Page 48 of Beautifully Broken

Ashley

"I should've heard something by now, right? Why hasn't he called?" I fret as I pace back and forth in my apartment while my mom watches with a worried look on her face.

My parents and grandpa arrived this morning to check on me and Shelter Together .

My mom also wanted to be here when the insurance company came to assess the damage the tree had caused when it landed on the roof.

Thankfully, it wasn't too extensive, and some guys who work for a local contract put up some plywood and tarps to prevent any rain from getting in.

"I know it's really hard not to go to the worst case possible, but I'm sure Talon's fine," Raven assures me with a gentle squeeze of my arm.

She arrived a few hours after Talon had left to go find the missing couple.

"Talon doesn't talk much about his time in the military, but he was fucking brilliant.

His skills really can't be beaten, and there are very few as qualified as he is to take this on. "

"Logically, I know all of this. But don't you worry about his injuries hindering him? Sure, he's amazing, but he's not Superman."

"Yes, his injury slows him down a bit, but he also knows his limits.

Plus, he has you to come home to now. He won't take unnecessary risks knowing that you're waiting for him here.

He pinged me the last-known location for the hikers.

On a good day, it would take him at least five hours to hike to their location.

Who knows what the trails look like after that first storm, let alone the others that have rolled through in the past day. "

"Raven babe, don't remind me that he was out there in another storm. That doesn't help ease my worries."

Raven laughs as I pretend to faint on the couch, being the overdramatic queen I am .

She flops down beside me and pats my hand before hugging me. "You know he was a SEAL. I'm pretty sure the man is part fish. He'll be fine. I can feel it in my bones."

"I hope you're right." I sigh as I lean into her side.

I don't remember falling asleep, but being cozied up with Raven and knowing my family is here to support me, my body is finally able to relax for the first time in what feels like days. The only reason I even wake is my phone ringing beside my head.

I jolt awake, tears filling my eyes when I see it's Talon calling.

"Talon! Oh my goddess. Are you okay?"

"Hi, baby. I'm a little banged up and dirty as fuck, but we're all good."

"You found them?" I whisper, afraid Talon will be able to hear the tears in my voice.

"I did. They were able to find a cave to shelter in. The woods are a wreck, though. It took a hell of a lot longer to navigate with all the downed trees and mudslides, not to mention the overflowing streams and creeks."

"Where are you now? I need to see you with my own eyes."

"We just made it to the trailhead. The couple is getting examined by EMS, then I can head out. Are you at your place? I can be there in half an hour."

"I am. My parents, Grandpa, and Raven are here. They kept me company while I was waiting to hear from you."

"That's good, baby. I'm glad you weren't alone while I was out here. How's everything with the dorms? How are your animals?"

"Everything's fine here. The shelter has been busy as all get-out, but that's to be expected in cases like this. We're trying to help as many animals as we can and provide the extra care they so desperately need right now."

"Of course you are. I'm sure you're doing an amazing job. I'm gonna lose you coming down the mountain, but I can't wait to see you."

"Same. Love you, Bear."

"Love you too, babe."

I disconnect the call, and turn to see my family and Raven smiling back at me.

"Oh, quit looking at me like that. Yes, I love him. No, that's not news to y'all, and I know, you told me he'd be fine." I roll my eyes dramatically at Raven, whose smirk looks eerily like Talon's. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to freshen up for my man."