Chapter2 CORNERED AGAIN

Ryder’s POV “Psst… Ryder. Wake up. Come on, man.” I blinked. Pain roared back like a tidal wave. Chester’s voice was faint but urgent as he shook me gently. “Ryder, you’ve got to move before someone finds us again.” My ribs screamed in protest as I tried to sit up. “Ugh… remind me never to get on their radar again.” “You live on their radar,” Chester muttered, then sighed. “Come on. Can you walk?” “Not unless you carry me,” I croaked. Chester grimaced. “Suppressant shot. Just took it this morning. I’m too drained to even carry a water bottle.” Suppressants. Curse them. They made us look bloated, sluggish… human. But worse, for a short time after each dose, we were weak. Vulnerable. “Great timing,” I mumbled. “You’re lucky I even found you. I came to check when you didn’t return after class and got jumped on the way out.” Chester winced, holding his side. “They got you too?” I asked, guilt twisting in my chest. “Yeah. Same gang. They didn’t like me snooping around.” I dragged myself upr