I walk between a bungalow and a fence to Piper’s backyard and hop over the low fence. Her yard is overgrown, but it looks recent. Her parents weren’t keeping up with the lawn while she was with me.

Creeping toward her bungalow, I place my hands on the windowsill and peek through the window. The sight of her sitting on her bed with her arms wrapped around her legs steals my breath. My deadly angel. I can’t wait to show her my world. She’s staring blankly at something, a TV perhaps.

Her eyes, usually strong and determined, are now dull and afraid…the way they were when I very first met her.

She needs me.

There is no one else in her room. I know her parents are home; there is no way they would go out and leave her now. They probably won’t ever leave her side again. Well, that is, until I take her with me.

It’s hot, so her window is open, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be able to get through it fast enough to stop her from calling for her parents.

Right now, she doesn’t know what’s best for her.

I grip either side of the window frame and swing my legs up. I land on the floor inside her room before she even looks over.

When she does, her mouth opens and her eyes round.

Shoving myself forward, I slam my hand over her mouth and grip her upper arm. “Don’t make a sound, Piper.”

She watches me over my hand, fear swamping her eyes.

“Hey, Piper, it’s me. Don’t be afraid. I’m going to remove my hand. Do not scream.” I slowly let go and run my hand from her mouth along her jaw. “Hi, babe.”

“What are you doing here?” she whispers.

“Relax,” I soothe. Her muscles are tense, shoulders high. “I’ve missed you.”

“E-Evan… What are you doing? How are you here?” Her eyes flit to her door. Don’t you dare call out.

“Leave without you? Not a chance. Caleb is waiting in the car. Grab a few things and let’s go.”

“What?” Her eyes dart to her bedroom door.

“I’m not letting them lock me up and leave you.”

“But…”

Sighing, I say, “Caleb and I got away. We’re here to take you with us. Are you caught up now? Can you start packing?”

Her mouth pops open. It takes her a minute to make a sound. “I-I can’t.”

“If you’re not packed and in the car before your parents come back, I’ll be forced to kill them.”

“No,” she whimpers, shaking her head. “I’ll come, just please don’t hurt them.”

“Pack, Piper. Now.”

She leaps up and runs to her closet. I stand and watch her throw clothes in a bag with trembling hands.