The blond woman screams and turns her gun on me. I’m still in shock. Not having the wherewithal to move out of the line of fire, I stand here blinking.
My mother places the bloody axes on her back and pulls two pistols to start clearing out the place. She’s amazing.
Remember, if I can’t fix this and keep it away from you, I will be there when you need me most.
“No,” Cole roars, pulling me from my shock.
I feel the impact of the bullet just before he knocks me to the ground with his big body. He pulls one of the guns from my thigh and begins to fire at the blond.
She grabs one of her men by his hair and tugs him in front of her like a shield as she backs away and continues to fire at us. Her human shield jerks in front of her as Cole fills him with holes.
Her gun jams or something, causing her to curse and toss it aside, not that her aim is any good anyway. With the gun forgotten, she drops the guy’s body and turns to run. Cole lifts from on top of me and begins to check me over.
“I’m fine. She caught me in the vest,” I say to ease his panic.
He stands and lifts me in his arms. “Put me down. We’re outnumbered. I need to help.”
“Who says we’re outnumbered?” Logan’s voice comes through the comms.
The sound of the gunfire shifts. I peek around Cole to see Logan, LaSalle, Dylan, Jamie, the Blacks, McGowans, and my uncles rushing the building as they join the Bellas to clear the place out.
“You and Cole get out of here. We’ve got this,” my mum says into the earpiece.
“I was wondering when ye were going to show up,” Uncle Ewan says.
“I’ve been around, but today my baby needed me,” Mum replies.
CHAPTER 51
Gun Smoke
Onyx
Present day ...
I wakewith a smile on my face. I have way more to smile about these days. Spending time with Deja and my grandbabies is the highlight of my life.
“Time to go check on my wee monster,” I say to myself as I stretch my arms over my head.
I told Deja not to worry about the kids today. I know it’s not her real wedding, but she can still enjoy as much of the experience as possible. Besides, I can handle getting three little ones ready for the day.
I’ll start with Patrick. I can’t wait to see my handsome boy in his little tux. I’ve missed out on so much, but getting to be there when my grandson was born meant everything to me. Patrick Ian O’Brien is the most precious baby ever.
That smile melts my heart whenever I see it. Deja is such a good mother. I’m proud of Cole too.
He’ll do anything for my daughter and their kids. I know Ian would be proud of him. He reminds me a lot of his grandfather.
While lost in my thoughts of how Ian Black’s plans have all begun to come into fruition, I shower and get myself ready first. Once dressed in my robe, I go to the nursery where Patrick is.
It’s when I’m right outside the door that I hear a young voice inside. Patrick isn’t even one yet, so it’s not his voice. I stop with my hand on the handle as I listen.
“Hey, Patrick. A lot of people are going to be angry with me after today, but I have to do it this way. I had to lie.
“I’ve seen all the paths this day could take. This one is the only one where we don’t lose anyone. Not permanently.
“In the other paths, you lose your grandma and grandpa. I can’t allow that. You will need both lions to roar beside me. I need you like you need them.
“I’m doing this to make it right. I’m still learning, but I know this time I’m doing the right thing. You will see.”
