Good Intentions (Book 3 in the Road to Salvation Series)

CHAPTER 4

The halls were quickly clearing of students, but Katie wasn't worried. There were still enough people around to keep her safe from demon spies and Wes. Well, definitely Wes. In reality, the shadow could be anywhere. The same went for other demons, especially if they looked human. But Katie felt secure knowing they probably wouldn't venture out in their true form as long as students were around. Not that demons bothered her. It was just because the demons could possibly be affiliated with Braden—that bothered her. Besides, in just a few minutes she'd be outside and in Josh's car. Then they could figure out what they were going to do about the situation.

As she stepped out of the building, a cool breeze blew by her, causing her to shudder. Fall was definitely in the air. She wrapped her arms around her chest and scanned the parking lot. It didn't take long to find him. He was parked in the third row from the building, and his was one of the last vehicles in the lot. The rest were lined up haphazardly at the exits attempting to get out. Most of the other students, unless they were involved with sports, didn't stay at school for longer than was necessary. Katie couldn't blame them. It wasn't her favorite place either.

He stood next to the passenger door with his arms folded across his chest. He smiled as his gaze fell on her, and even from a distance she could tell it was forced. Crap. That probably meant things didn't go well. Taking a deep breath, she closed the distance between them with determined steps.

He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek on his chest. His heart beat steadily in his ribs. His embrace was warm and pushed away the chill from the air. All her fears and worries disappeared. She was safe. It would have been so perfect if the rest of her life could go that way. If she could just stay in his arms, everything would be grand. But she couldn't. That wasn't the way things worked. Sooner or later, the world would come crashing in on them. Despite the desire to pretend like events hadn't happened earlier in the day, she knew she couldn't delay the inevitable. Still snuggled close to him, she asked the question she didn't really want the answer to.

"What did you find out?"

Josh released his grip. She moved back so she could look at his face, but she didn't venture away from him. His eyes darted around the parking lot. She tried to follow with his gaze, but she had no idea what he was looking for. It couldn't have been students. They weren't around. Perhaps demons? But didn't he have a way of sensing them? Why would he care if they were around? Her stomach tingled.

"Not here," he said quietly. "We need some place more private."

That made her even more nervous. Her eyes darted around the parking lot. It was still empty, but the sensation of being watched drifted over her. What had happened in Josh's meeting? His paranoia was palpable, and it certainly wasn't doing anything to put her at ease. The sooner they got somewhere private, the happier she'd be.

He opened the door for her, and she couldn't climb inside fast enough. He jumped into his seat and started the engine. Thankfully, by that time, the traffic had thinned out and it didn't take long to get out of the parking lot. Katie instantly recognized the route to her house. She didn't think that was the best place for them to go, especially if Braden's shadow was there, but she trusted Josh knew what he was doing. For all she knew, he could've done something to ensure that no one was watching her anymore. But that wouldn't explain his actions in the parking lot. She chewed on her bottom lip. She wanted to ask what was going on, but she wanted to wait until it was safe. Her leg bounced up and down. Hopefully that would be soon.

He parked the car in front of the house, and they climbed out. Josh took her hand as they walked up to her front door. The contact made her feel better. Her nerves were on the edge of being frazzled. Where was this coming from? Why was she so anxious? Josh was right there. He would keep her safe. She took a deep breath. This whole thing with Wes coming back was really messing with her head. But she couldn't let it. She had to stay strong and trust in Josh. She opened the door, and he peered inside before stepping in. Katie watched him curiously. Why was he acting so weird? What happened earlier? She set her backpack down by the door before closing it.