Page 54 of The Monster I Am
“Now!” Hunter shouts from somewhere below.
We heave at the same time, but I no longer feel the weight, just sheer determination and panic. Hunter’s legs emerge first, then his torso, and when I finally spot his head and arms, I’m reeling at the limp, third arm he’s got a hold of.
There’s suddenly no more tension for us to pull, letting go of Hunter as Ry and I scramble forward to help him finish lifting Bexley through the hole as flames start to extend out the window toward us.
The wind is knocked out of me and I realize it’s because Hunter is yanking Bexley so hard and fast that he’s basically barreled us out of the way. I shuffle backwards on the ground to make room as he drags Bexley along the ground before he collapses onto the grass next to her.
“H! Are you okay?!” Ry calls out as he hastily crawls over to check on Bex.
Hunter hisses in reply, cradling his blistering arms while his chest rasps with the most ungodly sounds.
My knees slip on the grass as I race over to Bexley as well, torn between the two of them. My chest tightens painfully as I glance rapidly between H and the unconscious Bex, nothing at all to do with the smoke I’ve just inhaled.
Even in the darkness, Bex’s lips are clearly a horrible shade of blue, cheeks gray as they contrast against the angry red blistersforming on her legs and arms. I place a hand on her chest, panicking when I realize she’s not breathing.
“No. I can’t lose you, Bex. Don’t you dare leave me,” Ry hisses, his lips crashing into hers as he starts CPR.
I watch helplessly, silently agreeing with his words as I fight back tears. Turning around, I start shouting to the first responders for help in the distance, barely feeling relief when they start rushing toward us.
Paramedics swarm around Bex and Hunter and all Ry and I can do is watch helplessly before they are whisked away in a frenzy of sirens as fire destroys Cedar Heights behind us.
I knock on the door, daring a side glance at Ry. His eyes are glued on the wooden fixture, burning holes in it until there’s a soft thud of footsteps and Bexley appears on the other side.
“Hey,” she greets warily, looking between us. I see the moment recognition dawns on her, shoulders slouching. “I shouldn’t be surprised,” she murmurs, stepping back to let us inside.
“We need to talk,” Ry says, looming over her. “About everything.”
Bexley frowns, switching her attention to me. “I figured.”
I close the door behind me, bringing up the rear as Bex leads us to her bedroom where soft music is playing. There’s things we need to discuss with her, the obvious being Max’s impromptu visit. But I decide to take the lead and jump in before Ry canbring up his father. Frankly, Max is an asshole who can wait. He doesn’t deserve her time.
But someone else does.
She needs to know. Especially now.
“We know about Hunter,” I start, eyes following Bex as she sits down at the head of the bed, resting against the pillows.
Nodding, she doesn’t deny it. “I’m surprised he told you,” she says quietly.
Ry looks at me, giving a sharp nod of approval to proceed.
Well, here goes nothing.
“He did,” I confirm. “Which is why we need to tell you the truth.”
Bexley’s brows furrow as she glances between us. “What do you mean?”
I perch myself on the edge of the bed, holding her gaze. “Hunter saved you the night of the fire, Bex. He was the one who pulled you out of the building.”
Chapter seventeen
Bexley
I understand Tai’s words but they don’t quite sink in.
This is not what I was anticipating when Tai and Rylan waltzed through my door. The kissing incident? Maybe. Mayor Astor’s threats? Definitely.
The fire, though? Not even in the slightest.
