Page 150 of Ignite

I roll my eyes.

“That was one fuckin’ time, and I was six. You two were older. Shall we talk about the times I’ve saved your ass? Hmm?”

Declan shakes his head and motions for me to give him the phone.

“I swear to God, since Dad died, I’ve inherited two new ones.”

“Because you behave like our child.”

Touché.

“You seem calmer now, though. I like seeing you more settled, Con. It suits you.”

“It’s Hallie. Honestly, I am convinced she has some sort of chemical effect on my brain. When I’m with her, I’m like a goofy teenager, desperate to please her. To make her laugh.”

Declan nods.

“That’s called being in love, brother.”

Fuck, that pain in my chest is back. I think I knew early on that she was stealing my heart, and I didn’t do a damn thing to stop her. I hope she feels the same way.

I ignore his comment and type out the message.

ME

Hi, gorgeous. So, Grayson has demanded that my phone gets locked away for a couple of days so I can concentrate on the boot camp. As soon as I get it back, I’ll call you and be on my way back to you. If you need anything, call Finn. He will have his phone still. I miss you. XX

As soon as it goes through, Declan swipes the phone out of my hand and pockets it.

“I’ll keep it charged and safe at mine. Okay?”

“Yes, Dad.” I fake a grin.

“Don’t make me beat your ass, Conan.”

I bite my lip to hold back the grin.

“Try me.”

Chapter 53

HALLIE

The trees rustle in the breeze. Why are the woods so damn scary at night? I’ve seen enough movies to know this is where the monsters hide. That in itself sends shivers down my spine.

As I look left and right, that’s all I see. Trees and more fucking trees, spanning for miles.

I’m already exhausted. The adrenaline’s wearing off. I’m not sure how long I’ve been walking now. It feels like forever, but it could be just an hour.

Now I’m just wandering aimlessly in the dark woods with only the moonlight for company.

A key.

I need to find a damn key.

Arms curled around my chest, I walk with my nerves lit like tripwires. What monsters live out here after dark?

A tree looms ahead, and I lean against it, drop my backpack, and start digging through it blindly. My hands fumble, clumsy in the dark, searching for anything useful?—

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