Axel

Fuck, I shouldn’t have shouted at her. Her huge eyes were like a baby deer caught in the headlights when I raised my voice.

I’m just scared. Terrified.

I can’t lose Kaiden.

Thankfully Peony must have understood my frustration and misplaced anger, because she threw her leg over the back of the bike and wrapped her arms around my chest.

I can feel her trembling against me, so I pull her even closer and give her hands a squeeze. I’m sorry, I try to say with that one touch, and then we’re speeding away on the moped I jacked from my next door neighbour.

It doesn’t go very fast and it feels like it takes an eternity to get to the hospital with Peony clinging on to me for dear life the entire time. I’m too distracted by thoughts of Kaiden to appreciate having her so close, or the way her hands have fisted in my hoodie – in fear or to keep warm I wonder? – or the heat I think I can feel pulsing between her legs as her thighs hug mine.

Any other time, any other situation, I would take my time and savour not having to share her with the others.

But right now, Kaiden needs us.

I just hope we make it before it’s too late.