Say It’s Forever (Fate #1)

Chapter 9

9

GARRETT

I scoop Snow into my arms and carry her to my bed. We sat on the couch for a while after I fed her, and she continued to tell me more about Heaven's Temple. I am going to burn that place to the fucking ground as soon as I get the chance.

I lay her down and pull a blanket over her. In my bed, she looks smaller and more vulnerable. I brush my fingers across her forehead to move some of her hair that has fallen onto her face. Bear jumps up on the bed, going to the end to sleep by her feet. He’s as enamored as I am with our snow angel.

I fucking hate to think about how she grew up and what she endured. I know she didn’t tell me everything. There were moments when I could see she felt shame about her upbringing, as if she was somehow responsible for it. That gutted me. What she didn’t understand yet was that because of her, soon that place would be nothing but ash.

Unable to help myself, I lean down and brush my mouth against her. She lets out a little sigh. “Garrett.” Snow mutters my name in her sleep. I close my eyes, my chest growing tight. No clue what she has done to me, but there is no going back. My whole world is going to change, and for once, I want that. Snow has knocked something loose inside of me.

I give Bear a head rub, leaving him to watch over our angel while I dig into Heaven’s Temple. I’ll have to reach out to my brother at some point. He already knows something is up. He sensed it when he called me. I can never hide shit from him. Not that I wanted to; I just wanted Snow to myself for a bit longer. I understand it's selfish, but with the raging snowstorm outside, there's not much I can do right now.

If it were solely a kill mission, the weather would be ideal, but it's not. This is going to be a rescue with likely a few kills along the way. Joseph is at the top of my list. Regarding Snow's father, I have yet to make a definitive decision on how I’m going to handle him. I will have to get a sense from Snow in regards to him.

I pull up my email and a secure line. Ace and I might be able to get in and shut shit down, but we’ll need help afterward. These women and children will require a safe haven. Heaven’s Temple is all they’ve known their entire lives. They will need time to get acclimated to the outside world.

I reach out to a few of the men I used to work with outside of the government, and then I reach out to a few higher-ups who are employed by the government. I don’t know how deep this cult might go, but it would likely only be local. There's no way they have enough money to buy off senators.

When I’m done, I clear everything out. I should have responses in the morning. I open the trick door in my office and punch in the code for the safe room. It’s not big, at six feet by eight. I didn't design it as a panic room, although it could serve that purpose. It’s where I keep all my weapons from the days I worked as a mercenary.

I pop in a few clips and do a count. I still have my handgun tucked into the back of my pants. I grab another two to place throughout the house just in case. When it comes to Snow, I am going to be prepared for anything that might come our way. I’m not taking any damn chances. Her safety is my top priority. In fact, at some point I may have to teach her how to use a gun herself. I have no idea what these people are capable of, but I know what I would do if they had Snow hidden away in their home, out of my reach. The lengths I’d go to in order to get inside and get her back.

I need to keep those kinds of thoughts in check. So far, I've been lucky with not having scared Snow. When she saw me put my fist through the wall, I was certain that I was fucked. This girl has been through so much but is still so damn sweet.

When I make it back to the bedroom, Bear is still lying at her feet. I put my gun on the nightstand before pulling my shirt off. Normally I’d sleep in my boxers, but that’s not a good idea tonight. I find some gym shorts to put on before I get into bed next to her.

I roll to my side to watch her. I left the bathroom light on in case she wakes up. I don't want her to be scared. My fingers itch to pull her into me. There is no way I’m going to get any sleep tonight. Not with how my mind is going over everything.

At least, that's what I thought until Snow rolls over and presses her small body against my side. Fuck it. I wrap my arm around her, holding her close. I feel myself start to relax. Somehow, I manage to fall asleep.

When I wake hours later, Snow has her head on my chest, one of her legs thrown over mine. Her delicate hand lies on my shoulder. I want to reach down and adjust my cock, but if I move, I might wake her. Snow needs her rest, and fuck am I enjoying the feel of her on me.

I hate people in my space, but Snow could crawl inside of me if she wanted. God knows I want to be inside of her.

"No," Snow whispers, her legs shifting. Her eyes remain closed, her brows furrowed together. "Please don't." Her words come out in a plea, and I know she's dreaming.

"Snow." I gently stroke my hand down her back, wanting to pull her from the nightmare. She tenses before her eyes fly open. I let my hold of her go when she starts to sit up, not wanting her to feel trapped. The last thing I want is for Snow to be scared of my bed. I only want her to feel safe here.

"Garrett," she breathes out my name like a prayer.

“I’m here.” I sit up. My hand goes to her cheek. I don't know why, but I always feel the need to touch her cheek. Each time, she leans into my touch. I’m not sure if I’m comforting her or she is me. “You all right?”

“I’m better.” She gives me a small smile. “I'm happy to wake up here, but knowing my sister is still there haunts me.”

“I’ll get her out. I promise.”

“Maybe I’m still dreaming.” Snow gently rests her hand on my chest.

If we're dreaming, then I don't want to wake up.