Page 76 of Fang Fatale

"Separate issue."

She rolls her eyes, but she's smiling now.

Outside, the cabin shudders beneath another impact.

"You hear me, Alaric?" Mason shouts. "Hand her over, or I'll burn you out!"

"No."

The word leaves my mouth before I think about it.

Cold.

Certain.

Final.

Silence hangs outside for one impossible heartbeat.

Then the shotgun blasts begin.

The walls explode inward.

"The trapdoor," I bark.

Theo grins like he's been hoping I'd say that.

"Best chance we've got."

Glass shatters.

Wood splinters.

I reach for Birdie.

Her hand finds mine before I ever touch hers.

I don't let go.

We disappear beneath the cabin just as the front door gives way.

The tunnel reeks of mold and damp earth. It's barely wide enough for two people abreast.

Every few steps her shoulder brushes mine.

She never apologizes for it.

I hope she never starts.

Above us Mason roars, his voice echoing through the floorboards.

Birdie leans back against the tunnel wall, breathing hard.

"Is it over?"

I step closer until our foreheads touch.

"For now."