I moved on instinct, pulling her into a hug. “I’m so lucky to have you.”

“Right back at you, sister.” When she released me, she glanced at her watch. “I should go before Cain calls in the National Guard. Unless you want me to stay? I can call him.”

I waved her off. “No. I’m better now. Thanks for the talk.”

She scooted out of the breakfast nook. “Anytime. And you know you can always stay with us for a few days if you need to.”

I really hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but I appreciated the gesture, nonetheless. “Thanks.”

I walked Kennedy out to her SUV, watching as the taillights disappeared into the darkness. A chill skittered down my spine. Mason still wasn’t back. I hoped he had his phone to use as a flashlight, at least.

I heard rustling on the side of the house. “Mase?” I started towards the sound. “Is that you?”

Nothing. My footsteps slowed. Crap. There were coyotes and cougars around here. This was dumb. I turned and headed back towards the light of the house. Every sound was amplified, from the crickets to the wind.

The crunch of gravel echoed in the night, and I whirled around, only to meet a blow. Pain and light bloomed bright. Then faded to nothingness. As I crumpled to the ground, it was Mason’s name on my lips.

41

MASON

I’d lost track of time as I walked. I’d made it down the lane to my property and another few dirt roads until I found myself at the gate to Cain and Kennedy’s. I stared at the call box.

I’d been lost in my head as I walked, running everything through, forward, backwards, and sideways. I still felt as if I had zero perspective. But I did know that I’d hurt Anna, and that was the last thing I ever wanted to do. Even when I was pissed as hell.

I hit the button on the call box. A few seconds later, Cain’s voice came across the line. “Mason?”

“Hey.”

“Did you walk here?”

“Uh, yeah.” It now felt beyond ridiculous.

The gate buzzed and began to open. “Come on down.”

I started down the road lined with trees. And by the time the lake house came into view, I no longer had any idea why I was even there. Cain stood on the front steps and handed me a glass of water. “Figured you might want that.”

“Thanks.” I took a healthy gulp.

“Come on in.” He led me inside to the house that had massive windows overlooking the small lake beyond.

“Kenz around?”

“She was working late. Should be home soon, though.” We eased onto the massive couch in the living space. “You want to tell me what has you walking miles to my house?”

“I didn’t have a destination in mind. I just kind of ended up here.”