Page 130 of I Am Salvation

As we stumble out of the building, Jameson meets us with a swift nod. “I can’t believe you got past my men. What the fuck were you thinking?”

I don’t answer. I have no answer. I was thinking only of Griffin.

Of my baby sister I adored all those years ago. Who adored me.

“Get her out of here,” Jameson grunts. “We’ve got them on the run.”

The relief of escaping the madness is short-lived as another roar shakes the ground beneath our feet. We all glance back at the compound just in time to see the stone walls shudder and collapse in on themselves.

“Fall back!” Jameson shouts.

“Don’t look back,” I yell to Griffin.

We’re out. We’re safe. They fucking destroyed their own compound. The cult members who aren’t caught in the building run amok, only to be chased down by SWAT team members.

Griffin is still shaking, her hand gripping mine like a lifeline.

“Dragon,” she whispers, breathless.

Her voice is a prayer, a plea.

And I understand, even if I can’t find the words to reply.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Diana

No.

I can’t lose Dragon.

Not now. Just when we’ve fallen in love, when he’s finally succumbed to the feelings between us.

I can’t.

I just can’t.

Images blur around me as deafening shots are fired. My own piece is strapped to my ankle, but there’s nothing I can do.

Nothing I can do.

I shield my eyes.

The world feels heavy, my legs like jelly under me as I stumble backward.

A roar.

A deafening crash.

Dragon! Where are you?

“Dragon!” My voice comes out in a hoarse whisper. My heart is a jackhammer in my chest, my mind buzzing with panic.

Something moves beside me. I whip around, my ponytail smacking me in the face. A figure emerges. His eyes are familiar, but they’re not Dragon’s.

It’s Jameson, his face hardened with determination and worry.

“You there!” he yells. “We need to get out of here!”

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