Raine Bast

"Yes, very. She understood me in ways no one else did. I don't know where I'd be without her."

"Then I like her already." I smiled.

"So what have you been doing all this time?"

"Training with Brady and Brayden. Dove, Chad, and Owen have taught us a lot too though. We've been searching for others and trying to figure out how to get in here without being discovered. It's been tough."

"So did you find anyone else?"

"Yeah, we've found a few. Dove's been trying to find some of her native relatives too but no luck yet."

"How many more are out there?"

"I'm not sure, yet."

"What's it like out there now? There can't be too many people can there?"

"Not that we've found but we keep hoping. We need help to get you guys out of here....if you want out that is."

I didn't say anything for a moment. "What do you mean?"

"Some of you may not want to leave. You might be happy here."

"It doesn't matter if we are or not. If we were to even try, he'd just come after us again. And I don't think anyone wants that. If that's all you came to do... you wasted your time."

"What if he wasn't around anymore? Would it be a waste of time then?"

"I don't know. I have a life here Gabe. I... don't have to run anymore. I'm safe here. We all are." That aren't in prison anyway, I thought to myself.

Raine

"I understand." 

I didn't say anything for a few minutes. The silence was deafening. "So how's Chase? Bella still misses him"

Raine

"He's good. He recovered pretty well."



"That's good. I'm glad to hear it. Did he come with you?"

"No. I came alone," I lied.



"I see. Are you hungry or anything? I ate on the way home but I can fix you something if you want."



"Don't go through the trouble. It's late anyway and I need to head back. I'll see you again though. Promise."



"You don't have to leave. You can stay here, on the couch if you don't want to share my bed."



"I can't risk putting you in danger. This was risky enough as it is."



I nodded. "Okay. When can you come back?"

"I don't know but I promise it will be soon."



I nodded again. "Okay," I said quietly. "But before you go... I just have to..." I stopped talking and went to him, leaning up and kissing him slow and deep. "I still love you Gabe. I just wanted you to know that," I whispered before turning away. I couldn't watch him leave, not again.

I reached out and turned her back around to face me. "Say that again." I told her. "Tell me that you love me."

I stared up into his eyes, re-memorizing everything about his face. "I love you Gabe. I've always loved you."

"I love you too. I've loved you through everything." I kissed her again, harder this time. "I'll be back. You have my word."

Please don't leave me.... "Okay. I believe you. Please... be careful."

"Always." I told her and had to force myself to leave. Going the same way I came in. Quietly and quickly.