Thirty-One
Blood and WaterWe never heard him. He snuck through the pines under the cover of the wind. By the time we noticed him in camp it was too late.
Marcus and Caia stood together, mouths open and eyes wide with surprise. Shaun wrapped an arm around Beth's waist and drew her closer, protecting her from harm. I scrambled to my feet. In one smooth and calculated move my hand dipped into my pocket and pulled out the knife. The blade sprang forward as I had practiced.
Caleb gripped the strong forearm across his neck with both hands. The blood drained from his face and in that moment he looked like the eight-year-old boy I remembered.
The Collector sneered and pressed a gun to Caleb's temple. “This boy's comin' with me.”
“Why didn't you tell us about the gun?” I glared at Marcus, ang
