I Can't Own You? (BOOK 1)

78 (NEW)

At the entrance of the Rez, My parents and Cheeto give their departures. "Stay alert and stay off the main roads." My dad instructs Sam with a pat on the shoulder.

"And call once you stop for the night...take shifts sleeping. Oh, maybe just stay!" Mom pleads tearfully.

I hug her tight, my chin in the crook of her collar bone. "We'll call."

Cheeto licks the backside of Sam's hand then head bops until he's rubbed. I kneel and outstretch my hand to the yellow dog. "Cheeto." The dog slowly trots to me, lowering its head. I rustle the fur on the top of his noggin then receive licks to my chin and my nose.

Hmm...maybe Cheeto sensed that I would bring danger...animals can detect energies. I feel my leaving is taking all the bad, resulting in the dog relaxing his protest.

I watch as my family pile into the yellow Pontiac. My mom places a palm to the glass of a window, her eyes glossy and ridden with separation anxiety. I try to give an encouraging smile, but it's fabricated.

I love you, I mouth.

She struggles, her lips puckering emotionally but she manages to mouth it back.

I stare at the car as Elan drives off. My dad is in the back, holding my mom, giving us a firm nod. A "you got this" note. My eyes rip away from my mom's. Not wanting to watch for too long, not wanting to see the car turn the corner of the road.

I'll call her. Everyday. Wherever we may end up...I'll call.

The chiefs escort Sam and me to a hotel in a squad car. As we ride in the back of the cruiser, I brainstorm where we could flee for safety. "Tennessee, those hackers could help us stay low."

"That's an option...but we'll need a new rental."

"Right."

My mind wanders to how I parted with Naka...

A hole sucks at my chest.

An emptiness.

I should've said goodbye...no matter how upset he was.

I should've.

In the hotel room, Sam unpacks a handgun and gives it to me. I wasn't against it anymore. Things are different now. "The safety's off." He states as he removed a shotgun from his suitcase.

If someone came in or near our room, I would shoot for self-defense...but would Sam do the same. Or would he shoot to kill? How he cocks the shotgun, answers this question.

He'll kill.

Would I be able to stop him if he attempts?

The hotel room is very clean...and doesn't have carpet, but tiled floors and two big windows. Windows that make us vulnerable. Sam draws in the curtains on each one and lifts the side of one, ever so slightly. "I'll take the first shift." He stays stuck in this position. The barrel of the big weapon he holds touches against the glass of the window. He leans heavily on the wall beside it.

I hold my gun, staring at him. Thinking...knowing that my thoughts would go somewhere dark.

I'm the one James wants...I'm the solution to ending this all. My parents would drop off the radar if I just give myself up. Sam wouldn't get hurt again....or die for me. Which he clearly is ready to do.

How he's holding the gun....how his mind has changed.

Even my dad is ready to go out for blood.

I made this happen.

Not for me...no one needs to become that for me.

I spot a phone on the nightstand. Picking it up, I dial home. I wonder if the guard service is available. What Elan suggested wasn't wrong. I can see how my dad took it as being dumped like trash. Elan cared for us, but his land is sacred. I understand his position.