Page 59 of Nyx

"The lock is to help make you feel safe, Kayla. We have basic rules here. Respect others' privacy and space, work on healing, and treat other residents and staff with respect. You'll get the same in return. Juniper House is just a steppingstone on your journey, but we want you to succeed. You work hard to make that happen, and we'll do the same. Do you have any questions?"

She chews the bottom right corner of her lip before speaking.

"The men outside," she says.

"I know they look intimidating. For some women, that's scary. For other women, knowing they're out there is the first time they've slept through the night in a very long time."

"They're out there twenty-four-seven?"

"Yes," I answer.

"Why?"

"The type of men who hurt women usually don't come looking when they know those men are the ones they'll have to face to gain access to those of us inside," I explain. "You're in control of your life here. No one enters your space without permission. Not staff. Not visitors. You decide who gets access to you now."

She looks down at the key in her hand once more, a soft smile forming on her face.

"Finally," she whispers.

Chapter 15

Nyx

“You’re early,” Mischief says as I walk toward him.

The sun hasn’t even crested over the horizon, but I couldn’t sleep.

“Didn’t take you as the type of guy who would complain about getting off shift a little early,” I mutter.

His eyes narrow, stance fully locked in, showing no sign of moving.

“I don’t know how to take that, Nyx,” he says. “Are you saying I’m lazy?”

I blink at the guy. “No.”

He chuckles, pulling up his hand as if he's going to smack me on the shoulder, but something on my face tells him that probably isn't the best idea, so he drops his hand.

"I can relieve Recon instead."

Mischief lifts his hand, indicating that Recon has heard me and is saying something.

"He said he has an appointment this morning and there's no sense in going home only to head right back out," Mischief relays. "I'll head home early."

"Anything to note?" I ask, stepping into his spot when he steps back.

I pull out my earpiece and pop it into my ear.

"Quiet night," he says. "Thanks, man."

I watch as my teammate walks off, climbing into one of the SUVs and driving away.

"Get outta here."

"What's that?" I ask, alarm swelling inside me at the sound of Recon's voice.

"That damn chipmunk is back," Recon growls, snapping another command at the creature. "I swear the thing is going to attack me. I may have to shoot it."

"You will not discharge your weapon against a fucking chipmunk," I growl.