Page 51

No.

Khalani couldn’t allow Winnie’s fate to be decided by some mystical force. She took a few steps forward, preparing to knock on every door to find Winnie, but a larger figure blocked her path.

“Takeshi…don’t. Please don’t.” Khalani hated begging, but desperation took over. “I have to find her.”

But Takeshi didn’t move. “We will, Kanes. If they don’t take you to her tomorrow, you know I’ll kill everyone to get her back to you.”

He spoke of death as if it were his burden to bear and gift to deliver.

“But Winnie doesn’t like violence…” She swayed on her feet and blinked rapidly, trying to fight the exhaustion that bore down on her.

“C’mon, Khalani,” Serene’s voice was gentle but firm as she tugged on Khalani’s elbow. “You’re dead on your feet and need to rest. We’ll figure everything out in the morning. No one is leaving, Winnie. I promise. We’re all here with you.”

Khalani’s chin trembled as Derek, Adan, Takeshi and even Brock drew nearer. Their eyes held a shared grief, as if her pain had woven itself into their own.

Like they considered Winnie family, too.

The two male figures who were left behind stepped forward.

One had brown hair tied back in a tight ponytail, while the other’s long, flowing black hair cascaded down his back. Both were tall, deeply tanned, lean, and had the build of seasoned fighters.

“It’s time for you all to go inside now,” the one with the long hair said. His voice was deep and raspy, as if his vocal cords had been charred.

“Do you girls need help?” The one with the ponytail stepped forward, and she felt his gaze lingering on Serene and her.

“They’re fine,” Brock practically growled. “Let’s go.”

Takeshi deftly positioned himself between her and the men, blocking Khalani from view as they entered the house.

The air was still.

As if it hadn’t been breathed in years.

The creepy yellow home was covered in dust, with only the moonlight filtering through the window providing visibility. Pink polka dot wallpaper clung to the walls, faded and peeling, while a dirty brown carpet lay across the floor. Sparse furniture was scattered about the room, covered in white sheets.

Serene put her arm around Khalani’s shoulders and shuffled her to the nearest bedroom.

She first noticed the white covers and…a bed.

Khalani immediately collapsed onto the bed, a loud sigh escaping her as the soft sheets molded to her body like they were made for her frame.

“Who’s taking the other room?” Adan asked, his voice breaking the tense silence.

“Only two beds, so maybe the girls share one, and two of us can take the other bed and the couch?” Derek suggested.

If she wasn’t so exhausted, she would’ve loved to see Takeshi and Brock’s faces at the mere notion of having to snuggle together.

The daily act of not killing each other was a magnificent feat.

Brock scoffed, and his hard footsteps thudded against the wooden floor as he drew near. “We should pair each girl with a guy in case someone tries to break in and kill us.”

“Absolutely not. Just because we have tits doesn’t mean we’re incompetent or weak,” Serene hissed.

“I didn’t mean wea—”

“Just give me one of your guns,” Serene cut him off.

“No. They took our weapons in case you forgot.”