Page 41 of Through the Storm

Even if the answers aren’t simple, Ben’s devotion is.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ben

SAFE PLACE

The secondI see Leo’s face change I know something’s wrong.

There’s shouting near the dance floor. It’s Declan’s voice, sharp and terrifying. I can’t make out the words, just the tone. Rage. Fear.

“Stay here,” I tell Katy.

She frowns. “Ben, what’s…”

I’m scanning the crowd and spot Logan by the gate, talking with Rhett. Calm. Sober. Solid.

I turn back to Katy, my hand tightening around hers. “I need to help Declan and the others. Something’s going on.” I take a breath. “Can you stay with Logan for a minute?”

Her eyes widen. “What’s happening?”

“I don’t know yet. But I know I’ll lose my mind if I leave you by yourself.”

Logan’s already moving toward us, reading the situation without needing an explanation.

“What’s up?” he asks.

“Something happened inside,” I say in a low tone. “Can you stay with Katy until I get back?”

He nods immediately. “Of course.”

I squeeze Katy’s hand one last time. “I’ll be right back.”

Then I run.

KATY

Ben disappears into the house, and suddenly I feel like I’m full of bees. Logan stands beside me, quiet and steady. He doesn’t ask questions, just shrugs out of his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders.

“You’re shaking,” he says gently.

“Something’s wrong,” I whisper. “I can feel it.”

He nods, jaw tight, eyes fixed on the door like he’s willing everyone inside to come back out in one piece.

We sit on the curb, headlights flashing across the driveway as people leave early.

I can’t stop fiddling with my bracelet. Logan grabs my hand to make me stop, then looks me straight in the eyes. “Everything will be fine, Katy. Take a deep breath.”

And I do. We keep talking about what he’s been up to this summer, distracting me from getting worried.

When Ben finally comes out, his face is pale, his expression hard in a way that makes my stomach drop. “Everyone’s okay,” he reassures me immediately. “But it was bad. Some guy grabbed Ella. Declan and the others handled it.”

Logan’s already on his feet. “Want me to drive Katy home?”

Ben shakes his head. “I’ve got her.” Then, quieter, to Logan, “Thanks, man.”

Logan nods once. “Text me when you get home,” he tells me.