Silenced Omega Chapter 31

Silenced Omega Chapter 31

“They found us.” He turned and helped Laney up. “We have to go.”

For the next three days, they hid in river valleys and forests.

Archer was skilled at setting traps and navigating by the stars.

He could hunt, and he knew where to find fresh water.

Laney watched him expertly dress a wild rabbit, and her heart was a tangle of emotions.

He never had to get involved in any of this.

At night, they took shelter in a cave.

The fire crackled. Archer handed her the grilled fish and ate only a small portion himself.

Late on the third night, Laney was roused from a shallow sleep by voices outside.

She opened her eyes and saw Archer rise quietly and slip out of the cave.

A sudden unease washed over her, and she followed him, hiding behind a tree.

In the moonlight, Archer was speaking in a low voice to a stranger.

“Archer, you’ve repaid your debt to her,” the man said urgently. “The Blackwoods and the Doyles are both looking for her. If you just give her back, they’ll leave you alone.”

“But if you keep hiding her, you’ll be making enemies of both families. Have you thought about what that means?”

Archer said nothing.

“Are you crazy?” the man hissed. “Is it worth it, for a woman who has nothing to do with you?”

“Give her back, and this will all be over.”

Laney leaned against the tree, her chest tight.

He was right.

What happened to her after she went back didn’t matter anymore.

But she couldn’t drag Archer down with her.

She turned to leave quietly.

Just then, Archer’s voice carried through the still night air.

“No.”