Page 48 of Ethan
Usually it felt like the latter. And the guilt came fast whenever I even thought about clocking out on time, about joining Zack and Noah at Griffin’s bar like I used to. The last time I’d touched my bass felt like another lifetime.
I didn’t know how much longer I could keep this up. But until Devon returned, the truth was simple: I was the only healer here.
That meant I had to take this seriously. No more late-night playing with the band, no more distractions.
At least for now. Devon wouldn’t really leave me hanging this long.
He’d come back soon. He had to.
“Hey,” I said, breaking the silence before I could sink too deep into my own head. “When Devon’s finally back, I might be able to get a day or two off. Want to make plans?”
That perked Dean up instantly. The sight made me smile.
“What do you want to do?” he asked eagerly. “Fishing? Hiking?”
“Absolutely not,” I said, deadpan. “No more outdoors. I just want to stay inside for an entire day and do absolutely nothing.”
Dean laughed and dug into his pack, pulling out his water bottle. He took a long swig before handing it over with a smirk. “Funny. I was thinking the same thing.”
I arched a brow, taking the bottle from him. From the way he looked at me, I knew we weren’t picturing the same kind of “doing nothing.”
My idea was enjoying the air-conditioning in some hotel, greasy takeout, and binge-watching a terrible reality show until I passed out.
Dean’s was… well, obviously not that. But I didn’t exactly mind what was running through his head either.
I tipped the bottle back and took a drink, then handed it back to him. “Maybe order in some food too? Pizza?”
“I could really use one of those huge burritos right about now.”
My stomach growled loudly in answer, reminding me that the only thing I’d eaten today was breakfast.
“Let’s not talk about food,” I muttered, pulling the folded map from my pocket.
I double-checked the coordinates Griffin had given us, then scanned the tree line.
My eyes caught on the pale white face of a boulder up ahead, one we used to climb as kids. Relief loosened my shoulders.
“That’s our marker. Once we’re over that rock, we’ll need to start looking out for the couple,” I said.
Dean nodded, adjusting his pack. Despite the steep climbs and rough terrain, we’d made good time.
My legs ached and the smell of rain hung thick in the air, but it hadn’t felt as grueling as it should have. I wondered if it was the company.
With Griffin, I probably would’ve managed just fine, but the trek would’ve been filled with bickering and his endless nagging. With Dean, it was different. Lighter.
We climbed over the rock and dropped down on the other side, scanning the ground.
Dean and I exchanged a nod before splitting up, keeping a line of sight between us but widening the search.
It slowed us down, but it gave us a better chance of catching tracks or signs of movement.
A sharp whistle cut through the still air. My heart jumped.
I spotted Dean ahead, gesturing for me to come closer, and I moved quickly, keeping low. He was standing still, head tilted, sniffing the air.
“We’re close,” he said quietly.
I hesitated, unsure whether to call out the couple who’d been attacked.
