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Rain pounded down, making my hair stick to my face, and my clothes cling to my body. I shivered, the water making the air seem at least ten degrees colder as the darkness encroached. I picked up my pace, jogging toward the two-lane road that led into town.

I’d never been more grateful for the flashes of lightning that occasionally pierced the sky. I held on to those flickers of light, telling myself over and over that I wasn’t in the dark because another flash was coming. But those reassurances did nothing for the pain in my heart.

It intensified with each step I took away from the mansion nestled in the woods. I knew it was the bond crying out, telling me to go back. Only I couldn’t. It was the only way I could keep myself and the men I cared about safe.

Men I cared about even amid their rejection. Men I was falling for. My tears mixed with the rain as they slid down my face and dripped off my chin.

Headlights flashed in the night, and I stepped deeper into the trees. I couldn’t risk anyone spotting me. I needed to make it to Arcane, my hidey-hole of identities and cash, and my beater of a car. Then, I had to run.

I watched as the SUV I knew belonged to Puck drove slowly by. They were searching for me, and the pain in my chest only intensified at that knowledge.

Leaving would do one thing: It would tell them all that Ender was right. That I was only out for myself and my father.

It didn’t matter that it was a lie. It was a lie that would save us all.

Because if my father found out I had true mates, he’d only want one thing.

To slaughter them all.

Bastian wasn’t someone who took pleasure in his daughter’s happiness. He only wanted my pain. Because he considered me weaker than him. Less than.

My survival alone made him look weak. Because I’d escaped his circle of evil, his pack that lived on blood and pain.

I shuddered against the cold and memories, then picked up my pace again. Running would help keep me warm. My duffel slammed against my back with each step, but I welcomed the discomfort. I hoped it would distract me from the agony in my chest.

It didn’t. The pain of leaving the guys was too great.

More tears came as memories swept through me. The way Locke touched me as much as possible, never wanting me to feel alone. The meals Puck prepared, always wanting me to be well fed. How Kingston trained me, wanting me to be ready for whatever came my way. And how Brix let me touch him when he couldn’t bear for anyone else to even be close.

I didn’t let myself think about Ender. Not even the one stolen afternoon we’d shared where he taught me how to shoot a bow and arrow. Because his hatred wasn’t something that could be undone.

Not that it mattered. I should’ve known I’d never be able to keep the luxury of connection. Not if I wanted to stay alive.

By the time I reached town, my teeth were chattering, and every last inch of me was drenched. The lightning had eased, but the rain kept coming. Maybe that was for the best. I needed the cover of darkness now.

I reminded myself of that over and over. Darkness was my friend. It was keeping me safe, hidden from prying eyes.

I slipped between a fly-fishing shop and Arcane, moving toward the back of the building. I stilled when I heard voices. Puck and Kingston.

“She’s not anywhere in there,” Puck called. “Not the bar, the office, or the apartment.”

Kingston cursed, and I inched forward, needing one more look at them before I left forever. My heart ached as I watched them in the rain. King raked a hand through his dark hair, his pale-blue eyes a little wild. “Come on,” he yelled. “Let’s check the gym. Maybe she went there.”

I waited as they climbed into the SUV and headed for Crescent Kingdom. I ran for Arcane’s back entrance when I saw them disappear inside. Sliding my key into the lock, I quickly opened the door and slipped through the opening.

Running up the stairs, I unlocked my apartment door and dashed in. I’d need to wait until the guys left the gym before I made a run for it. And I’d have to ditch my car as soon as I made it to Denver. I couldn’t have them tracking me that way.

I’d head north to Montana, southwest to Arizona, or maybe go all the way northeast to Maine. Those decisions could come with time. What mattered now was getting the hell out of Crescent Creek while I still could.

I dropped to my knees, the action jarring my spine as I opened my secret hiding spot. I shoved everything into my duffel, then put the floorboard back. Since I had a few minutes to spare, I emptied the contents of my closet into another bag and slung it over my shoulder.

Moving to the window facing the gym, I peered out. The SUV was gone. A pang struck my heart, but I shoved the feeling down.

Alive. I had to stay alive. That was what mattered. My life and theirs. And this was the only way.

Gripping my keys tighter, I headed back to the stairs and jogged down to the back door. I waited for a moment and then scanned the back parking lot. There were no signs of movement, so I slipped out again.

I beeped the locks on my vehicle and quickly shoved my bags into the back seat. That’s when I felt it. The slight shift in the air. A scent that wasn’t familiar.

But it was too late.

A hand fisted my hair as a face pressed in next to mine. “Lookie what I found. A Diablos bitch. I think she might send a good message.”

I didn’t have a chance to move or fight because, before I did, a blade jabbed into my ribs. It was so fast and hard I thought it was just a punch at first. Only the burning pain and the way all my strength fled as I crumpled to the cement told me it was more.

Dark figures swam in the rain above me. And then the darkness swallowed me whole.