Page 3

It was still sweltering hot, even though the sun had been down for a while. That wasn’t unusual for July in North Carolina, even if we were in the mountains. Sweat trickled down my spine and underneath my boobs. God, what I wouldn’t give for water and a cool cloth.

I stumbled and fell to my knees. Tears were welling up and would overflow any second.

I was so tired, and I hurt so badly. I didn’t know if I had the strength to get up and continue to walk.

Should I lie there and wait to be found?

The thought of being discovered and who might do it had me getting unsteadily to my feet.

I might be able to walk better and not fall if I had a real flashlight to see by, rather than the pathetic light on my cell phone.

The one that didn’t allow me to see more than six inches in front of me.

I took five more steps when I heard rustling in the trees, grass, and brush around me.

My heart accelerated. What if it were a bear, a coyote, or something else that would see me as a juicy meal?

Despite the heat, I shivered. How I wish I had a gun.

I increased my speed a smidge, but it wasn’t much, and I doubted it would last long.

I was close to the end of my strength and courage.

How much further was it? I swore it was around here, and I should be close.

I kept glancing over my shoulder and watching the deserted road for cars.

I’d flag the person down if I saw headlights headed my way.

If they came from behind me, I’d have to hide off the side of the road in the trees.

No way had I made it this far, only to be caught.

I didn’t know how long I put one foot in front of the other before I heard the sound of voices and music.

I’d been trudging along, watching my feet.

When I raised my head, I noticed there were a bunch of lights up ahead.

Surely, that was it. If it weren’t, I’d ask whoever it was for help. I didn’t have much choice.

I lurched forward. As I got closer, I heard and saw the first fireworks go off.

I was too exhausted and scared to admire how pretty they were.

Finally, I came up to a massive gate. It was open, which was a surprise.

I kept walking right through it. People were everywhere, and numerous bikes and vehicles were up ahead.

I was too tired, and my voice didn’t want to work.

It was hard to talk when your tongue was stuck to the roof of your mouth due to how parched you were.

I saw a figure coming toward me. I wanted to cry from relief. As it got closer, I noticed that it was a man. He was frowning.

“Hey, did you get lost? You shouldn’t wander this way alone,” he said. It was still pretty dark where I stood.

“I…” it came out so faintly, like a rasping sound. The man came closer. I tried again.

“I need help.” It was barely above a faint whisper.

I reached out my arm toward him. The guy cautiously came nearer. I clutched his arm when he was within reach. Immediately after, my legs gave out. They were done. I couldn’t go a step further, not even to save my life.

“Shit,” he said, as his hands gripped me and he brought me against him.

The next thing I knew, he swung me up in his arms. He turned, faced the direction he came from, and began walking. I closed my eyes. At this point, I didn’t care where he took me. All I wanted to do was rest.

“Hey, I need help! Anyone? Someone help and find Bones. I need him,” he shouted. His loudness made my head hurt worse, but I kept my mouth shut. He was getting me help. Although I wondered who Bones was.

As he advanced, I floated in a daze while he kept calling out for help. The voices, laughter, and fireworks became a massive ball of noise. I had no idea how long he carried me before I heard a man’s voice. It made me want to sit up and look. However, all I could do was crack open my eyelids.

“What’s wrong, Dimitri?” a smoky voice asked.

“Thank God, Bones. I’ve been calling for help, and you, but no one can hear me over all the noise. I just found her up by the gate. She collapsed in my arms. I don’t know what’s wrong with her, but she’s done in.”

“Give her to me and follow. Do you know who she is or who she came with?” the man, Bones, asked.

“I don’t recall seeing her at all today or tonight. I don’t think she’s with anyone or a guest herself. She came from outside the compound by the looks of it.”

“She did? Was there a car?” Bones asked.

“If so, it’s outside the wall. I can go look,” Dimitri said.

Bones’ gait was eating up the ground. I didn’t know where he was taking me. Honestly, I didn’t care. His arms made me feel safe. I couldn’t recall the last time I had felt this way. Tears slid from underneath my lids.

“No, go find Agony or Dare. Tell them to meet me in my treatment room. And if Eliana is available, bring her,” Bones said.

“I’ll get them there as soon as possible,” Dimitri said. I heard him take off running.

“Can you hear me? If you can, what’s your name?” That voice, God, I could listen to it for hours. He could read the back of a cereal box, and I’d be enthralled.

“Blythe,” I whispered hoarsely.

There was a long pause before he said anything more.

“Blythe, my name is Bones. You’re at the Pagan Souls’ MC compound. You’re safe, Lovely.”

I didn’t respond. I let the tears fall and enjoyed being cared for.