Sera moved toward the foyer as Mike shut out the blasting wind. Doug turned to look at her but didn't stop her. "Come on in."
Mike frowned at her. "I told you to stay in the living room."
"Don't start, Mike," she muttered.
He shook his head as he grabbed her shoulders, turned her around, and gave her a nudge forward. "Come on, let's get David warm."
She scowled at Mike's highhanded manner and shot him a look. She would have argued with him, but the pleading look in his eyes froze her words. He was just trying to make sure she stayed safe. She glanced over her shoulder as Doug clasped hands with David and slapped him on the shoulder.
"Where are Liam and Jack?" David inquired.
"They went to look for Beth. They've been gone all day."
Sera settled back onto the couch as Doug came into the room, followed by a very wet, very unhappy looking David. His boots clumped loudly over the hardwood floor as he settled into the recliner.
Tall and athletically built, David’s light blond hair was wet and windblown. It added a boyish charm to his angled face. His eyes were a brilliant electric blue. His lips were thick, and a deep ruby red that were now chapped and sore looking. His nose was elegantly carved, but it was the only thing about him that wasn't perfect. It had been broken at one point, and was a little crooked, but it only seemed to add to his appeal.
He was almost as good looking as Liam, and Sera found herself staring at him in astonishment. She looked over at Kathleen and Danielle, who were both gaping at him. "This is Kathleen, Danielle, and Sera," Mike introduced as he gestured at them. "This is David."
"Well now," David said as he glanced at them. "Don't we all look cozy."
"Oh yeah," Danielle replied sarcastically. "We're a happy bunch!"
"How far did you have to ski?" Doug asked as he helped David struggle out of his boot.
"About ten miles. Freaking roads are a mess. Shit Doug, leave my feet attached to my body!"
"Sorry," he muttered.
Sera watched in amusement as Doug and David tugged and pulled at the boots. Finally, they managed to get them off. David pulled his leg up and began to massage his feet. "Do you have any dry clothes?" Mike asked.
"My bag by the door. I'll get them when I can feel my hands and feet again." David looked them all over again. "Which one of you is Liam's girlfriend?" Sera raised an eyebrow as his eyes settled on her. "You?"
"Yes."
David studied her a minute longer before turning away. Sera scowled at him. She had the distinct feeling he wanted to say or do something but hadn't.
"Hey!" Kathleen shouted. "I do recall a promise that revolved around this man!"
Sera closed her eyes and shoved the blanket off her. "We'll wait until Liam gets back," Mike said.
"We've been waiting all day! I'm tired of waiting!"
"He'll be back soon," Doug said.
"I don't care!"
Sera stood up, suddenly exceptionally pissed off. She was tired of Kathleen's demands and tired of all the lies. She was tired of being worried about Liam, tired of staring at the clock and not having him return. She needed him here. She felt as if a part of her was missing without him. She paced over to the window. It had grown dark out, but she could still see snowflakes as they continued to fall.
"How much snow is out there?" she inquired.
"About three feet," David replied absently.
Sera closed her eyes. Where was he?
"Would someone please tell us something," Danielle pleaded.
Sera turned and walked out of the room. "Where are you going?" Mike demanded.
"Bathroom!" she called over her shoulder.
She walked right past the bathroom and into the kitchen. Hastily lacing up her boots, she grabbed her jacket and slid it on. She suddenly couldn't stand being in the cabin one minute longer. She didn't care what Liam had said, he left her here, and she needed to get out before she went insane. Flinging the back door open, she plunged into the thigh-high snow. The wind howled around her, and the frigid air seared her lungs as she trudged toward the woods.
"Sera!" Mike yelled as she made it to the edge of the woods. "Sera! Get back here!"
She deftly ignored him as she plunged into the forest. Her breath came in ragged pants, and her legs ached from trying to get through the thick snow, but she forced herself to keep going. Suddenly, her foot got caught on a tree branch. With a cry, she fell into the snow. Her fingers were cold and raw as they buried into it. She clawed at it as tears of frustration blurred her eyes. With a muffled cry, she collapsed, not caring about the cold as it seeped into her bones. She was just glad to be free.
"Goddamn it!" Mike roared as he shoved his way through the tree branches toward her. "What are you doing?"
"I needed to get out of that cabin. I couldn't take anymore of the anger," she answered. He loomed over her, a sinister scowl on his face as he planted his hands on his hips. She couldn't help but laugh at him.
His scowl deepened as he stared at her in disbelief. "I'm glad you think this is funny. Are you trying to kill me?"
"Of course not."
"Liam will kill me once he finds out you did this! Sera, get up!"
"He's not going to care."
"Not going to care! He's going to rip my head off! I found her!" he called out as footsteps sounded to their left.
"Is he coming back?" she asked.
"Of course he is."
Sera found herself unable to meet his gaze. "He's been gone a long time, Mike, I'm worried."
"There's nothing to worry about; now come on, get up."
She had to gather her courage for her next question. It was something that had been nagging at her all day. Finally deciding the best way to
