Page 60 of Beautiful Scars: Unshakeable

"For tonight though," Levi says gently, "let us take care of you."

I feel her start to protest and cut her off. "You need rest to think clearly tomorrow. Let us help quiet your mind."

She turns in our arms to face Levi, her back pressing against my chest. "I don't know if I can sleep after seeing those photos."

"Then we'll stay up with you," I say simply. "Watch stupid movies, read to you, whatever you need."

"Just don't shut us out," Levi adds softly. "Don't disappear into that place in your head where we can't follow."

Her shoulders relax slightly. "Movies do sound good."

I smile against her hair, catching Levi's eye over her head. We've put off going after Garrett for too long. We wanted to give Sunny a chance to heal, to settle in. But it's time. We'll give her whatever she needs tonight, then tomorrow we start planning Garrett's destruction.

"Come on then," I say, keeping one arm around her as we move toward the door. "I think Jayce bought some of those chocolate chips you like."

"The ones you pretend to hate but always steal?" She manages a weak smile.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I keep my voice deliberately innocent, rewarded with her quiet laugh.

As we head toward the kitchen, I catalog the conversation we just had and this, as a victory. And tonight, when we lay our heads down, with her between us we'll do what we can to give her a peaceful night's sleep. She'll need all of her strength tomorrow when we start planning.

For now though, I'll focus on this moment—Sunny safe between us, and the absolute certainty that Garrett Coleman's days are numbered.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Sunny

IsitbetweenZaneand Levi during the meeting, trying not to fidget as Wolf goes through the latest intel. My fingers trace the edge of the photos spread across the table—crime scene shots that make my stomach turn. Four girls total now. I know how easily they could've been me—were me at one time.

"The latest victim was found this morning," Colt says, his voice tight. "Same signature as the others."

I close my eyes, fighting back nausea. Levi's hand finds mine under the table, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. On my other side, Zane shifts closer, his shoulder pressed against mine.

The discussion circles endlessly—possible locations, money trails, witness reports. But we're getting nowhere. Garrett's too careful, too methodical. He's always been good at hiding in plain sight. Just like last time.

"We need to change our approach," Chase argues. "He's playing with us, leaving bodies where —."

"Where they'll be found. Where he know I'll eventually know they exist," I whisper. The room goes quiet.

After two hours of strategic dead ends, Zane calls for a break. As everyone files out, Colt catches my eye and gestures for me to stay behind.

"Got a minute?" he asks once we're alone.

I nod, settling back into my chair. "What's up?"

Colt runs a hand through his hair, looking uncharacteristically nervous. "It's about Jade."

My heart skips. I haven't heard from my best friend since everything went down. Not because I haven’t wanted to reach out, but because I would never knowingly put her in any danger.

"Is she okay?"

"She's safe. She's been staying with her cousin." He pauses. "She didn't want to bother you until you were ready, but with everything that's happening..."

"Anyone connected to me is at even more risk now," I finish quietly.

"Yeah." Colt's expression softens. "I want Jade here. With me. Where I can protect her. Wherewecan protect her."

The way his voice catches when he says her name makes me smile. He's gone for her.