Chapter 43: The Father, Part 2

Kade turns to stone against me, and it lifts the hairs on the back of my neck. He waits for a beat as if imagining the sound. Another round of knocks rips him from the bed. He swears and swipes a hand over his face.

"Give me your shirt," he demands, and I sit up and grip the hem.

"What? Why?"

"No time to explain."

He helps the shirt over my head, and I fold my arms over my breasts, drawing my knees up. Kade grips me by my biceps and pushes me down.

"Pretend to be asleep."

His breath leaves him in a quick, panicked pant as he pushes my knees down and covers me with the blanket. Fear trickles through my veins.

"Kade, what's happening?"

He slaps his hand over my mouth and brings his lips to my ear. "This is life or death. Pretend to be asleep. Don't open your eyes, no matter what you hear. Do you understand?"