I was jealous. Something fractured between Dec and I when Sal came to town and I’d learned the truth.
I’d felt alone.
Orphaned.
Now I had Jackson.
My brother.
Lights ahead shined like a beacon. Motorcycles stood at the ready as we passed by without much thought. I looked over my shoulder to see them pull into the formation and that was when I saw him.
Morpheus.
The roar of their engines announced their presence, as Morpheus sped forward, cutting in front of us. And while Jackson might not want to admit it, I saw it for what it was.
A father protecting his son the only way he could. The only way Jackson would allow. And I knew, if my own father were here, he would do the same. And I would let him. Because Grace meant everything to me. She was my peace. My place to rest. I couldn’t live this life without her, not anymore.
The sun had barely begun to peek out of the darkness as we reached the falls. We climbed to the top, not caring if they heard our approach. They knew we were coming. They thought they would win.
I saw her standing by the edge, Skinner’s hand wrapped tightly around her arm. I saw him scanning the bikes, and his face turned angry when he didn’t see what he wanted.
Who he wanted.
I slowed my bike, not bothering with the key. I launched myself off, letting it drive on without me until it fell. My legs burned as I ran toward Grace.
I heard my brother scream, “KARLYN!” as Vulture pushed her over the edge. I raised my gun; one shot was all I needed.
“GRACE!”
Skinner paled, then he shoved her over the side of the waterfall and reached for his gun, but the bullet had already left the chamber and embedded into his neck. I tossed the gun aside, as bullets flew around me. My brothers fighting to take out as many men as they could.
My only thought was Grace. My legs burned, my shoulders tight as I wrestled with my cut, dropping it to the ground as I dove over the side after her.
Chapter Thirty-One
Grace
TRIGGER WARNING:This chapter contains depictions of graphic sexual violence including gang rape. This can be upsetting to readers. Please use your judgment before continuing. Your mental health is more important than the story
Following the shootout and kidnapping...
The sound of angry voices hung on the edge of my consciousness. My head pounded, but when I opened my eyes, my body stiffened. I couldn’t see. There was something over my head, and everything came flooding back.
The look on Karlyn’s face when I told her what I had planned to do. The call from Beck that Maureen was in labor. The sound of the window breaking as a bullet went through it into Johnny’s chest.
Johnny!
His voice was barely a whisper as he told me to run. Only, I couldn’t move. My knees were locked in place until the back door opened and men rushed in.
The sound of terror pierced the small shop, and my body shook when I realized that it had come from me. Men I didn’t recognize rushed forward, grabbing my arm. As they pulled me toward the back, I screamed again. I clawed at the iron grip that held my wrist.
I dug in my heels against the wooden floor, praying the others would come in and save us. I knew they were out there. But the sound of gunfire told me they weren’t coming. There were too many enemies and not enough Shadows. This was my fault. I never should have left, but I let my emotions, my anger, and my pride get the better of me.
This was what he was afraid of. This was why he was so controlling. He’d known they would never stop coming for me. Now they were here.
My hand shot out, trying to hurt the man who dragged me. It was no use. I knew I was no match for them. But I fought just the same. Leaning over, I bit his hand. When he let go and pulled his hand back, I took my shot and tried to slip away. I didn’t get far before another one grabbed me. When I screamed again, he punched me in the face.
The next thing I knew was darkness.
