I didn’t hear anything after “Mia” and “cuts.” I stood, leaving my dinner out on the picnic table as I moved towards my truck. I started it up and headed for Caelyn’s at a speed that would get me cited for reckless driving if any cop stopped me. I didn’t care. The only thing I could think about was getting to Caelyn and the kids. Mia’s face flashed in my mind. So little and trusting.

I pulled to a stop behind two sheriff’s department vehicles. Leaving my keys in the truck, I hopped out. If someone needed to move my vehicle, they could take it. I ran towards the house, not saying a word. When I reached the entryway, I saw two officers picking through glass and debris. A brick lay a foot away from a board game.

They’d been sitting right there. Playing. And someone had sent that brick through their window.

“Where are they?” My voice had a feral quality to it.

One of the deputies rose, his hand going to his gun. “And you are?”

“It’s okay,” Kenna called from the kitchen. “He’s a friend.” She turned to me. “Go around back, everyone’s in the yard. I’m just getting the kids some juice.”

I was moving before she finished speaking, jogging down the porch steps and rounding the sunny yellow house. My eyes caught on Will first. A mixture of rage and fear overtook his expression. Ava was curled in Bell’s arms, her head on Bell’s shoulder. Then I landed on Mia and Caelyn. Caelyn was turned away from me slightly, talking to Parker.

But Mia saw me immediately. “Griffin,” she wailed. “I want Griffin.”

I don’t think I’d ever moved so fast. In an instant, I was taking her from Caelyn’s hold. “It’s okay, Little Bit. You’re safe.” I said the words over and over, as much for myself as for her.

“Don’t leave me,” she whispered.

Her words cracked something deep in my chest. “I’m not going anywhere.” But I wanted to. I wanted to run fast and far, and I hated myself for it. How had this happened? And so quickly? I cared about them all. Every last one of this O’Connor brood. And if any of them were truly hurt? Worse? I would lose the little ground I’d gained.

I’d kept myself removed for so long. Not letting even a single person break through the wall that protected me from the possibility of destruction. But that wasn’t the case any longer. I was linked to this family, and I wasn’t sure there was anything I could do to sever that tie—even if I’d wanted to.