Page 39 of Blade

I had enough self-control.

I hoped.

“You better make sure she’s willing. I’m not gonna risk Calix swooping in and decimating us,” Raptor warned.

“Is he coming?” I asked. We hadn’t seen him in years. I was a little surprised he hadn’t shown up here after Eliska had. That was odd. He was incredibly protective of her.

“No clue. I haven’t heard from him in over a year. I’m not even sure he’s still alive.”

I snorted. “I mean, technically he isn’t.”

Raptor narrowed his gaze on me. “Don’t be a smart ass. You know what I mean. Theycanbe killed you know.”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“If she tells you she hears from him, let me know.”

“Will do,” I promised. “Anything else?”

“Nope.”

“Okay. I’m out then.”

As I left, I could feel his stare burning into my back.

“MyGirl”—BlacktopMojo

When I got back to her room, she was gone.

Immediately, I could feel my self-control unraveling. Where was she?

Just as I was about to burst out of the room in search of her, I saw a piece of paper on the pillow.

It took several deep breaths to get my heart to slow down as I picked it up.

My shoulders dropped in relief.

Blade—

I ran over to Sage’s to meet Shea. Raptor’s parents brought her back and Sage swung in to get me while she was waiting for them.

E.

After shoving the noted into my pocket, I hurried to Raptor and Sage’s to get my girl.

“Unco Blade!” the hellion of a girl shouted when I walked in the door. I had about two seconds warning before she bolted across the room and barreled into my legs. After squeezing me tight, she looked up. “I missed you so much!”

Awkwardly, I patted her on the back. Kids made me nervous. They were vulnerable and guilt always hit me when I thought of Ricardo all those years ago. I’d put him in danger, and though I’d taken his punishment, he should’ve never been traumatized like he’d been by what Luis was going to do to him.

Despite that, I did have a soft spot for the wild little girl.

“I was at the ranch! I rode horsey’s and gwampa said I’m gonna be a pro one day!” Her gaze was bright with excitement, and I couldn’t help the way the corner of my mouth tugged up.

“That’s really awesome, kiddo. But I need to talk to Miss Eliska really quick but I’ll see you at dinner. Okay?”

“Yay!” she shouted making me wince at the insane decibel she was capable of.

Immediately, I scanned the room looking for the golden wheat waves that I’d held in my fist earlier. Her thundercloud eyes locked with mine.