Echoes of Three Souls

Chapter 12: In the Arms of Care

Reese POV

I couldn't stop glancing into the rearview mirror. The scene in the backseat was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Under different circumstances, I'd have been overjoyed—Scarlett whispering soft, comforting words to Maeve, who nestled into her side, clinging to her like a lifeline. But the reality of what had just happened pressed down on me like a weight, heavy and suffocating. Maeve's terror-stricken face flashed through my mind, a memory I knew would haunt me forever. No one should ever experience that kind of fear—especially not someone as gentle as Maeve. Just thinking about that bastard made my blood boil, and I gripped the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white.

"She's asleep," Scarlett's voice broke the tense silence, barely above a whisper. I glanced back, and there she was—Maeve, fragile as a bird, tucked into Scarlett's arms. Her breaths were still uneven, punctuated by the occasional hiccup of a sob. Scarlett's fingers combed through Maeve's long blonde hair, her touch careful, soothing, like she was trying to mend each broken piece of Maeve's heart.

"Good. She needs it," I replied, trying to rein in the anger that simmered just beneath the surface. I forced my focus back onto the road, willing myself to stay calm.

"What exactly happened back there, Reese?" Scarlett asked, her voice threaded with concern and quiet rage.

"I don't have the full picture," I admitted, swallowing hard. "I heard her call out for help, Scarlett. When I got there, he had her pinned against the wall... his hands all over her. I snapped. I went after him, got a few hits in, but then Maeve—she pulled me back. She needed me to be there for her, not to lose my head."

Scarlett's hand stilled in Maeve's hair for a beat, her jaw clenching. "What a vile excuse for a human being," she hissed, her voice low, but seething with anger. "How could anyone do that to her? To Maeve? She's so... so sweet. God, I can't imagine how terrified she must have been." Scarlett wasn't one to show tears easily—she carried herself with a kind of unwavering grace, like nothing could touch her. But with me, she let the walls come down, let herself be vulnerable. And right now, I could see the moisture gathering in her eyes, a mirror to the ache in my own chest. I realized then how much Maeve had come to mean to us. At first, I thought it was just curiosity—a passing connection. But now, there was no denying the depth of it. No way we'd keep her at a distance after this. I needed her to be safe, and I knew Scarlett felt the same.

"I don't know how anyone could, angel. But all I want is to make him pay for it," I muttered, my voice raw with frustration. "I'd tear him apart if I could."

"I know would, Reese. I know." Her voice softened, her gaze meeting mine in the mirror, steady and understanding. "But right now, Maeve needs you to be calm. She needs both of us. Let James and your team take care of the rest. Tonight, we're the ones who keep her safe, who hold her together. Can you do that, darling?"

I exhaled, feeling the tension slowly ebb from my body. Scarlett always knew how to anchor me when I felt like I might drift into the darkness. As I pulled up to what I assumed was Maeve's apartment complex. I did a once over of the area, it was relatively safe and average looking—I cut the engine and turned to face her, taking her hand in mine. I pressed a kiss to her knuckles, a silent thanks for being my rock.

"Thank you, angel," I whispered.

She gave me a small, warm smile, her thumb brushing over my hand. "We're in this together. Now, let's get her inside."

I stepped out of the car, the cool night air hitting me like a wake-up call, sharp and grounding. My eyes darted around the quiet street, instinctively scanning for any signs of danger, before making my way to the back door. Scarlett was already gently shifting her arm from around Maeve's shoulders, her lips brushing a soft kiss against Maeve's hair. Even in the dim light, I could see the care in Scarlett's eyes as she maneuvered Maeve closer to me.