Page 40 of Betraying Family Vows

Dimitri disappears into the convenience store, reappearing moments later with items clutched in his hands. He looks around the area once more before running toward me.

"C'mon we have to go, NOW," he orders, his voice rough.

I don't move. Can't move.

His hand closes around my arm, surprisingly gentle as he pulls me to my feet. "Now, Athena."

He guides me to the passenger side, practically lifting me in. I'm still clutching the gun.

"You can let go," he says, prying my fingers off it. "It's over."

Dimitri tosses the gun away, moves around to the driver's side, and slides in. He throws what looks like a first aid kit and bottles of water into the backseat.

The engine roars to life and we peel out of the gas station, tires screeching as we hit the main road.

I don't know where we're going. I only know I'm with him. And for now, that might be the safest place to be.

14

DIMITRI

Idrive fast. Too fast.

Blood drips into my right eye. I blink it away, wiping at my face with the back of my hand. The steering wheel is slick under my grip, more blood.

Theirs or mine? Hard to tell anymore.

Every breath burns. My ribs ache and my left shoulder throbs. At least I'm alive.

The sun will be rising soon, and my body feels like it's been pushed through a meat grinder.

Athena whimpers beside me, her breathing irregular. She hasn't spoken since we fled. Just silent tears carving paths through the blood spatter across her cheeks.

"Are you hurt?" I ask, breaking the silence.

She doesn't respond. Just stares ahead, eyes wide and glassy.

"Athena." I glance at her. "Athena, are you ok?"

She jerks, like my voice finally reached her. "What?"

"The blood." I gesture vaguely at her. "Is any of it yours?"

She looks down at herself as if seeing the blood for the first time. Her hands rise, trembling, fingers spreading wide before her face.

"No," she shakes her head. "It's not my blood."

"Good."

There's a long pause.

"What about you?" she asks suddenly, looking directly at me. "You're bleeding everywhere."

I laugh. "Some of the blood is mine."

Her eyes widen. "How bad? Are you..." She hesitates. "Are you going to die?"

I let out a slow breath. "I hope not."