Page 133 of Shattered By the Currents

“That’s between you and the legal system.” Connor stepped forward. “Drop the gun,now.”

One more second passed. Finally, her weapon hit the dirt.

The three other guys closed in on her, while Connor turned back to Raven.

She was already on her feet but leaning heavily against the tree.

He gripped her hips. “Where are you hurt?”

“Not hurt. Tired. Herbert gave me a sedative.”

“Hedruggedyou?”

She nodded, massaging her temple. “He pulled me out here. Told me I was leaving with him. I think Briar encouraged it.”

“She used him to get you alone.” Maybe she even planned to kill Raven and frame the old man.

Raven stepped around the tree, her attention on Briar, still on her knees while Ryan spoke to someone on the phone. “I can’t believe she was involved. She knew they killed people. That they were committing these crimes.”

“She only cared about what she could get out of it.” He tugged a piece of hair from her cheek. “You’re sure you’re not hurt?”

Finally, she met his eyes again and shook her head. “No. But I wouldn’t argue if you wanted to carry me out of here.”

He growled and curled his arms around her. Then he walked them both out of the forest, knowing it would be a long damn time before he felt okay letting her out of his sight again.

31

Raven leaned into Connor’s chest and closed her eyes. She was exhausted. All she wanted to do was crawl into her bed and sleep for days. No, months.

But she wasn’t in bed. She wasn’t even close to bed. Sirens blared around her. There were the loud voices of Ward and his deputies and paramedics.

“I really think you should let them look at you,” Connor said softly.

She and Connor sat on the front steps of Deep River Residence. Connor hadn’t left her side. Not when everyone had arrived. Not when they’d all rushed into the tree line.

She shook her head. “I’m fine. Plus, Herbert and Briar need the paramedics more.”

Connor growled. “You come first. At least before Briar.”

“Briar was shot. I wasn’t. Plus, she’ll be spending a very long time in jail. She’ll pay for her crimes.”

Connor didn’t respond, but his arm did tighten around her back.

“Raven?”

She shot up and spun at the sound of her mother’s voice.

“Mom?” She rushed up the stairs, not really sure where the burst of energy came from. “You shouldn’t be out here.”

“They didn’t want us to come out, but we knew you were involved.” She cupped Raven’s cheeks. “Are you okay, darling?”

“I’m fine. Herbert gave me a sedative, so I’m just tired.”

“Hewhat?” her father shouted.

She looked at her dad. “He was confused. He thought I was his daughter.”

“Why are there ambulances and patrol cars?” Her mother gasped.