My head was spinning after listening to what Mason and Mady had to say. Reaching the front door, only a few feet away was my Sam. I had to stop and pull myself together, I had to get a grip of my own emotions that were flying all over. Wanting to take all her hurt and agony away, the admiration I felt for this woman grew to levels I never thought possible. Her strength to make it through what she had to endure on her own was mind-blowing. Understanding her was a lot easier now, especially when it came to accepting help and allowing herself to get close to people. She lost her entire family.

Finally composed, I walked out to the smell of fear, desperation, and hopelessness. Looking at her, she was staring into nothingness. Slowly walking over, I knelt down in front in front of her so I would not startle her. Eyes coming to focus, she met my gaze and tried to pull off a smile that looked even more depressing than her staring off.

Pulling herself up, I helped then sat next to her putting an arm around her shoulders. "Pretty shitty day huh?" I said, breaking the silence. 

Letting out a small laugh before she sighed, "You could definitely say that." Cuddling closer, "I don't really want to talk about any of it right know, if that's OK?"

"I'm here if you do or when you do," I offered, and then kissed the top of her head and rubbed her arm. Sitting in silence, feeling her relax in my arms as the minutes floated by. Keeping an ear on what was going on in the house, I heard Jack say it was time to call Lawrence and head to the clearing.

Scooping Sam in my arms, standing getting ready to bring her in the house not wanting her out here alone when we left, she started to protest but I cut her off. "This is for me more than you so Shh, and deal with it," I said, opening the door. That was mostly true, and I knew that by saying it was for him she wouldn't protest.

Making it halfway up the stairs before hearing Mason's soft growl from below. "Tell Jack I will be right down," was all he said keeping the same pace as I walked up the stairs.

Laying her down in the bed the emptiness I felt as her arms no longer wrapped securely around my neck almost stopped me from leaving. There was business we needed to attend. I knew Sam would be safe here so that helped. I would also want the same respect from the Lions if the roles were reversed. Pulling a throw blanket that was at the foot of the bed over her, moving the hair off her face.

"Thank you," she said, voice rasping from crying.

"I'll be back soon." Kissing her the tip of her nose then sorrowfully headed back down stairs.