Page 77 of Crossover

41

IVY

“We’re being hunted,” Grayson said.

The forest instantly plunged into an unnatural silence, as if even the trees sensed the impending threat. An owl, whose hoots had been pulsing through the forest like a heartbeat, fell hauntingly silent—the absence of its calls hanging heavy in the air. A warning that something sinister lurked nearby—something that we could not see. The thin silver fog became a hostile veil, snaking through the twisted branches until darkness pressed in from all sides.

Grayson’s strong frame formed a protective shield in front of me, his left hand resting gently on my hip, as if he needed to feel my presence, to know that I was safe and close to him. His other hand gripped his weapon with a sharp focus, pointing it firmly ahead as he scanned the surrounding area.

Despite the fear coursing through my veins, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth at Grayson’s protective presence. His touch on my hip felt as natural as breathing, his fingers pressing into my skin with a familiar intimacy that contrasted sharply with our dire circumstances. As the heat of his palm seeped through my clothes, it became a comforting constant amid the chaos, as if his hand belonged there, a testament toour unspoken bond. Even as danger lurked, that simple point of contact grounded me, evoking memories of confessions and kisses.

In that moment, I knew with absolute certainty that he would, once again, go to any lengths to keep me safe. But right behind it was the frantic beating of my heart.

“Maybe it’s the police,” I whispered.

Grayson shook his head, whispering back, “They would announce themselves.” His tone left no room for doubt.

He was right. If the cops had connected us to that dead man in the gas station, the protocol would have had them announcing themselves to prevent a shoot-out.

“Maybe it’s an animal,” I suggested quietly, peering around Grayson’s muscular torso, straining to see through the fog.

Another shake of his head, and then he whispered, “An animal would not take this much care to be so quiet. Take my phone out of my back pocket.”

With trembling fingers, I slipped my hand into the back pocket of his jeans, feeling the warmth of his skin through the denim as I slipped the phone into my palm.

“Open the first text string,” Grayson commanded, his gaze never leaving the mist ahead, arm still coiled with the weapon. “Tell Red we have company. He needs to get your mother out of here. Now.”

Mom.She and Red were sitting ducks in that motel room. What if there were others out here? Or there? My heart managed to beat even faster, but with shaking hands, I managed to follow Grayson’s instructions.

Snap.

The sound of a twig breaking caused Grayson to spin thirty degrees to his right, his weapon trained on the location of the noise. The fog was both our enemy and our ally, concealing theapproaching threat, but also betraying their presence with each misstep.

“One man,” Grayson whispered in a tight voice. “Three o’clock.”

I swallowed, my mouth dry.

“Keys,” Grayson said, his tone urgent. “Front right pocket. Grab them now.”

With a dry throat, I reached around Grayson’s warm hip and slid my hand into his pocket, retrieving the car keys.

“You stay behind me,” he continued. “But if I don’t get him on the first shot, run. Get to the car and drive out of here.”

My eyes widened in disbelief. “I’m not leaving you alone?—”

“This isn’t a request,” he cut me off, his voice leaving no room for argument. “When you’re a safe enough distance away, call Hunter and Jace. Their numbers are in there.”

Realization dawned on me. Grayson had a contingency plan all along. His brothers were ready to step in if things turned south. And once again, I was struck by how many measures he’d taken to protect me and my mom.

Mom. Is she okay? Did they already get to her?

All those hours I’d trained in the art of self-defense—the optimal location to throw a punch and studying the various ways to use someone’s body weight against them—none of it trained me for this. For being hunted in the forest like a deer.

Bam.

Three inches to my left, a piece of bark exploded inches from my face, dust swirling in the air.

“Ivy,” Grayson growled. “Run!”

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