Chasing the storm

Chapter 18: The Monster Inside Him

(Sienna's POV )

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I couldn't stop shaking.

Even after we left the fire station.

Even after we returned to the gas station.

Even after Rowan washed the blood off his hands like it was nothing.

I couldn't shake the image of him swinging that axe.

The blood splattering.

The rage in his eyes.

The way he didn't stop.

I'd seen Rowan angry before. Seen him reckless, dangerous, even violent.

But this?

This was different.

He hadn't just been fighting to survive.

He had been out for blood.

And the worst part?

I wasn't sure if I was more scared of him… or for him.

The tension between us was suffocating.

I wanted to talk to him.

I wanted to ask him if he was okay, if he felt anything about what he did back there.

But I didn't.

Because deep down?

I wasn't sure I wanted to hear his answer.

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The wind slammed against the gas station like a monster trying to tear through the walls.

I hugged my arms, staring at the rain hammering against the windows.

Caleb's team was late.

Too late.

Every second that passed twisted the anxiety inside me tighter.

"We need to go find them," I said, looking at Oliver. "They should've been back by now."

Oliver nodded, grabbing his coat. "I'll go with you."

Rowan stepped forward, blocking the door. "No one's going anywhere."

I shot him a glare. "We're not just sitting here while Caleb and Ava—"

"They're not dead, Sienna," Rowan cut me off, voice sharp. "Not yet."

I swallowed hard. "And if they will be by the time we decide to move?"

His eyes darkened. "I'm not losing anyone else."

Something in his tone made my stomach drop.

I wanted to argue. I wanted to push past him and leave anyway.

But before I could—

The door flew open.

A gust of wind blasted through the gas station, sending loose papers flying.

And then—

Caleb stumbled inside.

Blood.

Dirt.

Soaking wet, barely standing.

Ava was beside him, sobbing, gripping his arm as she helped him walk.

Mia..was.. Soaked and tired

Mia mumbled.. " I'm going to get some sleep.. I'm tired.. I'll talk with you later."

The second I saw them, I felt my heart drop.

"Oh my God—Caleb!" I rushed forward, grabbing his other side.

His face was pale, his jacket torn, his lip busted, blood streaking down his temple.

"What the hell happened?" Rowan asked, stepping forward.

Caleb barely lifted his head. "The storm. We—we were coming back. Ava… she almost got pulled under."

Ava let out a choked sob, clinging to his arm. "He saved me."

Rowan's jaw clenched. "And you almost died doing it."

Caleb let out a breathless laugh. "Yeah, well… you're not the only one who's reckless, Carter."

Rowan didn't smile.

Didn't react.

His eyes stayed locked on Caleb, calculating.

I ignored them both. "He needs to sit. Now."

I helped Ava get Caleb onto one of the old mattresses we'd set up in the back of the gas station.

His breathing was ragged, his hands trembling from the cold.

I didn't hesitate.

I grabbed the first aid kit and knelt beside him.

"This might sting," I muttered, pressing a clean cloth to the wound on his forehead.

Caleb hissed but didn't move away.

I felt Rowan's gaze burning into me.

I ignored it.

He had his chance to act like he cared.

Right now?

Caleb needed me.

Ava sniffled, holding her brother's hand. "I told you to let me go first," she whispered. "You didn't have to—"

"Of course, I did," Caleb murmured. "You're my sister."

Her eyes watered, and she squeezed his hand tighter.

I pressed my lips together. That was family.

That was love.

Risking your life without hesitation, not because you wanted to prove something, but because you couldn't stand the idea of losing them.

I glanced at Rowan.

He was still standing there, arms crossed, watching.

He looked…

Unsettled.

For once, he didn't have a cocky smirk.

Didn't make some smart-ass remark.

And that scared me more than anything else.

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