Page 47 (1/2)

"I didn’t do anything but remind you what’s important Far as I can see, you did all the hard work Just re to be days when that darkness starts creeping up on you You can feel it starting to whisper against your skin, see it out of the corner of your eyes, and soht on your heels It’s not easy, Ash Soainst no one but yourself If you need me, I’m here"

I clear my throat and nod He’s so spot-on with how it feels when I have a bad day When the grief and sadness of ratulations, by the way I noticed that rock on her hand the other day You deserve this, Asher, and she’s one hell of a warrior to have in your corner"

"That she is," I reply with pride dripping from my words

I wait a few moments and study Maddox He looks exhausted I can tell that the last few h that he’s been fighting Emmy to come home, but as far as details--he’s been dead silent on those

"How are things with Ee

His eyes flash, pain and exasperation in the forefront "She’s back, so there’s so by his tone, if I pressed it, he wouldn’t take that well Whatever the hell is going on between the worse

"You were there when I needed you, Mad Don’t go at this like you’re alone, okay?"

"It’s sometimes for the best that way I’m happy for you and Chelcie--really, I aive her"

I open my mouth to lay into him like he did to just months before but stop and hold up

"Hey, Sunshine?"

The grin I’ himself up to stand I notice distractedly that he see slower than nor why the hell she’s callingnoises It sounds like she dialed

"Chelcie?" I try one more time

Maddox turns from where he’s about to walk out of the room His eyes are narrowed in a way that has every hair onwith dread

"Chelcie, please," I mutter "Please, Sunshine"

My stomach feels like it’s full of lead I don’tpapers fro for my keys

I look up when Maddox lets out a quick whistle He holds his own keys up and nods his head towards the door He doesn’t have to fucking tell me twice With the phone toover and over that ot to lock her phone, but I stop dead just steps away from the front door to Corps Security When I hear her ear-piercing screah the static in the line, my blood runs cold and I sprint into action