I drove the couple of blocks to the elementary school as quickly as possible. Instead of pulling into the fire lane like I wanted, I forced myself to take the time to find a proper parking spot. As soon as the engine was off, Will and I were out of the vehicle and running towards the school.

We made a beeline for the office but didn’t have to open the door. Staff and sheriff’s department deputies milled about, but I only had eyes for my girls. I ignored every other person in the room. Parker stopped speaking mid-sentence as I wrapped Caelyn, Ava, and Mia in my arms. Mia unlatched herself from Caelyn and hooked her arms around my neck. “I knew you’d come,” she whispered.

Caelyn pulled Will into our little huddle. “You’re okay? No one showed up at your school?”

He shook his head. “Just Griffin.”

We all stood there for a minute in this group hug that I was sure looked ridiculous. I couldn’t find it in me to care. I didn’t want to release any of them. Here, together, I knew they were unharmed.

Parker cleared his throat. “Everyone’s safe. That’s what’s important.”

My gaze cut to him, and I forced myself to step back. “What’s important is that you find out who the hell was here and lock them up.”

Mia clung to me tighter. “He’s not gonna take me, right? I don’t want to go with my dad.”

I rubbed a hand up and down her back, glaring at Parker. “No one’s taking you anywhere but home, Little Bit.”

“With you, right?”

Her voice was so small, I wanted to throttle something. “With me.”

She burrowed into my neck, and I did my best to keep my hold on her light. I turned, reaching a free hand out to Caelyn. I needed to touch her, to assure myself that she was fine, too. “You’re all right?”

She nodded. “We’re okay. Right, Ava?”

Ava parroted Caelyn’s nod, but it was in no way convincing. I gave her the gentlest smile I could muster amidst the rage flowing through my veins. “You’re safe. No one’s gonna hurt you. Okay?”

“Okay, Griffin,” she whispered.

There was a commotion at the door, and I turned to see Kenna, Bell, and Ford. Kenna was by my side in a flash, followed closely by the other two. She held out her hands to Mia. “I’m gonna need a hug.”

Mia went to her instantly. “I always have hugs for you.”

Kenna laughed, but there were tears in her eyes. “Everyone’s all right?”

“We’re fine,” Ava said quietly.

Bell held out a hand. “Can I get one of those hugs? Just to make sure for myself?”