Chapter 47

Big Boy Pants.

Matteo stayed crouched at her side, his palms firm over the dressing, his weight balanced like he was part of the debris himself, ready to take a hit if it meant keeping that rebar from shifting.

“I’ve got her,” I said, sliding my arms under Sage, mindful of every angle, every jutting shard around us. Her head lolled against my shoulder, hair gritty with dust, skin pale beneath the grime.

“Keep her torso steady,” Matteo warned, moving with me in lockstep, his hands never leaving her wound. The pressure he kept was relentless, and I knew it had to be agony for her, but she didn’t make a sound. We maneuvered toward the gap Liam had cleared, my boots skidding on loose concrete. The air in here was hot and stale, the dust thick enough to scrape my throat raw. Above us, another groan ripped through the structure.

“Move, Conner,” Matteo urged, voice low but urgent.

We crouched, twisting just enough to make it through the jagged opening. Matteo went first, still holding pressure, guiding me step by step. I followed, Sage’s limp weight in my arms, the rebar anchored in place like a cruel handle I couldn’t touch. The moment we reached the shaft of light, fresh air hit my lungs, sharp, cold, real. Liam’s hands were there instantly, gripping my arm, pulling us through as the rubble shifted again behind us.

“Go, go!” Liam shouted.