Page 23 of In Death, Love Survives

Passing by the prisoners as they’re outside, I catch Toby’s attention. He waves me down, and I panic.

I’m really not sure what I should do here.

I do know that he’s been seen with Wolfe, so maybe it’s something to do with that.

Nothing makes sense to me anymore. Clearly, I’m just reacting instead of acting at this point to try and make it through this day.

“Dr. Fletcher,” Toby says as he gets to the gate. There are a few stares now being shot our way, wondering who Toby is speaking to.

“Hi, I’m sorry to say, but I’m heading out.”

“This won’t take long.”

“Okay,” I say as I sling my backpack tighter over my shoulder.

“Be careful.”

“What do you…?” I draw out.

“Be careful with Walker.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m not with Wolfe Walker.”

Toby looks at me intently.

“I have to go,” I say.

“Careful. There’s danger to come.”

“Okay…”

Toby leaves and heads back toward where he came from, near the bleachers.

That was really odd, but I’ve got to keep going before anyone else tries to stop me.

A few whistles go off, and suddenly, I’m self-conscious of my outfit of choice. Picking up speed, I go through the final set of doors.

As I finally reach the parking lot, I scan it, looking for any sign of Wolfe. It’s an expansive lot in the middle of the mountains.

As I look at all the cars around, I don’t see any motorcycles parked nearby or far away.

My heart sinks as I notice the sky turning a pink and purple hue. It’s a beautiful twilight with the sun beginning to set, a reminder of my dad when I need it the most.

Am I too late?

He did say until dusk, but it’s getting close to that time. I should have left earlier. I should have run to him this morning.

I drop to the ground and sit on the end of the sidewalk with my boots firmly planted on the road gravel.

As I rest my head in my hands, I realize that I don’t have his address. I didn’t make a backup plan when I left.

I really did not think through what would happen if he didn’t wait for me or if I was too late. The man can only linger for so long before wanting to get out of the place that probably holds so many bad memories.

Tears start to well in my eyes.

“Fuck,” I mumble.

“Didn’t know angels cursed the heavens too,” a raspy voice says.

My heart beats wildly.

Wolfe .

With one hand on my forehead to block the sun, I look up and see the man of my dreams. With one hand extended out to me and the widest smile I’ve ever seen, Wolfe waits patiently for me to take it.

I beam as I do.

Wolfe helps me stand up, and I let go of my bag.

“I didn’t think you were coming,” he admits.

“It took every ounce of courage I have in me,” I confess.

He bends down and picks up my bag, never letting go of my hand.

“I meant every word, angel.”

“Then take me with you.”

“To the dark side?”

“To the dark side.” I let a smile take over.

“Well, alright now.”

Wolfe leads me into the parking lot, and I notice he keeps glancing over at me before facing forward again.

“I promise I’m here,” I tease.

He squeezes my hand and gives me another breathtaking smile.

“Here we are,” he says as he nods in the direction of a motorcycle.

“I have to tell you something.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ve never ridden on one before.”

“You’re telling me I get to take your cherry?”

I laugh as I playfully swat the arm I’m clinging to.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I can’t fucking wait.”

Wolfe opens a compartment and tosses my bag in. Taking the helmet off it, he hands it over.

“I’ll get you your own helmet, but for today, this will have to do,” he says as he starts to put a shiny black helmet on me.

As he tightens the strap, he backs up to look at his handiwork.

“Perfect.” He grins like I’m not real, and I must be looking at him the same way.

Wolfe mounts the bike, and I get on the back.

“Wrap your arms around my waist,” he says.

“Like this?” I ask as I do what I’m told.

“Perfect.”

“You say perfect a lot,” I tease.

Wolfe looks over his shoulder at me as he revs the motorcycle to life.

“Baby, you better get used to it when you’re with me.”

I grip his waist in anticipation.

“I guess I will.”

Placing a small kiss on his cheek, I can’t believe this is really happening.

He has his hair tied back in a bun, yet I feel strands tickling my face as I lean my chin on his shoulder.

“Never had a girl on my bike before.”

“I better be the only one moving forward,” I say back.

“You and me, baby.”

Wolfe takes off through the parking lot and toward the only exit. As we pass by Roper State, I feel freedom at my fingertips.

On the way out, Wolfe revs the motorcycle loudly, and I hold on tighter. That’s when I spot Ryan heading to his car. He sees us together, and his mouth gapes open, and his eyes bug out. There’s no denying it any longer.

“Think he’ll die on the spot?” Wolfe taunts.

“Maybe.”

“Good.”

Wolfe zooms up a small ramp and gets onto the main highway to his home in Saddle Creek. I lift both of my hands in the air and embrace the wind surrounding us.

“Careful, angel.”

“I don’t think I want to be careful anymore.”

Wolfe laughs as we head to my new home.