Page 116 of Lethal Attraction

The baby lets out a tiny sigh and falls asleep in her arms. And somehow, after all the worry, all the waiting, and all the fear, the house finally feels complete.

I rub a hand over her back, soaking in the moment I got to see her fall in love with the bundle in her arms. This time feels sacred—precious. And I’m unbelievably lucky that I got to be a part of it.

And hopefully many more to come…

After the events of last night, we found it would be best if Atlas and Loxley stayed in the guest room until they were comfortable moving Sophia home. Which led to everyone staying and sleeping downstairs in the living room on makeshift mats.

The morning sun hasn’t even risen when I hear what sounds like knocking from below. It’s a quiet rap, almost too low to make out, but I hear it as I roll over. Thalia reaches for me, her eyes still closed as I lean down and kiss her temple.

“I’m going to answer the door. I’ll be right back.” I whisper.

She hums. “Let Rowan answer it. Come back to bed.”

I chuckle as I brush her hair behind her ear. She’s already back asleep before I can plead my case. My footsteps are light as I trail through the house in baggy sweatpants and a t-shirt. I nearly burst out laughing when I see the mess in the living room.

Connor is half on the couch, half off, with his arm slung over his head as Alana sleeps on his chest. Taryn and Emma have their own pallet made in the furthest right corner, Bailey is passed out under the coffee table, and Rowan is sprawled out on the armchair with Addison tucked neatly into his lap.

I step back before retrieving my phone from my pocket and snapping a picture of everyone together. Another low knock comes from the door, making me frown as I trudge forward and open it.

“Hello? Can I help you?” I ask, only to blink when I connect the features.

Dark, short hair. The same older woman from last night. She’s standing right in front of me.

She produces a gun, the shiny black exterior glinting as she shoves it into my side with a wicked smile. I gasp, reaching for her wrist until she shushes me and presses harder into my flesh.

“Come with me and I won’t shoot.” She commands quietly.

I swallow, nodding as I hold my hands up slowly.

Fuck. Me.

Chapter thirty-four

Thalia

Iknow something isn’t right the moment my eyes fly open. I sit up so fast my head reels as my hands search the covers frantically.

Why did I fall back asleep?!

“Reed?” I call out.

No answer.

I swing my legs around, my pulse screaming in my ears as I dart down the stairs. “Reed!”

Rowan rouses, his eyes ripping open as he places a hand on Addison before releasing a breath of relief. “What’s going on?”

I dip into the kitchen, still calling out for him. “Reed!”

Nothing.

My hands curl into my hair as my face begins to sting. He wouldn’t just leave! There has to be something going on.

“Thalia, talk to me!” Rowan calls.

I stalk back out to the living room to see everyone rising as they wipe the sleep from their eyes.

“Reed is gone!” I breathe raggedly. “Did anyone see him this morning?”