Rewrite the Apocalypse dream (by Dee Cari) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42 This is my sister Raven

“We actually made it,” Jolie sighed, leaning her head back against the seat. “No syndicates, no kidnappers, no-

Jolie froze. her jaw dropping slightly as her eyes locked onto the main concourse walkway leading toward their gate. She subtly nudged Joanna’s shoulder with her elbow.

“Okay, wow,” Jolie whispered, a playful, appreciative grin spreading across her face. “Don’t look now, but your new disciples have arrived. And holy smokes, Joanna… you didn’t mention he looked like that in the daylight.”

Joanna followed her gaze. Walking toward them through the crowd was Jake. He was carrying a sleek, heavy-duty tactical duffel bag over one shoulder, but even under a casual black jacket, his massive, athletic frame was completely undeniable. He moved with an effortless, protective stride, his eyes sharp and constantly sweeping the surrounding terminal for threats. Right beside him, holding his hand, was Raven, looking warm, completely safe, and infinitely better rested than she had the night before.

“I mean. I knew you said he was strong because he showed off some amazing fighting moves last night.” Jolie muttered under her breath, her tone laced with a mix of humor and genuine awe as the pair neared their seats. “But you forgot to mention that the man is absolutely gorgeous. If this is what your prophecies look like, I am officially a believer.”

Joanna stifled a laugh, shaking her head as she stood up to greet them. “Behave, Jolie.”

Jake spotted them, the tension in his sharp features visibly melting away into a relieved smile as he guided Raven over to their row. “Joanna,” he said, his deep, raspy voice drawing a subtle blink from Jolie. “We made it. No tails, no trouble.”

Jolie stood up immediately, extending a hand to Jake with a bright, welcoming smile. “Hi, I’m Jolie. Joanna’s logistical lifeline and the one who actually packed all the suitcases while she was out playing superhero last night.”

Jake let out a low laugh, his firm grip enveloping her hand. “Jake. And this is my sister, Raven.”

“Nice to meet you, Raven, Jolie said, offering a warm wave to the eleven-year-old before looking back up at Jake with a playful smirk. Just so you know, Joanna told me you were strong, but she left out the part where you look like a walking fitness magazine cover. If we run into mobsters in Aurora, I think we can just let you glare them back across the city line.”

Jake’s sharp features flushed slightly, a genuine grin breaking through his usual stoic expression. “I’ll do my best to keep the property values up and our neighborhood safe.”

“Good, because we’re neighbors now,” Jolie teased gently as the gate speaker suddenly crackled to life, announcing the first boarding call for their flight to Aurora. “Perfect timing. Let’s get out

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11:27 Sat, Oct 3

Chapter 42 This is my sister Raven

of this city.”

54

The group moved seamlessly through the priority boarding line, stowing their heavy carry-on bags in the overhead compartments. As the engines roared to life and the plane lifted off into the clear morning sky, the towering skyscrapers of Felton shrank into harmless, distant shapes below them. The flight itself was completely uneventful, giving everyone a much-needed chance to rest, sleep, and put the stress of the syndicate entirely behind them.

When the wheels touched down on the tarmac in Aurora, the contrast was immediate. The air was cleaner, the city was way smaller, and the heavy, claustrophobic tension of the big city was completely gone.

After gathering their mountain of luggage from the baggage claim carousel, they walked out to the designated transit lane and hailed a large passenger van cab. The driver loaded their suitcases into the trunk, and they all piled inside, watching the familiar, quiet streets of Aurora roll past the windows.

Ten minutes later, the cab pulled up to the front entrance of Joanna’s sleek, high-end apartment building. The afternoon sun cast a warm, welcoming light across the landscaped courtyard.

Once the cab driver unloaded their bags onto the sidewalk and drove away, Joanna reached into her secure jacket pocket. She pulled out the shiny brass keycard and the mailbox key. She retrieved the keycard and the set of keys that her real estate agent had left inside her secure mailbox just an hour earlier. “This apartment is secured 24 hours a day and no one can get in unless they have keys.” Joanna explained.

She turned to Jake, pressing the keys directly into his palm.

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