TILDAIt was already very late when the first knock came. Faint, yet firm. Enough to snap me and Miranda from the light, anxious sleep we had fallen into.The second knock jolted the kids awake.Diamond sat up first. “Who’s that?” Her voice trembled, barely a whisper, but still too loud for comfort.“Diamond, keep your voice down,” Miranda warned, eyes darting toward the door.I placed a finger to my lips and turned to the children. “No one speaks. Not a word,” I whispered.Diamond clutched my arm tightly. “Mom, is it them again?”Her words stabbed me. The kids hadn’t recovered from hiding in the roof earlier today. The heat, the fear, the confusion, they were still shaken. We all were.Another knock came. Firmer. More persistent.“I’ll go,” Dylan said, rising. “It’s my duty to protect the women.”My heart squeezed. “No,” I said quickly, grabbing his arm. “You’re a child, Dylan.”“But I’m the man here,” he argued, jaw set.Before I could get another word in, Dixon stood as well, suppo
Last Updated : 2025-09-04 Read more