HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 35

Under the Shadow

As shadows lengthened and darkness settled over the landscape, fear wrapped around them like a heavy fog. They stopped at a dimly lighted petrol station at 7 p.m., the engine hum fading into an unnerving quiet. Lucas gripped the passenger seat backrest with white knuckles, examining every shadow that danced in the dim light.

"Why did we stop here?" Lucas's voice broke the silence, his eyes darting nervously around the deserted station.

Jake sighed, his shoulders slumping. "We need to refuel, Captain. We've been driving for hours." He glanced at Lucas and then at Lia before turning to Kevin. "Buy some food while I pump the gas."

Kevin nodded, but before they could exit the car, Lucas spoke again, his voice taut with anxiety. "It's dangerous here. What if they find us?"

Jake stepped out of the car, his movements slow and deliberate. "We'll be quick. Stay inside, Captain, and keep an eye out."

Nervously, Lucas watched as Jake moved toward the gas pump and Kevin headed straight for the convenience store. Every creak and rustle seemed amplified in the stillness of the night. Lucas clenched his hands, his heart racing with unease.

Lia stirred at the gentle touch on her cheek, blinking in confusion as she saw Lucas leaning toward her, concern etched on his face. Startled, she pulled away, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Hey, it's okay," Lucas said softly, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. "You're awake."

Lia's gaze flitted around, taking in their surroundings. The gas station's dim lights cast long shadows, and the distant hum of Jake refueling the car mingled with Kevin's footsteps as he approached the store, breaking the eerie silence. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

"Lucas, what's happening? Why are we here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas leaned back, giving her space, but his eyes never left hers. "We needed to refuel. Jake's handling it. Kevin's getting us some food."

She nodded, the fog of sleep lifting as reality settled in. "Why didn't you wake me up sooner?"

Lucas hesitated, his expression torn between frustration and unspoken tenderness. "You looked exhausted. I thought you needed the rest. Besides, I'm keeping watch. No one will get close to us."

Though reassuring, his words did little to calm her. She could see the strain in his posture, the way his eyes flicked around in constant vigilance.

"It's dangerous here, Lucas." Her voice shook slightly. "What if they find us?"

Lucas reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "I won't let anything happen to us, especially not to you, Lia. I promise."

His warmth and sincerity seemed to erase her fear, if only for a moment. She squeezed his hand, drawing strength from their connection.

A loud smash from the convenience shop tightened Lucas's hold and narrowed his gaze. "Stay here," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Lia's heart raced as she watched him slip out of the car, his movements quick and purposeful. She strained to see through the dim light, her breath hitching as Kevin stumbled out of the store, his face pale and bloodied.

"Kevin!" she screamed, scrambling out of the car. Lucas was already there, catching Kevin before he could fall.

"I got caught; there are people inside," Kevin gasped, blood dripping from a gash on his forehead. "They tried to steal my food."