Page 121 of Hunted

Van raced to the doorway, his hands shaking hard. “I have one idea. Just one.”

“Grab your shit and let’s go,” I barked. “We have minutes to get ahead of everyone notified of Deadflight.”

Van grabbed my arm, stopping me. “That’s everyone, Beck. Deadflight notifies everyone on active duty.”

With a heart that wouldn’t beat again if hers stopped, I whispered, “I know.”

Addie… don’t you dare fucking die on me—not now.

I only just found you. We only just found you.

I’ll be your beast if that’s what you need.

I’ll be the devil in the darkness to protect you.

I’ll be whatever monster you need me to be.

Just stay alive.

We’re coming.

We’re coming.

[ 45 ]

ADDIE

KALEO – WAY DOWN WE GO

Dek’s Kawasaki Ninja roared down the gravel road beneath me. I twisted my wrist, urging the bike on faster and faster, till it felt like I was flying.

I choked on a laugh.

How ironic—for a Swallow to actually fly.

The Blackwing gate guard didn’t even look twice when “Deklan” came thundering down the drive, in his trademark black leather jacket, helmet with the green stripe, and rifle case strapped to his back like he’d been sent on another Eagle mission.

I’d hedged a bet—and it paid off when the gates rolled open.

I flew through, earning an unintelligible shout from the guard, forgotten as soon as it was uttered.

I didn’t know how long I had—if I even had any time at all—but I was determined to put as much distance between myself and the Academy—between myself and everyone within its walls—as I could.

I urged it faster, racing down road after road with no clear location in mind.

Just away.

Far, far away.

With nothing but lines of text and mental snapshots of those classified documents flashing through my mind to keep me company.

Shrike protocol activated.

My parents were killed for something Blackwing never found.

When provoked, subject reacts emotionally.

Yes, Sara. When I find out my whole life is a lie, I do.