“Oh, Em.”
“You’re real.”
“Hell yeah, I am.” I hold my arms open for her. “Come here, love.”
Despite being visibly injured, she runs full speed into me. Our bodies smack together amidst the rustling plants, her hands snaking around my waist while her tearstained face buries in my chest.
“I’ve got you now,” I reassure around tears.
Her shoulders shake up and down, betraying her silent sobs. Every inch of her is trembling like she’s wired up to a live car battery. I hate how cripplingly terrified she is.
“W-Warner,” she keens.
“Shh. I’m here.”
“I w-was so scared…”
“I know, love. I know.”
Holding Ember close, I take a deep inhale of her beautiful, tumbling red hair. It smells foul... Dirt, sweat and an aged, coppery fragrance that sets my teeth on edge. She’s covered in dried blood.
“You’re really here.”
“It’s me.” I stroke my hand up and down her shaking back. “Breathe for me.”
“I d-didn’t know if you’d come.”
“Like I’d ever let my little astronaut down.”
Weak sobs rattle over her. “You’re still a sweetheart.”
“Don’t tell my teammates that, Em.”
The sound of the other two approaching isn’t enough to make me surrender her. We’ve never been touchy feely—I respect her brother too much for that—but it feels so damn good to hold her at last.
When her trembles subside some, I reluctantly push Ember back for a closer inspection. We’re similar in height, giving me a good vantage point to see just how banged up she is.
“How bad are you injured?”
Licking her split lip, she nervously glances at the others. “I’m alive.”
“You need a hospital.”
“No. I just want to get out of here.”
“Em—”
“No! Please let’s just go. No hospital.”
The high-pitched urgency in her voice is enough to alarm me. For all her bravery, she seems to be mere seconds from losing it. I’m not going to expedite that process while we’re exposed.
Reluctantly bobbing my head, I gesture around our small group. “Okay. You know Hyland, and this is our new team member, Axel.”
Rocking on his heels, Axel offers her an enthusiastic wave. “It’s so good to meet you!”
“Hi,” she whispers.
“Okay, first up.” Axel claps his hands together. “Is there anyone out here I need to kill? I only need a sec to sharpen my switchblade.”
