Page 175 of The Forbidden Note

I sense their mounting wrath and it frightens me. These dangerous boys would commit murder tonight and be proud of it.

“Guys, we need to regroup here. We can’t move on anger. That’s how you make stupid decisions,” I say earnestly.

Cadey meets my eyes, her worried look reflecting mine.

“Guys,” I try again.

But no one is listening to me.

Sol moves toward the door first. “I’m going to find Hall.”

Finn marches behind him.

Dutch takes a step and Cadey grabs his arm.

He looks down at her.

“If you leave, I’m coming with you,” she says.

“Stay here,” Dutch orders.

Cadey narrows her eyes in direct defiance.

“I’m coming with you too.” I step forward.

The boys look at me like I just admitted to being a different species.

I glance at Finn, Dutch and Sol in turn. “But if we all leave, Zane will be left at the hospital by himself.”

Dutch backs down, probably due to Cadence’s pleading look in his direction.

But Sol and Finn still seem determined.

I walk toward them. “I know a little something about revenge, remember? It’s so easy to get lost in it. To lose your way and become the same type of animal that you’re trying to destroy.”

Sol glances away.

Quietly, I add, “Right now, let’s focus on Zane. That’s all that matters.”

Finn leans against the wall, head tilted down.

I breathe a sigh of relief.

They’re staying put.

For now.

As the silence stretches, a pained groan filters through the room.

Zane slowly cracks his eyes open. “My head.”

His brothers and Sol spring forward, crowding the bed.

“Don’t try to talk,” Cadence says urgently.

Zane struggles to sit up. His face creases in pain.

“Don’t move,” Finn urges.

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