Page 79 of Daisy

We drive until dark, putting as much distance as possible between us and whatever was back there. The motel comes into view. Another anonymous stop. Another temporary shelter.

A week later,I'm starting to forget what privacy feels like.

We've been through seven motels, two nights sleeping in the van, and one terrifying twenty-four hours hiding in an abandoned warehouse. Constant movement. Constant vigilance. No time for anything but survival.

Daisy hasn't complained once, but I can see the toll it's taking. We all can. She's getting quieter, more withdrawn. Theconfidence she'd been building is buried under exhaustion and fear.

"This is it," Dante says, pulling into the driveway of what looks like an old hunting lodge. "Off the grid. Cash purchase. Should be safe for a while."

I look at the tiny structure and my heart sinks. One main room. One bedroom. Six people who haven't had a moment's peace in days.

"It's perfect," Daisy says, but her voice lacks conviction.

We unload our few possessions in silence. Everything we own fits in three bags now. The life we've been living distilled down to absolute necessities.

"I'll take the couch," Cassian says immediately. Smart. Putting distance between himself and Daisy without making it obvious. She's still wary of him, though she has spoken to him a few times and that's been progress. But I know how badly he wants her to feel safe, wants her to like him. This is just Cassian's way of letting her know where he'll be sleeping so she doesn't worry he'll be in the only bedroom with her.

"We'll figure it out," Dante replies. "Right now, let's just get settled."

As the others move around the great room, I watch Daisy. She's standing in the middle of the space, looking overwhelmed. Almost two weeks of running has worn her down to nothing. The room is decent-sized for a hunting lodge - two couches, an armchair, old but functional furniture - but it feels cramped with six people, especially four large alphas.

"Want to help me check the kitchen?" I offer.

She nods gratefully. We move to the kitchen area against the far wall - old cabinets and a stovetop, no oven. At least there's power, so we'll have hot water and lights. We inventory the supplies left by the previous owner. Canned goods that lastforever. Instant coffee. Rice. Pasta. The kind of stuff hunters stock for occasional trips. Basic, but it'll do.

"August?" Her voice is hesitant.

"Yeah?"

"What if I'm putting you all in danger? What if Uncle never stops looking for me?"

Her scent spikes with anxiety. Sharp and acidic underneath the honeysuckle.

"Hey." I set down the can and turn to face her fully. "We knew the risks when we chose to protect you. All of us. We're not going anywhere."

"But what if?—"

"Daisy." I keep my voice firm but gentle. "You're not responsible for what other people choose. Your uncle chose to treat you like property. We chose to get you out. Different choices."

"I just..." She takes a shaky breath. "I keep thinking I don't deserve this. Don't deserve all of you caring about me."

"You deserve everything good," I tell her honestly. "You deserve safety and choice and people who put your happiness first."

She's quiet for a long moment, processing this. Then she glances toward the great room where the others are settling in, her expression thoughtful.

"I keep thinking about kissing," she says suddenly.

"Kissing?"

"I've never been kissed." The vulnerability in her voice makes my chest tight. "Despite everything that happened with Dante, I've never felt someone's lips on mine."

It's not strange. It's heartbreaking.

"Not even with Dante that night?" I ask gently.

She shakes her head, color flooding her cheeks. "We didn't touch each other... but we touched."

"Who would you want to kiss?" I ask softly.