Page 162 of Scars of Fate

“We’re outside.”

“Trees.”

Her breath warmed my neck.

“You’re a terrible liar.”

“You married me anyway.”

“Yes. I did.”

The answer was quiet.

Tender.

My chest tightened.

Adam raised his rifle.

“Move out.”

We disappeared into the forest.

Hawk guided us west.

Russ helped the pilot.

Boone covered our rear.

Adam took the lead.

I carried Wynn.

For the first few minutes, no one spoke.

The forest grew denser as the ground climbed.

Branches clawed at our clothes.

Loose stones shifted beneath my boots.

Wynn rested her cheek against my shoulder.

I could feel every breath.

Every time her grip tightened.

Every beat of her heart against my back.

“You can put me down,” she whispered.

“No.”

“You’re slowing.”

“I’m conserving energy.”

“You’re in pain.”