I’m still holding her. I should set her down. But I don’t.
Her voice comes out small. “I didn’t want to be a burden.”
Something in my chest twists. I keep my voice light, because she needs that. “Good news. We’re professional burdens. It’s our brand.”
A laugh escapes her. I can't tell if it’s fake or real. “Is it?”
“Yep.” I shift her slightly in my arms. “And since you’re clearly committed to passing out dramatically in front of everyone, I’m going to take you to a cabin before Eli decides to stick you with an IV.”
Eli lifts a brow. “I absolutely will.”
Fiona’s eyes widen. “No needles.”
“Then drink water,” Eli says.
Gavin looks between us. “Chase?—”
“I’ve got her,” I say automatically. The words land heavy.
Rafe’s brows lift. Silas’s gaze sharpens. Wyatt’s mouth curves like he just got front-row tickets to a show.
Fiona’s cheeks flush. “I can walk,” she protests weakly.
“Sure you can,” I say. “After you stop trying to become one with the floor.” I carry her toward the hallway. Behind us, I hear Rafe’s voice go low to the others.
“Double perimeter tonight.”
Thorne answers, “Already on it.”
Silas says, “I’ll run plates if she can remember them.”
Gavin follows us a few steps. “Fi, you’re going to be okay.”
Fiona reaches for Gavin’s hand, and squeezes it. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
Gavin’s eyes soften. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.”
I keep moving, but my mind is already spinning. A car seen three times. Burner phones. A man who saw her overhear something. A woman who ran straight up a mountain with a NutriBullet and sheer spite.
Yeah.
Someone’s after Fiona. And I can tell she’s scared behind all that grumpy, funny defiance.
My grip tightens just a fraction as I step out into the cold and head toward my cabin—because I already know something I shouldn’t.
If anyone comes on this mountain for her… they’re going to have to get through me first.
And I don’t lose what I decide to protect.
THREE
FIONA
There’s something deeply humiliating about being ushered through a compound like a stray dog someone finally decided to help. Especially when you’re still in yesterday’s jeans and your hair looks like a raven tried to build a nest in it.
But I don’t flinch.
This compound gives off some serious Jason Bourne energy, but I appreciate my brother and his friends coming through for me.