Page 102 of Tangled Hearts

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Someone was watching us, we had caught their attention, but Soren pulled out of the parking lot quickly.

“Her men are there.” It wasn’t a question.

“I'm sure of it,” I said, looking back.

“Taylin?” he asked, looking at the mirror on the top of the window.

“No, I don’t think so,” I said, shaking my head. “If there are people there, then we have to leave. We aren’t safe here anymore.”

Soren nodded as he kept looking in the rear-view mirror as worry clawed at me. The moment we got close to the gate my worst nightmare had come true. They had already found us. Soren pulled off the road quickly, my stomach turned sour at the thought of what we were going to find.

“We need to go on foot, maybe scope around,” he said, getting out of the car. “We can leave from here in case we need to make a quick getaway.”

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat as I got out of the car. This couldn’t be it. I had just gotten her back; I thought we had more time.

“Come on,” Soren said, but my breathing had gotten quick, blood was roaring in my ears, and I felt like I might throw up.

I couldn’t lose her again.

“Maxton!” Soren snapped, holding my face in his hands, bringing me out of my panic. “We aren’t going to lose her Maxton. We are all going to grow old together, have babies, and grandkids. Or it could just be us for the rest of our lives, but what matters is that it won't end today.”

His voice was full of emotion, but he was right. I wouldn’t have her taken away from me ever again.

“You’re right, let's go,” I said.

“Come on.” He took off running and I stayed close.

There was destruction at the gate and only a few people were there.

“I think we should clean up here and make our way in,” Soren said. “It might be time to let your dragon out.”

“It’s too risky.” I shook my head. “I’m too clumsy and I could very well kill any of you.”

I regretted not taking the time to practice.

“Shit, never mind,” he said, looking like he wanted to say something else. “I think if worse comes to worse, you're going to have to leave with her.”

“Soren,” I clipped. “She won’t want that.”

“Her safety is the most important thing,” he snapped. “Even Addie said if she gets captured, then all of us are dead anyways.”

“She won’t survive losing any of you,” I said, grasping at anything to make him reconsider this insane plan.

“She will if she has one of us and you’re her best bet,” he said, looking sad. “Take her back to your lands and find your people no matter what it takes. Keep her safe.”

“Soren, I won’t?—”

“You have to. If it comes to that, you have to get her out of here,” he said, scanning the area around us. “There are some islands off the coast of Miami, contact Addie and ask her to get in touch with Barley, tell him Ryder, Soren and Gray sent you.”

It wasn’t just Oria who was going to miss them. The merry band of bandits had become family, brothers I never had, and I didn’t know how I could part with them either.

“Soren, I—” my voice broke as I looked away.

“I know, but do it for her,” he said, putting his hand on my shoulder.

We stared at each other before I nodded.

“Take care of her,” he said, hugging me quickly before running to the men at the gate.

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