I stare my brother in the eyes as he cocks the gun and fires.
Chapter Fifty
Logan
AssoonasIpull up to Salena’s, I notice her door slightly ajar. With a heavy sense of dread in my chest, I let out a deep sigh and climb out of the car. A prickling sensation washes over me, making the hairs on my arms stand up, and instantly I’m on alert. Something is wrong. I know it. There is an unnatural stillness in the air. I begin to ascend the steps, and hear the loud screeching of brakes as Kai’s pickup pulls into the parking lot. Kai and Felix leap from the truck, their feet landing on the snow covered ground.
“Is she here?” Felix says as they approach.
“I just got here,” I reply.
I take deep breaths, trying desperately to remain calm as I scan the area. Salena is fine. She knows the dangers. She wouldn’t put herself in harm’s way. Felix races up the steps and is gone less than ten seconds before he bounds back down.
“She’s not here.”
Kai opens his mouth and curses, kicking the wheel of his truck. A gunshot rings out from the woods, like a crack of thunder. We all exchange looks before taking off. The snow is fresh and deep, which means we have tracks to follow, but also means we can’t get much momentum.
My breath comes out in short, white puffs as we sprint toward the sound of the gunshot. Up ahead, I hear snarling and put on a burst of speed. Kai is in front of me, Felix to my left. We burst into a small clearing, and come to a stop. A tall man who resembles Kai stands a few feet away from Salena, gun aimed at her head.
I unclip my gun without thought and fire, shooting the hand holding the gun. Kai and Felix move faster than humanly possible, tackling the man to the ground. They struggle, and I hear the gun go off again. Felix sags. I sprint over, gun raised.
“Kai, move!” I shout.
He backs up with a feral expression on his face. His eyes dart to Salena who is pushing her way to her feet. Samuel throws back his head and laughs hysterically, his knees still pressed into the cold ground. I keep my gun trained on him as I look at Salena.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
I falter when her eyes meet mine. She’s in pain. A lot of pain. Blood covers the front of her body, and a steady stream of it trickles from between her fingers, which are pressed to her stomach.
Salena’s eyes widen, and I swing my gaze back to Samuel as he raises his gun. Two shots ring out. One mine, and one Samuel’s. Salena is in front of me in a flash, her blue eyes fixed on mine as the bullet strikes her back.
“NO!” I grab her as her legs give out and we go to the ground. “Shit!”
For a moment, I glance up and spot a gray and white wolf lunging toward Samuel, its teeth fiercely gripping his neck. I look away, blocking out the noise and focus fully on Salena. Before nausea could take over and send me back into my memories.
Salena slowly blinks those beautiful, sparkling turquoise eyes at me. Blood coats her lips, and she reaches up to touch my face. The world around me blurs at the edges as I concentrate on Salena.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
“It’s okay,” I reply, stroking her face.
“I love you, detective.”
My heart gives a heavy thump at her words, and I drop my forehead to hers. “I love you, too.” When I pull back, her eyes are closed. Panic hits me full force.
No. No. Please don’t let her be dead.I gently stroke her cheek. “Salena, baby. Wake up.”
My heart is racing, and my limbs feel like they're buzzing with energy from the surge of adrenaline. The biting cold of the snow does nothing to numb the anger and fear rising inside me. She has to be okay. I can’t lose her. My hand trembles against her cheek, giving away my rising anxiety.
Felix's feet crunch in the snow as he walks up to me, my wild eyes lock on his. I search behind him for Kai, but I can’t see him anywhere.
“Where’s Kai?” I yell.
“Gone to get help,” Felix says, looking pale and in shock.
“What about the wolf?” I ask, looking behind me.
But it’s gone.
