Our Own Protection

»Chapter Twenty Six«

»Ashton's POV«

I follow the police officers with Zane and Eudora. I've been trying to have a positive attitude about the situation and ignore the fact that I'm a nervous wreck. But, I have this gut feeling that something is wrong. Terribly wrong.

My hands start sweating as I dwell on the thoughts spiraling through my head. I wish I could just say something random or think of something to talk about but I can't. My mind won't allow it.

I think Zane can sense my anxiety as he reaches out and places a hand on my shoulder before patting it and taking it away. I look at him and give him a look that says thank you. He nods a little before looking at Eudora and looking back at the cops.

We're way past the junkyard now. Paris really must have ran a lot. We have to be near city limits.

"Are we close to city limits?" I ask. One of the cops looks at me before nodding.

"We just crossed the line." He adds.

I feel really bad. I'm part of the reason she ran. I really didn't want to break up with her. I love her. But, I was also the reason her and Eudora were arguing and I hate to screw up their relationship. Although, I really hate to screw up our relationship. I guess the quote, 'If you love them, let them go.' Is a real thing.

But I don't know if I can do this. I love her so much. I want us to be together. Maybe we can all work things out. Maybe when we find her and Eudora will be ok with us dating and they won't argue anymore. Everything will go back to normal. Except, we won't have to hide anymore. I can kiss her adorable smart mouth whenever she makes some sassy comment at me. Gawd, I love when she does that.

But, I have a feeling that when we find her, that happy ending isn't going to be there. I can't put my finger on it, but I just have a really bad gut feeling. I really hope I'm wrong. I hope we find her sitting down and playing on her phone, looking at us like we're crazy.

Suddenly, the German Shepherd starts barking and running. She must be close.

The officers and, Zane, Eudora, and I run with the police dog as we look for any sign of her.

Then, we see her unconscious body.

I stop in my tracks, eyes widening. My mind automatically going to the worst thing possible. She looks like she's. .

Oh please no.

I hear the cries of Eudora as she tries to get to her sister but the cop holds her back.

It's like everything is in slow motion.

I see Zane grab Eudora and hold her against him, so she doesn't look at the horrible scene in front of us.

Paris's face is so pale. Her lips are purple and the circles around her eyes have blackened even more. She looks like a corpse.

Oh god, please no.

I hear Eudora's pained cries fill the air as she cries into Zane's chest. He holds her tightly with his hand on the back of her head and arm around her waist. He has his eyes closed and his chin resting on the top of her head. His lip is quivering. He's trying to hold back tears.

I suddenly feel dizzy as the world spins around me. But, my world, is laying a few feet from me, unconscious.

I want to scoop her up and hold her and tell her everything is going be ok but it seems like she is already too far gone to hear me.

My heart breaks completely as I feel a warm tear slide down my cheek.