19
A week into travel, the group now moved like a well-oiled machine. They moved as family, as friends, as pack. Kyra held a branch up and allowed Carter and his pregnant mate, Jessa, to pass under. She patted Jessa’s shoulder and gave her a smile. It was drizzling, but there wasn’t much complaint throughout the quiet hikers. They were survivors.
Kyra glanced back over her shoulder, looking for Laurel. She waved and Laurel padded forward, falling in beside Kyra, and walking in a tight formation so that their elbows nearly brushed with each stride.
It had taken time for Kyra to get used to moving among everyone with ease. At first, even though it was her aim to get to know everyone, she stood at a distance and was careful not to touch anyone. That habit had died and now she—and she suspe
