I broke through the line of Douglas firs in a full out sprint, but it wasn’t a road beyond the trees. Lightning lit up the sky again, and for that mere second, I saw the water. Rain pounded the surface, causing a choppy and violent scene. I skidded, my bare feet scraping over pebbles and dirt, and tried to halt forward motion.

I was too late.

With a terrified shriek, I tipped over the edge, my body twisting around as I fell in with a splash. More lightning streaked the heavens, and I saw Rafe’s horrified expression. I screamed for him, arms reaching and thrashing as I sank into the freezing depths. Water closed over my face, and the murky void pulled me under.

Pulled me away from him. Away from my only hope of being saved. I sure as hell couldn’t save myself. I couldn’t even swim.

I fought, kicked, prayed to reach the surface, and blindly grasped for something to cling to. My lungs burned with the need to breathe. Oh God, it was unbearable. Body going limp, I finally gave up the battle, accepting imminent death. Maybe I deserved it. Maybe it was better this way. At least I’d get the chance to see Mom again, get a chance to explain, to beg her forgiveness.

I thought of Rafe as I opened my mouth and allowed the water to fill my lungs. A sense of peace cocooned me, and I said goodbye to him, told him I loved him. As everything faded to black, I felt hands grabbing me. My body moved swiftly upward, then…nothing.

“Fucking breathe, Alex!”

Someone pounded on my chest.

“Shit, man. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have let her get away.”

“Breathe!”

The voices were strained, as if coming from constricted throats. Cold, wet drops fell on my face, and at first I thought they were tears, but tears were hot and salty, and these drops were like icy pinpricks on my cheeks. Something loud rumbled overhead, blocking out the voices, and the ground vibrated. I felt soft, surprisingly warm lips on mine, opening my mouth and breathing life into me. I came to with a violent cough that seized my body.

“That’s it, cough it up.” Cold fingers turned my head to the side, and a flood of water erupted from my mouth. I opened my eyes and found Rafe perched over me, his arms supporting his weight and his face inches from mine. “You scared the fucking shit out of me!” he screamed. Water dripped from his hair, down his nose and off his chin.

And his eyes…they narrowed to furious slits. He jumped to his feet and reached out a hand. “Get up,” he said between tight lips.