Total pages in book: 186
Estimated words: 176552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 883(@200wpm)___ 706(@250wpm)___ 589(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 176552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 883(@200wpm)___ 706(@250wpm)___ 589(@300wpm)
Roxxi swooped in and hugged me tightly.
“We’ll keep in touch the whole time.”
“Group chat’s going to be blowing up,” Cloe followed up with a small smile.
“Call me at any time,” Ari said softly.
They turned toward Cloe’s car, and I turned to Noah, who was being followed by Layla and Sydney. Noah folded me into a warm, grounding hug like he thought he could absorb the worst of how I was feeling. With his unruly copper curls still and boyish, freckled charm he never quite outgrew, Noah always looked like summer held on a little longer for him.
“I expect a phone call this weekend to spill tea,” he murmured into my hair.
Sydney was next, arms already open. With her delicate features and soft curls, she looked like she belonged in candlelight, pretty in an old-soul kind of way, but her hug was solid, and for a second, I let myself lean into it.
“Glad you’re okay,” she said quietly against my shoulder.
Then came Layla.
I couldn’t bring myself to hug her. I could fake it like a Grammy winner, but I wasn’t up to the task tonight. I gave her a tight smile and said something along the lines of catching up later. She blinked, confused, her hand twitching halfway up before falling to her side since I was already walking past her. Kellan reached me, eyes scanning my face in that quiet, observant way he never quite shook. He ruffled my hair like I was still the girl who dared him to eat six Warheads without water back in middle school.
“You better text me later.” His tone was light but laced with real concern.
“I will,” I half-laughed, shoving his hand away.
I turned and circled to the other side of Ryder’s truck. He’d unlocked it at some point, and it was already running, so I climbed into the back instead of my usual spot in the front. He was still standing off to the side, talking to a few other players. I placed my bags on the floor and settled in, leaning my head lightly against the window. I fished out my cell phone and typed a quick text to my parents:
Just leaving campus now. Be home soon. Love you!
I checked over my notifications and saw two new texts from my Huntsman.
1031
So close tonight.
Didn’t even get to show you our new knife trick.
There’s always next time.
1031
That pretty golden boy can’t protect you forever, but I’m going to enjoy every second he tries.
The cold I’d thought was just from the fall chill sank deeper, rooting itself under my skin. Who the hell was this? I glanced outside, beyond where Ryder was standing, searching for any sign of someone lurking in the shadows. It was clear that whoever this was, they were still watching.
Maybe closer than I could even guess.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
SANJANA
I jolted awake, heart slamming once against my ribs before settling into a confused, stumbling rhythm. For a second, I had no idea where I was. The dark interior, the muted rumble of an engine cooling, the faint hum of voices outside all folding over me like a heavy, disorienting fog. A hand was touching my shoulder.
“We’re here.” Cade’s voice chased away the lingering drowsiness.
The light from a nearby sign bled through the truck windows, bright and artificial, against the darkened sky. Sharp yellow and red neon letters buzzing against the night: Penny’s Waffle House. The familiar swoop of the sign was jarring, the cozy, old-brick vibe of the building behind it giving the parking lot a strange warmth even this late.
Penny’s wasn’t just any roadside diner.
It was Hemlock Heights woven into asphalt and syrup and greasy food at 2 A.M. It was mini road trips on weekends when I was a kid and post-game celebrations. I looked down at myself and saw I was covered with Ryder’s varsity jacket. The black and silver fabric was draped carefully over me, the sleeves tucked close to make sure they wouldn’t slide off. How had I let my guard down enough that they had driven the whole way here, and I hadn't even stirred? My fingers curled tighter into the jacket.
I looked up and caught Ryder’s eye in the rearview mirror.
“We’re still doing this tonight?”
“It’s tradition,” Ryder answered.
My entire face screwed up hearing that word. “I think I’ve had enough tradition for a lifetime.”
“How about this then, we go in here and enjoy a meal and not discuss anything about The Hunt? It will all be waiting for us when we’re done.”
“I can do that,” I readily agreed.
“Now that’s settled, let’s eat!” Cade clapped his hands and hopped out, the slam of the truck door punctuating the cold night around us. I sat up, arching my back and stretching. I could already feel the soreness I knew would be coming, setting in. Freaking Dennis. I lifted Ryder’s jacket and slipped it on since I was still in my practice uniform for cheer. I finger-combed my hair and then searched for my phone.