“Van, it’s Jake. You’re okay.”
Jake ripped the duct tape from Van’s mouth as gently as he could and started to untie his legs and arms when Van started to struggle. He nodded for Jake to continue getting him loose. He looked around in a panic, searching for Hunter. What he saw made his heart stop. Hunter was on his knees with blood on his face, chest, and hands. Then Van started to struggle in earnest, wanting nothing more than to be with Hunter.
“It’s okay. It’s Rowdy’s blood, not Hunter’s.”
Jake loosened the ties as a scrambling Van hobbled over to Hunter. His legs gave way from being tied up with poor circulation flowing in the back of the truck, but he was never happier than at that moment to see Hunter.
“Baby?” Hunter leaned down to grab Van, holding him against his chest. “Are yo
