Sorry about the mix-up with Chapter 12! It's fixed now and you can go read it. Thanks to those that let me know!
"There's a laptop in the truck so you can keep track of where everyone is. The video footage will be linked to the cameras on the raptors." Doug informed me.
"Ok, thank you," I answered.
Doug left me alone at the truck and I took advantage of the moment alone. Wrapping my arms around my torso, I cried. I cried for the joy of having Maisie and the boys back with me. I cried for the loss of Beth. I cried for the fear of losing Owen as soon as the raptors were set loose. I cried for the unknown if any of us were going to survive. After a few minutes I composed myself to gather up the kids. My moment of weakness was over and I had to be the strong one now for both Owen and the kids.
I walked slowly towards the holding cage where the kids were talking to Owen through the bars. This was the closest I've ever been to the raptors. Every time I came to the paddock it was business and I was either in Owen's office or he met me at my car.
Owen's eyes met mine and he stepped away from the kids. I smiled at him and his shoulders relaxed.
"So," I started, "this is who you've been spending all your time with."
Owen immediately caught on to the flirtatious tone in my voice.
"What can I say," he answered, "she gets me." His face fell serious and my smile faded with his. "This isn't a good idea. Especially if it works."
Where did his confidence go? I was relying on his confidence to keep me sane. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach.
"Then don't do it. We will find another way."
He reached through the bars and laid his palm on my cheek. "I have to. If I don't do it these men will destroy my raptors and I can't sit back and watch that happen."
I nodded. "I understand."
"No," Maisie whimpered beside me. Our conversation finally sinking in as to what Owen was about to do.
Owen walked out of the cage and knelt down in front of Maisie. "I don't want you to be scared. You don't need to be."
"Don't go." She squeaked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You have been such a brave girl today. I couldn't be more proud of you. You know how much you fought to come back to mom and me?"
He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and she nodded, tears silently streaming down her face.
"Well, now it's my turn to fight to get back to you guys. I will do it, Maisie. I will come back to you."
I turned my back on them, trying to hold back the tears that were already overflowing.
"Can you be strong for me?" Owen asked her.
She was silent and I peeked over my shoulder. She was in his arms, crying into his neck.
"Hey," he gripped the tops of her arms so he could look into her eyes. "what's the one thing I taught you."
She smiled at that and wiped her cheeks dry. Her shoulders squared and she held her chin up high. "Fear doesn't win the fight." She proudly stated.
"That a girl." He pulled her in to kiss her forehead. "You're a Grady, kid. We know how to survive through anything." He nodded in my direction. "The Dearing in you makes you stubborn enough to never give up."
She gave a tight nod, confidence slowly flowing through her.
"Love you, daddy." She sighed and leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Always," he whispered back.
I couldn't hold back my sob. This was a saying they always spoke to each other after she was tucked into bed. I closed my eyes waiting for her response. The picture of them safe in her room filled the darkness behind my eyes. Maisie tucked safely in her bed. Owen leaning over her, making sure she had everything she needed. Happiness bubbled through them as they shared their personal saying.
Maisie matched my sob as she cried against him. "And forever." She answered into his neck.
I clapped my hands over my mouth to try and control my sobs. Owen was on his feet, pulling Maisie into his arms as he stood. His free hand fisted my hair at the back of my head and he slammed his lips against mine.
I opened my eyes when he pulled away with an unsteady breath. I caught the tears in his eyes as he placed Maisie down in front of me and turned to walk away.
No words were spoken between us, but I knew he had no more strength to speak. I sighed heavily and looked at the three kids in front of me. They looked at me for any type of reaction.
"Let's go." I fought with every fiber of my being to turn away from Owen. It felt like he was dragging a large part of me with him, pulling me in the direction he was walking. I had to fight the ties and step in the opposite direction the ties wanted me to go.
We walked silently towards the truck and I opened the back doors. "See," I pointed out. "Totally safe." I guided Zack in first, Gray followed quickly and I lifted Maisie up to Zach's outstretched arms.
Zach and Gray sat down in the two seats. Still holding onto Zach's hand, he pulled Maisie onto his lap.
"I'll be right up front," I motioned to the small window over their heads. "Just open that window."
Silently they each looked over their heads and back at me.
"Buckle up." I told them.
The three kids searched silently for a seatbelt coming up empty handed.
"Ok, just hold hands." I was at a loss. I had no idea what else to tell them to do.
Obeying my order, Maisie and Gray grabbed hands immediately, their eyes wide. I nodded and shut the back doors, locking them inside.
I bowed my beg, gripping the lock, praying that it would keep them safe. Making my way to the front seat, I paused as I saw Owen's motorcycle he must have requested arrive on a truck. I envied the men who went to retrieve it. I would give anything to be back at my house. To be leaning against the garage door impatiently tapping my foot, warning Owen that he's been out working on that damn motorcycle far too long. I wanted to see him smile over it and begging for a few more minutes. Promising he would be right behind me on my way to bed. Those days were gone now. Where we went from here, I didn't know. I couldn't think that far ahead. What would we do? Our entire life was in that house. Wedding photos, our wedding night was spent in the house, the moment I found out I was pregnant was there, Maisie's first step was in the back yard, her first words. We bought that house right before we got married. When we knew we wanted to settle here and create a life here. This was all we knew.
I was pulled from my thoughts at the rev of the motorcycle's engine. I scrambled into the truck and grabbed the laptop, flipping it open. Peeking out the window Owen was ready, singling to the kid on the platform to open the gates.
"Oh, God." I gasped when the four raptors were immediately at Owen's side. They didn't try to attack him. They moved together as one. In this moment Owen was one of them.
"Your husband is a badass." Zach said through the window watching the screen on my lap.
Maisie giggled.
I smiled. He wasn't wrong. Whether this worked or not I was proud of Owen's courage. This was a side of him I've never seen before and I found it extremely attractive.
I followed whichever raptor had Owen in view, sad to admit I didn't care where anyone else was. Owen was my only concentration.
Owen slowed down with the raptors just ahead of him. They came to a stop. This was it. They found the Indominus.
"Oh, no." Maisie whispered over my shoulder.
I reached up behind me for the door to the window. "Ok, no, no no. You guys are not going to watch this. Keep the window closed."
They complained as I shut the window, but my decision was final. I couldn't have them watch whatever was going to happen. I didn't even want to watch, but I needed to keep an eye on Owen. As long as I knew he was ok, I could keep breathing.