#Chapter 522: Not Her

Nina “Wait! Wait, I’m coming with you!” At the sound of the familiar voice, both my mother and I whipped our heads around toward the noise. A moment later, I saw a lanky male form and a head of tawny hair break through the woods. “Tyler?” my mother and I said in unison as he ran toward us, a bag slung over his shoulder. “Don’t leave without me,” he pleaded without preamble, coming to a breathless halt in front of us. “Please, I want to come with you.” My mother and I looked at each other, each too shocked to speak at first. Finally, my mother stepped forward and shook her head. “No. Absolutely not, Tyler,” she said, grabbing his arm to stop him from going. “This isn’t safe.” “Mom, I’ll be fine.” Tyler ripped his arm away from her and stepped forward, leveling me with a stern gaze as he adjusted his bag on his shoulder. “Please, Nina. I can help you.” My eyes were as wide as saucers. “Tyler, I…” I swallowed, glancing at our mother and then over at Luke, who was s