I grab Isla’s bag from her, hefting it over my shoulder with little effort, while Sawyer hoists his own, and we head out. I lead the way downstairs, and that’s when I hear the shouting. Shit. I glance back at Avery, who clearly has also heard it, with a worried look crossing her face.
We rush down the stairs, the kids close behind, and Theo directly behind them. When we reach the bottom, everyone is running. “Kids to the fucking basement,” Bullet barks. “We don’t have time to get them out.”
“What?” Avery breathes, shock and panic filling her voice.
“Shit.”
I grab Isla, lifting her into my arms, then wrap an arm around Avery’s waist and run. Isla lets out a small screech, while Avery doesn’t bother to struggle—but the glare she gives me could peel paint.
I glance behind me and see Sawyer and Theo running close behind. Sawyer’s face is grim and a little pale, but he’s not freaking out.
Kid’s got nerves of steel and knows how to think on his feet.
If he wants to be a brother when he’s older, we’ll be lucky to have him.
We race to the basement and down to the safe room we built. Nothing and no one will be getting inside. We’ve seen to that. I turn to let Sawyer and Theo inside, then I walk in, deposit Isla on her feet, and then Avery. Before Avery can yell at me, I cup her face and kiss her mouth hard, silencing her.
I pour everything I have into it—desire, desperation, and reassurance. She sinks into me, kissing me back, gripping the bottom of my shirt.
When I pull back, she gives me a dazed look.
“Medic will come and get you if he needs you,” I rasp, taking in her glazed expression. It makes me want to kiss her again—just once more—to leave with the taste of her on my lips.
But I don’t have time.
So I just hold her tight and turn to look at Sawyer and Isla.
“I’ll be back to get you all. Listen to Theo.”
Theo gives me a look that promises he’ll protect them, his gaze hard and steady.
I glance at Avery and see her watching me, confused.
“I want you safe, so you’re staying in here until Medic needs you. I’ll come back to get you, angel. This time, it’s my turn to save you.”
I let her go, and she just stares at me—but I hear her scream my name when I walk out and shut the door behind me.
Crypt’s been given the code to get in with Rose and Thea when he gets down here.
If I survive what’s coming, I’ll have to worry about surviving Avery and her wrath.
CHAPTER FORTY
HULK
What the fuck just happened?
They don’t even tryto hide they’re coming. The black SUVs come to a halt at the bottom of the driveway, blocking the entrance and exit from the main road. A strategic move, especially with the roar of motorcycles coming directly up behind it. Our guns raise the moment they stop and the doors open. Soldiers emerge from everywhere, and then I hear Bullet mutter, “We’re surrounded. More just came out of the trees from the direction of Stone and Syn’s property.”
“Don’t see the Misfits yet,” Sniper whispers.
Seconds later, Arson, Silver, and the others in their crew emerge from behind the SUVs, cynical smiles on their faces. Like they’ve won something. The fuckers. I want to blow their faces off, but I keep my composure. I’m going to need every element of surprise I can.
Finally, two more doors open, and out emerges Vlad and Nikolai. Vlad has a look of utter calm on his face, while Nikolaihas no expression at all. He positions himself behind Vlad, his eyes taking us all in calculatingly. No doubt trying to figure out which of us is going to shoot first.
“Bullet,” Vlad says smoothly. “It’s a shame, really, that it’s come to this. All you had to do was play nicely and do as we asked, and none of this would be happening.” Bullet says nothing, gun steady as it aims at Vlad. A small flash of annoyance moves across Vlad’s face before he continues, “I see that your manners haven’t gotten any better, have they?” Again, he’s met with silence. “I think it’s clear to see that you’ve lost, Bullet. All of you. You sent your women away, your children, but none of them are safe. All of them will suffer the same fate. We’re a big fan of leaving no stones unturned.” His eyes move to me. “And that includes the woman and two brats trying to take shelter with you here.” His lips pull up into a cold, sinister smile. “I have plans for them, you know. I’ll make sure that they all know it all lies on your shoulders.”
I give him nothing, even as rage builds inside me. The man is going to do anything to get under my skin. Anything to make me react irrationally. Good thing the military worked that out of me a long time ago.
