NICHOLAS
I cursed and pulled into the alley behind the restaurant, heart hammering in my ears. The place was quiet, rundown.
What the hell was Emily doing in a place like this? It couldn’t be safe. Still, I strengthened myself as I came out of the car.
Something felt… off.
A shadow shifted near the far wall, a glimpse of movement, too fluid to be the wind. I turned sharply, scanning the darkness.
“Emily?” I called out.
Nothing. Then I heard a breath and followed it like I was a man and it was a siren song and stopped cold when I saw her.
She was standing just beyond the dumpsters, half in shadow, arms tight around herself. Her eyes met mine and they were different. Harder. Sharper. Betrayed.
My chest cracked open. “Emily,” I started. “Please.”
She didn’t move or speak. Just stared
