Page 92 of Waves of Fury

By the time Tyler says goodbye to Florence and strides over to us, I’m about to burst with nervous energy. Something in my expression tips off Tyler because one moment he’s wearing an easy smile and the next his lips thin out.

With narrowed eyes on me, Tyler says, “What’s going on, Kell?”

Grimacing, I tear my gaze from his to dart my eyes over everyone in our group. Dan is stiff and his features unreadable as he stares intently at me.

“I’m leaving,” I blurt out. “Tomorrow morning.”

Everyone is silent for a moment.

“You could give us a little warning before we all have to pack up and go,” Tyler says jokingly, though his strained voice makes it fall flat.

“Alone,” I clarify. “Tomorrow, I’m going to Kansas alone.”

Silence.

Aside from the laughter that can be heard from down the road as people head back home for the evening, it’s pretty damn quiet.

“No,” Tyler grits out.

“I’ve thought this out,” I say, but Tyler cuts me off.

“I said no, Kellen.”

Snapping my head up, I look his way. His jaw muscle ticks as he glares at me.

“I wasn’t asking for permission,” I bite back. “I have to find my brother—my family.”

The group is quiet as they watch us argue, none of them interrupting or chiming in.

“And I’m telling you it’s not happening,” Tyler practically growls. “I’m going with you.”

“No.” I give a vehement shake of my head. “You’re safe here. Your family and everyone else in this group is safe here. Everyone’s happy. Just stay here and live your lives.”

“Everyone else can stay here,” Tyler protests, prowling closer, “but I’m going. I’m not staying here. Staying long term here was never the plan.”

“The plan changed,” I snap. “Stay, goddammit.”

He recoils. “Why? Do you not want me anymore?”

Pain lances at my heart and a ball of emotion clogs my throat. Is he kidding? I want him more than anyone I’ve ever wanted in my entire life.

“It’s not that and you know it.” My voice is hoarse and brittle. “I’m trying to protect you.”

“Yeah, well, don’t,” Tyler hisses. “I can protect myself.”

Before I can open my mouth to keep the argument going, Dan clears his throat.

“We’ll all be packed and ready to go at first light,” Dan says in a quiet, no-nonsense tone.

“No,” I grumble. “Hailey should stay here. It’s what’s best for her.”

“Last I checked,” Dan clips out, “I’m her father. Respectfully, you don’t know what’s best for her.”

Aaron steps closer and clutches my shoulder. “We’re all going. As a group. I don’t know about the rest of you, but me and Hope have reservations about this place.”

I stare at him, stunned. “Reservations? It’s so…perfect.”

Dan huffs. “Until they run out of supplies.”

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