Page 149 of Oathbreaker

“Get us back to Amelia Manor,” I growl, swiveling my head to assess the surrounding area. My muscles bunch beneath my skin, and the gun in my hand is ready to fire at any threat.

Get Winter to safety. That’s the most important thing at this moment. Winter and the baby.

From between the seat and the door, I feel Winter’s hand latch onto my pocket. At the feeling of her closeness, I release a sharp breath trapped in my chest.

I squeeze her fingers.

And as the trees pass by, I look at the crumpled paper in my fist and try not to shake.

Staring back at me is the same unblinking eye that’s on the ring in my pocket.

THIRTY

WINTER

The drive back to Amelia Manor is quiet and tense—the oppressive silence between the car’s other occupants heightens the sense of impending doom.

Leo calls, and Hunter responds to his questions in short “yeses” or “nos,” giving nothing away.

Every bump makes me gasp, my fingers clutching the fabric of Hunter’s pants as if that singular lifeline could ensure nothing bad happens while we drive home.

Don’t worry until there’s something to worry about, my ass.

This indeed constitutes something to worry about.

“H,” I whisper, my face pressed against the crack between the door and the back of his seat.

“Yes, Winter,” he says in a flat, serious tone.

“Who’s following us? Your father?” I keep my voice low as if whoever is chasing us could hear inside the car.

Hunter’s silence makes a statement. “We’re not being followed right now.”

I swallow at his words, dread at the pointed non-answer comingling with the heavy fear swirling in my stomach.

Or maybe that’s morning sickness coming back.

Hold on, little baby.

It isn’t until we’re firmly behind the gates of Amelia Manor, the SUV parked in the massive ten-car garage, that Hunter says another word.

“Go to our room and rest. I’ll be up in a minute.”

That’s it. That simple command is all he gives me, as if we haven’t spent the last forty-five minutes in fear for our lives.

“Are you going to tell me what the fuck just happened back there?” I nearly yell, contorting myself to sit in the car seat correctly.

“Not now, Winter,” Hunter growls.

Rio leaves the driver’s seat and walks around the front of the car to talk to the other guards.

“Hunter, I deserve to know what’s happening!”

“Winter, I swear to God, just do what you’re fucking told!” he snaps at me, his voice too loud in the tiny space. His decree echoes in my ears, and I jump. He’s never spoken to me like that, and his harsh words cause involuntary tears to spring to my eyes.

His head thuds against the headrest and he pinches his eyes shut.

“Sunbeam...” he says with a sigh, but I don’t stay to listen to more of his words.

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