Ruby's POV
I steered my car into the second level of the parking structure.
A massive cargo truck sat tucked away in the shadowy corner.
"Ruby!"
Cloe burst from behind the vehicle, calling out desperately. The moment our eyes met, tears streamed down my cheeks without warning. I crushed her against me in an embrace that felt like a lifeline.
"I'm sorry... God, I'm so sorry..." The words came out broken.
Words felt useless. She had built a quiet, safe existence back at Cameron Stone Pack, and I had destroyed it completely. All because I was foolish enough to make a bargain with pure evil.
Her hands cupped my face gently. "Stop this. None of this is on you. Wait, what's that smell? Blood? Your shoulder!"
The crimson stain had spread across my entire shirt during the drive. Half my body looked like a crime scene.
"Did that bastard hurt you?" Her voice turned sharp with fury.
"No, he didn't do this. The situation is more complex than that."
