Page 78 of Freeing Lark

“I’m okay.”

“You’re going to make me push you into a tree.”

“Noted.”

They kept moving. Behind them, the sound of the boat grew louder. Lark glanced back. Through the trees she could barely see the river. She couldn’t see the men. That was good. They hadn’t found them. Yet.

Cormac stopped suddenly. Lark nearly ran into him. “What?” He lifted a finger. She listened. Nothing. Then she heard it. Voices. They were distant, but there, nevertheless.

“Spread out!”

Lark’s stomach dropped. “They’re searching.”

Cormac nodded. “We need to move faster.”

“You’re shot.”

“I know.”

“And you’re bleeding.”

“I know.”

“And you’re telling me to move faster?”

“Yes.”

She sighed. “Men.”

He actually smiled. Just a little. Then he stumbled. Lark caught him. His weight nearly brought them both down. She gritted her teeth.

“Okay.”

“What?”

“We’re going to find shelter. Once we do, I can call my team.” That sounded like a good plan to her. “There’s a ridge about a half mile ahead.”

“You know that how?”

“I’ve been here before.”

“Of course you have.”

He leaned harder against her. “And if I remember correctly, there’s an old hunting cabin somewhere along the ridge.”

Lark’s heart lifted. “A cabin? That’s the best thing you’ve said all day.”

“If it’s still standing.”

“Don’t jinx it. Murphy’s already got it in for me, remember?”

“He’s not getting near you this time,” he teased.

“Wishful thinking,” she mumbled, but hoped he was right.

They pushed forward. The rain continued to hammer the forest. Thunder rolled across the mountains. Behind them, voices drifted closer.

Lark tightened her grip around Cormac’s waist. She was exhausted. Cold. Terrified. And completely out of her depth.