Page 75 of Mystic's Sunrise

“Cousin,” Mystic said, jaw tight. “From what I heard, same blood, different life. She didn’t even know he existed ‘til a couple years ago.”

My breath shook. “She looked right at me. I couldn’t move.”

Mystic stepped in then, slow and careful, like he was walking up on a wounded animal. His hand brushed my arm, warm and steady.

“She ain’t him, Zeynep,” he murmured. “I promise you that. Jaycee’s Kickstand’s ol’ lady. She’s solid. Tough as hell, but not cruel. You’re safe. Nobody in this club would let Drago’s poison through that door.”

“I know it,” I whispered. “Here.” I tapped my temple. “But not here.” My hand pressed over my chest.

He nodded like he understood too well. “You wanna go back out there?” he asked gently.

I hesitated. “Yes. But... not like this. I need a minute.”

“Alright,” he said. “Take all the time you need. I’ll be right outside.”

I watched him turn and walk back out, the door clicking closed behind him. And I breathed.

Slowly.

Part of me felt foolish, but I couldn’t help it. I just needed a few minutes to gather myself.

***

I WAITED UNTILmy hands stopped trembling.

Until my breathing was no longer tight in my chest. Then I rose and made my way down the hall and into the common room, my feet light on the old floorboards. Lucy wasn’t in there and I knew her well enough to know she was probably outside.

I shoved the door open and looked around, sure enough spotting her sitting on the picnic table. I walked over and for amoment, I just stood there. I had so many things I wanted to say.You scared me. I thought you were dead. I don’t understand why you left.

Instead, I said—softly, “Lucy.”

She looked up at me, and in her eyes I saw it. Her fire hadn’t gone out. It was just burning quieter now.

“You look tired,” I said gently. So very glad to see she wasn’t beaten, only a few bruises here and there that I could see.

“I am.”

I sat on the table beside her. For a while, I just watched her. Lucy tended to hide her emotions deep. Then I whispered, “You left without saying goodbye.”

She glanced away, jaw tight. “Didn’t want you to try and stop me.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to and you know it.”

“Yeah, you would’ve,” she muttered. “Not with words. Just that look. Like I was walking back into the fire with my eyes open.”

I didn’t deny it.

“You’re angry,” I said instead.

“Damn right I am.” She looked at me again, and her voice rose. “I got caught, Zeynep. Iplanned.I watched every move. I took precautions. And still—Fang found me. Like I was nothing. Like I was a fucking baby in the woods.” She slammed her hand against the table. “And I froze.”

My chest ached. “That’s not weakness.”

“I should’ve been faster. Should’ve had my gun out sooner. Should’ve—” her voice cracked, and she cut it off, grinding her teeth.

I reached for her hand. She didn’t pull away.

“You forget I saw what he did to you,” I whispered. “Back at Dragon Fire. The day Drago made me watch. It still lives in me and I feared for you every day you were gone.”