sighs, her frustration clear, but she steps back, nodding slightly. “We’ll talk more tomorrow. Blaze, you’re on first watch. I’ll send Mac to relieve you at midnight.”
As Jenny and Jon leave, I turn to Ember. She’s slumped on the sofa, looking smaller and more vulnerable than ever.
“Hey, it’s just one night. Things will be clearer in the morning.” I crouch down in front of her, my eyes searching hers. “How about we get you something to eat?”
She looks at me, her eyes weary. “I don’t need you to baby me. I just need out of here.”
I can’t help the small laugh that escapes, shaking my head. “You know, I’m actually glad Jenny made that call.”
“What do you mean?”
“Because if she hadn’t, and you tried to leave, it would be on me to keep you here. Even if that meant carrying you back inside. Now I have no choice; the decision is not mine to make.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Her eyes narrow slightly, a spark of defiance flickering there.
“Oh, I would.” I give her a crooked grin, a hint of challenge in my tone. “For your safety, I’ll do whatever it takes.”