Chapter 30 · My Mother's Last Warning

I slam the cabin door so hard the silver blades rattle on the wall.

Cain's at the table, cleaning his gun. Doesn't even look up.

"You knew her." My voice cracks. I hate that it cracks. "My mom said your name. On that recorder. She knew you."

He sets down the cleaning rod. Slow. Controlled. Like I'm a spooked animal.

"Layla—"

"Don't." I throw the recorder on the table. It skids across the wood and stops an inch from his hand. "Don't you dare tell me to calm down. Don't tell me it's complicated. Just tell me the truth."

He stares at the recorder. His jaw works. For a second I think he's going to lie, going to give me some half-answer that sounds like protection but tastes like a cage.

"I need you to leave," he says instead.

I actually laugh. It comes out sharp and ugly. "What?"

"Pack your stuff. There's a town forty miles south. I'll drive you to the bus station, give you enough cash to disappear."

"Are you serious right now?"

He stands. The chair scrapes. "Derek knows where you are. The Guild knows where you are. You stay here, you're dead.