Facing him, I clasped him on the shoulder. “And I appreciate it, friend.” I ran a hand over my face. Weariness tugged at me.

“You know the ogre is only looking out for his partner. He protects, like you. He does not trust us because of the Mikhaillova name.”

He spoke of Wreck. “I know this, and maybe I will come to like him, but right now is not the time.” Until then, I would tolerate him. I would do anything for West and to be able to stay at his side.

Chapter Twelve

West

Oxygen. I needed to breathe. I woke gasping for air but was unable to find it. I cried out as I tried to move, the pain radiating throughout my body.

“It’s okay, you’re all right. Just breathe with me. Come on, West. Look at me and breathe.” A hand ran over my head. I flinched back, the voice not registering.

“No,” I croaked and tried to move again. Pain slashed into me.

“It’s Lucas, West. It’s me, honey. I’m here. You’re at home.”

I stilled. “Lucas?” Opening my eyes, they focused on Lucas’s face right in front of me.

“Hey,” he whispered with a soft smile.

Tears pooled. “Lucas,” I uttered, my breath catching in my throat. It stung as I swallowed over and over, but the emotions got the better of me, and I cried. I sobbed because I wasn’t there.

They’d come for me.

I was home with my friends, my family.

I was free.

“Oh, honey, it’s okay. You’re all right. You’re here,” Lucas cooed. He touched his forehead against mine. “We have you.”

They did.

I was home.

Where I was supposed to be.

After a shuddering breath, I opened my eyes to my best friend. “T-Thank you for coming for me.”

“We always will. I knew something was wrong when you didn’t come home or call. I got Wreck onto it right away, but we didn’t have a clue where you were. I-I’m sorry it took so long.”

“No. Don’t apologize. N-No one… no one would have—” I closed my eyes, clearing my tender throat. “—thought my parents would do that.”

My body trembled over the reminder of it. The pain, the agony, the heartbreak. Their crazed eyes, the prayers. I never wanted to hear another prayer in my life. I thinned my lips to keep from crying.

I’m home. I’m home, I’m home.

“Adrik—”

Lucas had started until I opened my eyes wide. “He was there.” It flashed back to me, hearing his voice. “I hadn’t imagined him?”

Lucas shook his head. “No, he was there. Adrik was the one who heard you. He broke through the door to get to you and hasn’t left your side since. Well, until his parents just arrived to check on him and you.”