Chapter Twenty-One ~ Aspen ~   I sat on the dirt ground with my back pressed firmly against a large rock. This is where I’d been for what felt like hours now. I was just watching. Watching everyone distribute food and supplies for the evening, watching some talk and laugh while others looked overwhelmed. Despite my conversation with E earlier, I didn’t feel like I belonged here. All these people are a family, and they probably wouldn’t be too willing to add on another member like me.  Now, almost everyone had turned in for the night. There were a couple people wandering around here or there, not doing anything of importance. I hadn’t seen E or any of the guys for quite a while. After talking to E, I’d made some random excuse and found this secluded spot to sit and think by myself. I had

 Chapter Twenty-Three~ Aspen ~  Despite my attempts at arguing, the boys insisted that we leave right now. I was exhausted after my little adventure with Grey. Using my powers always took a lot out of me, probably because I didn’t do it often. If there was one thing most people could agree on, it was that everyone has the right to make their own choices. My power takes that away. That’s why I hate it. I wasn’t beating myself up too much, because I knew those men were going to hurt us, but I still didn’t like it. We could’ve found a different solution, but I panicked and that was the easiest way to get us out.  I had the urge to pack a bag. It’s what I've done ea

Chapter Twenty-Five~ Aspen ~  I let go of Gracie and pushed past Will and E, determined to find Jax and Grey. There was no way I was letting them get stuck in that forest after everything. It would be my fault for suggesting this stupid place. I heard faint voices calling my name, but I wasn’t going to stop for anything. Not when there was an innocent family, including a baby, at risk. My eyes stung as I ran into the smokey tree line. I brought my arm up to cover my mouth and nose, but it did little to help.Visibility was practically nonexistent as I moved further in. My clothes felt sticky as the raging heat wrapped around me. I kept moving. It was the only thing I could do. Since I was practically running blind, I let my instincts guide me. Sudd

  Chapter Twenty-Seven ~ Aspen ~   I sighed tiredly as I switched a load of clothes from the washer to the dryer. Both had been running almost constantly since we arrived a week ago. Everyone had settled into their new home as if they’d always been here. They were enjoying the amenities I’d always taken for granted like clean clothes, hot food, and a warm shower for the first time. It was actually really endearing to watch their faces light up with each new luxury. I hadn’t gotten much rest. Each day, making sure everyone was okay and knew how to use everything around them took up all of my time. I saw E the most, and that was only for a quick check in once a day. I honestly had no idea what the others were doing. Will and Jax were usually off somewhere goofing around or stoppin

 Chapter Twenty-Nine~ Aspen ~ “That was a bit mean, don’t you think?” I asked Grey once E and Will were out of earshot.He bent down to pick up a pair of boxing gloves that they’d left on the squishy floor. It was a weird mixture of rubber and plastic that almost bounced under our weight. “Lexa doesn’t take care of herself.” He held the gloves out for me to take. “So I usually have to.” I nodded in understanding and slipped my hands into the gloves. Even if that wasn’t true, I knew Grey felt responsible for everyone under this roof. He did have a soft spot for E, though. The two of them were close in their own weird wa