“Fine.”
“Another thing. I don’t want to be running my whole life, so I’m going to add my name on the list of being safe. Everyone needs to know that I’m off limits—”
“Not possible. Not after what you did.”
“Yes, it is. You and the other elders control everyone. You say jump and they ask how high. I don’t care what you have to do. Threaten them. Threaten their families. Do what has to be done to make sure that no one comes after me.” I knew it was possible. They had information on everyone in the group. Their word was law.
“You’re really going to turn your back on your family?” Samual asked, almost pleadingly. We both knew this was going to change everything. Nothing like this had ever happened before.
“I’m done with it all. The group. The beliefs. It has to change. It’s not the way anymore.”
“It’s our way of life.”
“Maybe. But it’s not mine anymore. And you’ll make sure no one comes after me. Unless you want to rot in a cell for the rest of your life.”
“Okay,” he whispered.
“What was that?”
“I said okay,” he snarled. “You and the girl will not be harmed. But that will change if you involve me or the other elders in whatever mess you made. Understand?”
“Good.”
I hung up, my hands shaking a bit. I wasn’t sure if that was going to work. Samual, along with the other elders, knew how fucked they’d be if they were exposed. They were going to do anything to save themselves.
My excitement faded and guilt set in. No one in the group knew what was coming. It felt wrong to betray them. My parents. Even Alex. I was turning my back on everything I’d ever known. I had half a mind to grab the book and tear out their names too. But if I did that, Sage would always be in danger.
Alex would never let her go free. I doubted even the elders would be able to sway him from trying to find her again. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Sage peeking her head out of the garage door. I forced out a smile.
“I was looking for you. I thought you may have left,” she said.
“No, just needed some fresh air. It’s been a long night.”
She stepped out and leaned against the wall, right next to me. Our shoulders touched, and we stayed like that for a while as we stared at the trees across the street.
Finally, she broke the silence. “You have no idea how grateful I am for all you’ve done, Niko. I can only imagine how hard it’s been. Choosing me over your family. You betrayed them because of me.”
Pushing myself off the bricks, I twisted until I was standing in front of her. I rested my arm near her head and lifted her chin with my fingers. Pain clouded her eyes when I met her gaze.
“I didn’t do this because of you,” I murmured. “I did this for you. I’ll do anything for you, Sage. I love you.”
“I love you too,” she choked out as tears covered her cheeks. “There has to be a way for you to stay separate from the rest of the group. I need you, Niko. I don’t want to lose you.”
“I can’t promise anything. I wish I could stay here.” Using my thumb, I wiped her fresh tears away. “But I can’t.”
“You’ve helped. You can still try to talk to—”
“I’m leaving. Before Kiara gets here.”
“You’re going to run?” she asked in surprise.
“No. There’s something I need to do.”
“Where are you going to go?”
“I’ll be busy. And don’t worry about hiding anymore. You’re free. The group isn’t going to try to touch you anymore. You can have a life. Go back to school. Move back home.” I smiled while my heart was shattering.
Hope rushed into her eyes. That had been her dream for the past year. To stop fearing for her life. And I’d made sure she was going to get it.
“How am I safe?”
I paused. “Let’s just say I had a little pull left and used it. You don’t have to live in terror anymore.”
“But what about you? The society will be looking for you. And when I give this book to Kiara, the police will be looking for you too.”
“Don’t worry about me. I have it figured out. I’ll be okay.”
“Are you going to stay in touch?” she asked quietly.
I chuckled. “I’m surprised you’re not tired of me yet.”