Page 29

She fled, tail tucked, up the stairs and into the safe arms of capitalism.

THE SUN HAD set hours ago, casting downtown Denver in a soft glow from streetlights and neon signs. Ruby sat in Jonah’s truck, watching him fumble around in the back, laying down blankets and pillows. He moved with ease, his casual confidence calming her in a way she didn’t entirely understand.

It had been a long day, from the car wash to the planetarium to the game, and now, the hum of the city created a peaceful backdrop.

A friend had grabbed Jonah’s truck from the train station, picking them up from the game before heading out.

When Ruby asked about it, Jonah had only shrugged, saying he had helped the friend move a few weeks prior.

Jonah had grabbed a quick bite while they drove, and now he was setting up a miniature campsite in the truck bed.

She tapped her fingers against the door, the distant sound of an amusement park lacing the air with faint music and voices carried by the wind. Jonah shot her a smile as he finished laying out everything, snacks piled neatly on his side and a lighter placed on hers.

“All set,” Jonah said, extending a hand to help her up.

Ruby took it, his warm grip sending a strange flutter through her chest as she climbed into the truck bed. His hand lingered on her waist before he stepped back, and she caught his eye.

Just as she settled beside him, a massive explosion shook the ground, the truck bed vibrating beneath them. Instinctively, Ruby dove forward, pinning Jonah against the side of the truck, her body tense and ready for a fight.

He laughed, a sound that startled her. “Whoa, hey—relax. The amusement park down the street is closing for the season. They do nightly fireworks leading up to the last day.”

Ruby blinked, realizing how close she was to him, her hands still gripping his shoulders. She slowly eased back, her pulse racing for reasons other than the explosion now. “I knew that.” She snatched a crumpled receipt from the snacks pile and balled it up, tossing it at him.

It bounced harmlessly off his shoulder.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, the truck bed swaying with their weight. Fireworks continued to pop in the distance, but her thoughts drifted to the day they'd spent together. Jonah made her feel normal, despite everything.

She leaned back against the blankets, and he lay down beside her, their shoulders brushing, the warmth between them intensifying with the quiet.

The tension that had been simmering all day crackled in the cool evening air, both of them dancing on the edge of something more.

Ruby stared up at the stars, trying to focus, but the words tumbled out before she could stop them.

“I’m not going to do human hunts anymore.”

Jonah turned his head slightly, eyebrows knitting together. “What?”

She swallowed. The words had shocked her even as she said them, but they were right.

Final. She wanted more days like today. More from life than work and fire and death.

More from Jonah than tilted friendship and hints of something greater.

She wanted the moments, the hours, the years he had left.

And she couldn’t pursue that—couldn’t even attempt living—until Edward was gone.

“I mean it,” Ruby said, steadier this time. “They’re a waste of time. I want to focus on finding Edward. I’m sorry.”

Jonah exhaled, considering. Then, to her surprise, he shook his head. “Ruby, you don’t have to apologize. I get it.” He shifted closer, his arm brushing against hers. “The YouTube stuff was only ever supposed to be temporary. I just needed a way to put myself in the public eye.”

She frowned. “Why?”

“Because the TCA has a way of making people disappear—especially the ones who know too much. It’s why I pushed you to join the show. It was the only way I knew to keep you safe.”

The air between them changed. She searched his face, his careful expression, the weight behind his words. Had he always been looking out for her? How much had she misread?

Her pulse thrummed as he met her eyes again, the space between them vanishing. They both leaned in, slow, hesitant. His breath was warm on her skin. Her heart pounded—

A burst of fireworks exploded overhead, painting the truck bed in bright flashes of red and gold.

She flinched, startled. Then laughed, awkward and forced, shifting back as the moment shattered. “Wow. Perfect timing.”

Jonah chuckled, but there was something softer, something more in his eyes. “Yeah…fireworks have a way of ruining things.”

The drive back to her hotel was quiet. Not uncomfortable, but thick with things unsaid. When he parked outside, he walked her to the door, lingering at the threshold with her.

She hesitated. Not ready to step inside. Not ready to say goodnight.

“I had a good time today,” she leaned against the door.

“Me too,” Jonah replied, his eyes lingering on hers. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

She nodded, watching as he stepped back, turning to leave. Just as she was about to close the door, the phone in her room rang. Ruby froze. Only Jonah, Kavya, and Lucas knew where she stayed, and they’d call her cell phone. Her mind whirred, but she picked up the receiver and listened.

“How was your day?” Edward’s voice slithered through the phone.

Ruby laughed loudly, a nervous edge creeping in as she glanced at Jonah, still lingering just outside her door. “Telemarketer,” she said, setting the phone down. “See you tomorrow, Jonah.”

He gave her one last look, confusion flashing in his eyes, but left without question.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Ruby snatched up the phone again. “Listen up, fuck ass,” she growled. “I’m going to find you.”

Edward’s chuckle was deep, malevolent. “But I found you first.”

Her eyes darted around the room, searching for cameras, her skin crawling.

“Don’t worry, I’m not there now,” Edward continued, his words laced with mockery. “But I could be. I’ve been watching you. Just like I watched your husband. Did you know I considered turning him too?” His tone was lilting, teasing. “But I didn’t. You’re welcome.”

Her blood ran cold. “Bastard.”

“There’s no need for that kind of language. I let him die a human death.”

Ruby’s throat tightened, memories flooding back.

His voice was gleeful. “Do you think he was disappointed when he died and you weren’t there?”

“I’m going to fucking kill you,” she spat.

Edward’s resulting laughter was cruel. “Like you killed Gerald? And all of the others? The grim reaper of thermophiles, leading them straight to their deaths.”

“Don’t put this on me. YOU turned them. YOU did this. I didn’t have a—”

“There’s always a choice,” Edward interrupted. A lump formed in her throat. “You don’t see it yet. But you will. Guess I’ll have to see how far your justification can go.”

A child called out in the background. “Uncle Eddie?”

Edward’s voice dropped. “Oops. Gotta go. See you soon.”

The line went dead, leaving Ruby standing in the dim hotel room, her hands trembling, her heart racing.