Page 46 of Fatal Fantasy

“Right when we get settled. I have to do this completely sober, without fear that we’ll be caught, or any of the scenarios that my mind conjures about my father finding me,” she says, sharing another glimpse into the inner workings of her mind, a very clear pattern as the ideas of capture are still at the forefront of her fears.

Rather than continue to harp on the fact that we’d quite literally die to protect her, I validate her feelings, giving her the safe space she’s searching for.

“Whatever you need. It’s not going to be easy, but we’ll get through it together, I promise,” I tell her, hoping that although they’re just words, she can find comfort in the open line of communication we have.

The road that leads to the cabin is long, windy, and a treacherous trail, but once the old wooden home comes into view, the journey we took to get here feels small, like everything that’s on the horizon is much bigger than we even imagined.

Covered by trees, the cabin sits atop the mountain, with nothing around for miles as we fall into our own private slice of heaven.

On the outside, it’s nothing spectacular, just wooden slats screwed together, but the old-fashioned, wrap-around front porch stands out, the best quality on its otherwise old bones.

“Wow,” Carter breathes, using one word to encapsulate the beauty we’re surrounded by.

“It’s as secluded as we could get,” I laugh, putting the car in park and finally inhaling a deep breath, the mountain air already feeling refreshing.

We travel light, so it only takes one trip before we’re unlocking the door and piling inside the outdated space.

As you’d expect, the walls are littered with dead animal heads, their creepy eyes following our every move as we make our way through the house.

It’s small, Massi and I stomping around like giants, but with two beds, one bathroom, and a kitchen, there’s nothing else we need.

“Come on, Principessina. We need to analyze the sleeping arrangements.” Massi leads Carter toward the bedroom, but she stops for a second, pressing her lips to my cheek.

“Go unpack, baby girl. I need to set up a few security measures,” I tell her, snaking an arm around her waist as I sit at the desk with my laptop.

“Find me when you’re done?” She asks, a small smile creeping across her lips, a playful demeanor radiating off her body, something I’ve dearly missed.

The further we’ve gotten away from her old life, the more relaxed she’s become, and while there’s no telling what’s next, I’m confident in the phases to come.

Before anything else, I set up small spy cameras, angling them toward the only exit, while placing a few around the common spaces as well.

While there’s no security system in this old cabin, I’m making due with what I have, placing a motion detector above the door, and on the front windows. I don’t expect any unwanted visitors, but ultimately, I’d rather waste my time ensuring we’re protected, rather than end up sorry for not having our cabin completely covered.

The final step is gathering weapons, and just as he promised, my father’s friend stashed a pile of pistols, a couple shotguns, and an automatic gun, which I know Massi will appreciate.

For now, I reach for two handguns, slipping one in my waistband and saving the other for Massi.

Carter’s new blade is in my suitcase, along with the sheath, so I add that to my stockpile, knowing she’ll want it once we get cleaned up.

After weeks of planning, we’re finally here, at this cabin, and while the rest of the world passes us by, we’ll be holed up, letting our enemies think they’ve gained the upper hand.

TWENTY-TWO

CARTER

Vacation isn’t a word I’m familiar with.

In my life, there’s never been days off, trips to escape the madness, or happy family excursions with smiling kids in the back of the car while it rips down the highway, heading for a beach in paradise.

Hiding away at a cabin in the woods, spending time in the mountains, and actually taking a break to just relax is all new to me, but it couldn’t come at a better time.

Running for your life and taking shelter in a different country is not for the weak, but even though I’m just getting the color back into my face, I feel the need to rest, which isn’t something I can confidently say I’ve ever felt before.

“I’ve missed you all day, my little ice princess. Get over here.” Jasper pulls me by the waist, bringing me into his arms with our chests pressed together.

“We’ve been in the same car for the last day,” I laugh, flopping down on the mattress and tapping the bed until he joins me.

“No, I’ve missed this,” he whispers, propping my body until my head rests on his chest, his fingers rubbing slow circles on my arm.