Chapter 83

Brea stood on her tiptoes and kissed Pierce for what she prayed wouldn’t be the final time. “No matter what, I love you. I didn’t know who I was or what I was supposed to do with my life until I met you.”

“Same, pretty girl,” he whispered. “Do your best, and if it doesn’t work—”

“Shh. I’ll make it work. You taught me to be strong and stand up for what I want. That’s what I’m going to do.”

Brea pressed her lips to his, then cuddled to him as close as she could, feeling the quick but steady beat of his heart. Then she raised her head, stepped away, and set off to save her man.

“Are you finally leaving?” Clara snapped.

Brea held up Pierce’s keys with a nod. “I’ll be gone in two minutes.”

“Good riddance.” As she walked away, Clara went on. “Look, Walker. Your woman is leaving you to die. You will depart this earth knowing you are nothing to her.” The woman laughed. “No one deserves it more.”

As soon as Brea left the circle of the light, she ran.