Page 129 of Savage Thirst

"It was…interestingmeeting all of you," he says, turning to the rest.

With a simple nod, his people move—silent, efficient, trained. Back to their blacked-out cars like chess pieces returning to formation.

"I'll see you tomorrow, my beautiful nymph," he says before stepping into the backseat of his sleek vehicle.

Darlene follows, never once looking at me.

Johnny lingers, his eyes flicking to mine, almost apologetic, but the gun in his hand stays steady as he climbs in last.

The engines roar to life.

Tires crunch gravel.

And then… they're gone.

The silence afterward is worse than the chaos. It rings in my ears, heavy and accusing. I turn slowly, facing them, my so-callednew beginning, and see only stunned faces.

Even Eira is standing in the doorway now, pale and quiet, her scream still echoing in my bones.

My fists are clenched. My pulse is out of control. I want to say something—anything—but no words come.

Then Kayden's voice slices the silence. "You'reengagedto that guy?"

I flinch.

His tone isn't just angry—it sounds betrayed.

Yes, I was.

Still am, I guess.

And now... I have no idea how to make any of this right.