it took for Nathan to toss him aside like he was a child.
“Leave him alone,” Garrett barked when Ethan would have made a grab for Nathan. “Just back off.”
Nathan took only enough time to shoot Garrett a grateful look before he all but ran to his truck. Quiet. He needed quiet. He needed a place he could concentrate. It would take everything he had, but this was important. Shea needed him. She was frightened, and now he realized it was her disorientation he felt. Her dizziness. Something was horribly wrong.
Hang on, Shea. Just hang on.
As he spun out of the driveway, his gaze briefly connected with his family, all standing and staring, their faces drawn in deep concern. And hopelessness.
CHAPTER 13
SHEA. I’m here. Talk to me, baby.
Shea nearly sobbed her relief but she had to focus. She didn’t have much time, and telepathy took so much out of her. Energy she couldn’t spare.
She had to keep running. They would be after her. And she was weak. So very weak.
Nathan.
Yes, baby, I’m here. Talk to me now. Tell me what’s wrong.
His gentle words were infused with strength. But more than strength, confidence. His voice told her that he’d protect her. She’d be safe with him. She hadn’t been wrong to reach out to him, to trust him.
I need your help.
You have to know I’d do anything at all for you. Tell me how and I’ll come for you.
She splashed across a bubbling creek, her bare feet slipping on the muddy bank when she reached the other side. She put one hand down to break her fall but then pushed herself upright again and plunged deeper into the forest.
I escaped. They found me. Drugged me. They want Grace. Had to pretend to be weaker and more drugged than I was. When they moved me, I escaped, but oh God, they’re coming after me. They won’t rest until they get me back. I need your help, Nathan. Please.
She felt the strength of his will like a bolt of caffeine. His mind sharpened. Anger and then determination coursed through his consciousness.
Listen to me, Shea. Slow down and think. Get your breath and focus for me. Your instinct is to run, kill yourself getting out. You’re probably making enough noise to wake the dead and you’re leaving signs all over the place. Tracking you will be child’s play. Even if you manage to elude them, they’ll find you eventually.
She came to an abrupt halt, and then despair sagged her shoulders. Who was she kidding? He was right. Finding her would be easy. She didn’t have a chance.
No! he reprimanded sharply. That’s bullshit, Shea. You’re not a sitting duck. I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to make damn sure you escape.
She swallowed and cocked her ear to the distance, straining to hear if they had drawn closer.
Tell me everything you can about where you are. Do you know? Is the terrain flat? Hilly? Are you in the mountains?
She inhaled sharply. The tang of salt danced through her nostrils. Mixed in was the scent of pine. A breeze ruffled her hair and she turned in the direction of the wind.
I’m facing the ocean. It’s not far. There are lots of redwoods. Big ones. The forest is thick, but the floor isn’t snarled and overgrown.
Okay, listen to me. Head toward the ocean. Where were you last? Where did they find you?
Shea began picking her way through the trees, following the direction of the wind blowing off the water. I was in California. I was planning to head north, farther up the coast. But they found me. They kept me in my own hotel room for several days. Then when they moved me, I escaped. I’m…I’m not sure where I am now. They drugged me. So much is fuzzy.
You’re doing fine, he soothed. Keep moving. From the description you gave, I’d say you’re still in Northern California or maybe even Southern Oregon. I’m coming, Shea. As fast as I can get there. But I need you to keep yourself safe until I find you. You have to protect yourself until I get there, okay?
She nodded grimly and then echoed her agreement through their link. Where would they expect her to go? She pushed ahead, hurrying, but taking greater care not to disturb the vegetation around her. Nathan’s presence calmed her. His steady reassurance made some of the panic fade, and she was able to think more rationally.