Page 74 of Rule the Night (Blackwell Butchers #1)

MAEVE

I waited until they were all gone to pack my kitchen stuff. It had taken a while — Bram and Remy hadn’t left until after noon — but I’d bided my time in my room, not wanting to see Bram.

Not wanting to second guess my decision.

Now I stood in front of the dining-room table, folding the note I’d written them. When I was done, I shoved it under the jewelry box they’d left me for my birthday.

Then I looked around the loft, wondering why I felt like my heart was breaking. I’d never wanted to be here. It had been part of the Hunt, the fulfillment of a contract.

Nothing more.

Except now I felt bereft, like I was saying goodbye to something beloved, a feeling I knew all too well.

You don’t have to do this, M.

You don’t understand.

Because I’m dead?

Because you never left Chris.

I loved him.

I know. And look where it got you.

Ouch. Jesus, Maeve. Twist the knife why don’t you? Pun intended.

Sorry.

It’s okay.

I could almost feel June by my side, knew what it would feel like to walk into her arms, cry on her shoulder.

I slung my tote over my shoulder and picked up the suitcase and the duffel I’d brought with me to the loft nine weeks earlier.

It was possible I was violating my contract with the Butchers, but that was a chance I was willing to take. I couldn’t stay here any longer. It wasn’t good for me, and I knew nothing good happened when you ignored your mind in favor of your heart.

I had to swallow around the lump in my throat as I headed for the stairs.

Had to force myself not to look back.