Chapter 24

Twenty-Four

"What are we going to do if he doesn't come back?" Alaska asked sheepishly. She was leaning against the porch railing, a blanket wrapped around her shivering body, her hair still wet from her shower. Ruby and Jinx had both cleaned themselves and gone to bed, Alaska and me taking turns shortly after. It had been a few hours since we returned to the cabin, and Cain had still not returned. Regardless of my strong dislike of him, it was worrisome…even if part of me secretly hoped he would never return.

"Despite my personal preference," I glanced at her, "I intend to stay up and wait for him." I tried to use a teasing voice to lighten the mood, but Alaska was obviously upset. I knew the night had taken a toll on her. Her pale eyes were lowered, staring at the puddles on the ground below the porch, a sadness hanging heavily from them. Her cheeks were lightly scratched and reddened by exhaustion, her posture slumped, as if she had given up hope. "Hey." I pulled her close, her body shivering from the cold. "I'm sure he's fine. I mean, it's Cain. If anyone can get themselves out of a bad situation, it's him."

"What if he doesn't return? What then?" Her head lifted, her eyes glistening as they met mine. "What do we do?" Her words trembled. As much as I hated hearing her worry over him, it hurt to see her in pain of any kind.

"Let's make it through the night before we start thinking that way." My hand rubbed her arms, trying to soothe her while settling my own uneasiness as it itched beneath my skin. I kissed the top of her head, inhaling her scent as she curled into my chest. "I'll stay up all night if I have to." Thunder boomed, the storm still going strong. "Whatever you need me to do, I'll do, dreamer." Anything.