Page 21 of This Blood that Bonds Us

“Stop. They wouldn’t have wanted you to blame yourself.”

As soon as I said the words, I let go of her. Neither of them would have wanted any of us to take the blame. They did itall out of love. Though there were things we could’ve all done differently, it didn’t change the facts. My brothers had been manipulated since they were kids to believe this was their only fate. There was someone responsible for this.

“I’m going to find them and the people who did this. I’m going to end it.”

“End it how?”

“I don’t know. But I’m going to free them once and for all. And they’re going to get to live wherever they want and do whatever they want. They won’t have to answer to anyone anymore.”

I cringed at my own naivety. I didn’t even know what all that statement entailed, but I meant it with every cell in my body.

Mom sniffled and let out a long breath. “I had a feeling you’d say something like that. There was no stopping your brothers and no stopping you. Your grandma had that same type of bravery . . . She’d be so proud.”

My grandmother was my mom’s favorite person in the world. I didn’t remember her, but Mom spent my entire childhood making sure I knew all about her.

“You’re brave too, Mom.”

She shook her head. “No. Not like all of you. And as much as I want to tell you to stay here and not dare think of leaving my sight again . . . I can’t find your brothers on my own. Even if I could, I’m a woman in her fifties, and this is way above what I’m able to control. But I want them home too.”

She moved a piece of hair from my forehead. “And I think you’re more than capable of doing what you set your mind to. Gosh, you’re reminding me so much of your brother. He’s so proud of you. I know he is.”

You’re ready.

Luke’s last words to me. Ready for what?

I wasn’t a leader, but I had people who needed me now. My little brother, Kimberly, and Mom were all relying on me to bestronger than I’d ever been. To push through. To make plans and to protect them. To save my family.

“I’ve got people counting on me. I’ll make it work.”

She smiled. “Like that beautiful girl in there?”

“She’s special, Mom. She’s . . . everything.”

“I know. I can tell with the way you look at her. And I know she’s got a good man to care for her.” She pulled me into her, and I laid my head on her lap. All my tension left. Even the ache in my chest was kept at bay in the warmth of my mother’s arms.

“I was afraid I’d never see you again,” I said.

“I knew you’d come. I trusted and prayed.”

It still didn’t feel real, and I couldn’t fully enjoy any of it without Zach and Luke.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen. They’re supposed to be here too.”

“I’ve felt so helpless here. But now that you’re all here, I feel hope again. I don’t think it’s a coincidence. Sometimes it’s dark for a while, but there’s always light somewhere. This place has long, dark winters, but it also has the most beautiful stars and the brightest summers. You’ll see.”

Luke wanted me to let them go. That’s, no doubt, why he brought us to the one place we wouldn’t be found. The moon was the only light tonight. I ignored the stars and wondered where my brothers were and if they were looking up at that same sky. What horrors would await them with The Family?

Zach and Luke were always my heroes, and as I watched the snow fall, I realized my current reality was their dream. All of us were together and safe. It wasn’t their only dream.

We’re leaving together.That was the true dream.

Something turned in my stomach, then I knew there was no going back. The seed had been planted in my mind and, in seconds, taken root. It had a force of its own that sang throughmy blood till I felt weightless. I lifted my head as the snow fell on my lashes.

Even at the conception of the idea, I knew it might be the end of me. I would save my brothers, and nothing would stop me.

Nine

Presley