Chapter 228

Jacob's Perspective On the afternoon of the third day, when I spotted the two familiar, mud-spattered SUVs coming down the highway from the edge of the woods, their headlights flashing three times as arranged, I damn near got choked up. They'd actually come. All of them. Xavier was the first out, his massive frame making the chassis bounce. He strode over and punched my shoulder with a grin. "Well, look what the cat dragged in. Our little stray pup. Looks like you got into a scrap with a raccoon." He was referring to the cuts and scrapes on my neck and hands. Adrian was more reserved with a nod, but his eyes were sharp, scanning the surroundings. The twins, Jim and Joe, were already poking around our wrecked Chevy like a pair of curious hounds, whistling low. "Whoa, man. This thing got gutted. You two walked away from this?" Finally, Lily stepped out. Dressed in practical cargo pants and boots, her hair in a tight ponytail, she looked me over