Chapter 36: Amherst, Virgina

The morning broke with the low rumble of engines and the steady beat of marching boots. George's eyes flickered open to the sound, his mind still groggy from sleep, but his instincts kicking in quickly. He glanced around the dim light of the barn, taking in the sight of his three women curled up beside him.

Lucy, who had shifted in the night, lay sprawled across his chest, her blonde hair sticking up in all directions in what could only be described as a serious case of bed head. She snored softly, completely unaware of the noise outside.

Raven, ever the alert one, had already stirred. Her dark eyes cracked open, and she was watching the door, her body tense beneath the blanket, ready for action at a moment's notice. Beside her, Jackie was curled up on her side, her hand still gripping her gun beneath her jacket, though she hadn't fully woken yet.