Only, the longer I pat the bed, the more I’m beginning to wonder where that woman is.
Because this bed sure feels empty.
I blink a couple of times to get my bearings, groaning out loud. “April?”
But she’s not here.
Not physically.
I sit up straight in bed and call out her name. “April?”
No response.
I throw the blanket off and march to the door, smacking it open wide to inspect the kitchen and the living room, but she’s nowhere to be seen. My bag with supplies is gone too.
Oh no.
In frustration, I kick open the bathroom door, but that too is empty.
And the realization begins to dawn on me …
She might be really gone.
Fuck.
I roar out loud and put on a pair of pants and a shirt before storming outside. “April?!”
Of course, there’s no reply. Because she’s already left, that’s why.
Fuck!
After all the time we spent together, I finally let my guard down and laid down to sleep with her, and this is what I get?
I should’ve never trusted her.
Should’ve never fallen asleep with her in my arms.
That’s what you get for falling for the only girl you’re not supposed to have.
I got greedy, and now I have to pay the price.
“Fuck!” I roar, slamming my fist into the nearest tree.
Where did she fucking run off to? What would a girl do who doesn’t know a thing about survival?
Then it hits me.
Of course, the fucking road we saw when we were at the top of the mountain.
April
A loud howl piercing through the woods makes me pause.
It’s him.
I’d recognize the sound from anywhere. Which means he knows I’m gone.
Fuck.
It sounds close. Too close.
I don’t wait another second to run as fast as I can, not giving a shit about the cold turning my body into an ice cube. Even though the sun has only just risen, basking the land in only a small sliver of light, I keep going. I have to.
Because what will happen to me if I don’t?
If I don’t run, will he take me back to that place?
I shiver and force myself to continue. I can’t let that happen. I won’t. I refuse.
So I push through the cold and the pain as I strain my muscles to the limit, trying to outpace him. I know where I’m going, and I’m not stopping until I get there.
The road must be up ahead. I remember where it was purely based on what I saw at the mountaintop, but that simple flash of hope is enough to pull me forward.
Out there, maybe I can find someone to help me.
It’s a long walk, but I’m almost there. I can see the asphalt up ahead in the distance, light dancing on its surface, and my heart begins to race.
Another roar follows me. I don’t look back. It’s too far away, and I’ve come too far to turn around now.
There’s no going back. I made my decision.
I just pray it was the right one.
I swallow hard as I finally reach the road and look around for anything useful, like a sign that shows me where I am or a city in the distance. But there’s nothing but trees and grass around us, and the road in front seems endless.
So I start walking in one direction, hoping I’ll eventually reach a semblance of society. Maybe a gas station or a diner. Anything’s good as long as there are people there who I can ask for help.
Suddenly, the sound of an engine drifts closer, and my ears perk up in the direction of the noise. It’s coming from the back, coming toward me fast. A car.
My heart races as I walk into the middle of the road and wave my arms around as the car comes into view. I have two choices, either stay to the side and pray they’ll pick me up when I flaunt a thumb or block their path.
I chose the latter.
I know it’s dangerous, but I don’t care.
It’s the only shot I have.
The only way I can get out of here … before Soren finds me.
Because he’s right on my trail, and I know the second he woke up, he knew exactly where I was headed.
Which is why I really don’t have a choice at all. It’s do or die.
So I stay put as the car speeds toward me, giving every inclination of hitting me.
I brace for impact, spreading my legs as I close my eyes.
But as it’s almost here, it starts to slow down, and it comes to a full stop right in front of me. When I dare to open my eyes, the window is rolled down, and someone’s head sticks out. A guy with short blond hair, a wavy blue shirt, and a pair of sunglasses on his head. It’s such an odd sight to see a human wearing normal clothes that I’m actually staring with my lips parted.