“A few casualties for a greater plan.”
Gemma didn’t respond. How could she? Nadine had grated her heart until it had become dust.
There was nothing left in her, no more will to fight.
But she wouldn’t help Nadine kill people who didn’t deserve it. Their mother had raised them to heal people, not hurt them.
“Family always comes first, Gemma,” Nadine said.
Gemma swallowed. “Then why are you spitting on Mother’s memory? She taught us how to save lives, not end them.”
A long pause, and for a moment, Gemma thought Nadine had disconnected. But then Gemma’s sister spoke one last time. “Colton, you know what to do.”
Gemma turned toward him, but he was already at her side and cracked her in the face with his elbow. With a scream, she flopped to the ground, purple blood running from her lip.
“Your sister says you’re coming with me, no matter what,” Colton threatened.
Grabbing Gemma’s braid, he yanked her onto her feet.
With a yelp, she clamped onto his wrist and twisted, trying to break free of his hold. But Colton blocked the kick to his groin and tugged on Gemma’s braid until she was on her knees, stars swirling in her vision.
“Let her go.”
Gemma would recognize that voice anywhere, even when her back was turned. Christian had come, despite her forgetting to use the pass phrase in the midst of all her sister’s revelations.
“If Gemma comes willingly, no one will get hurt. I promise,” Colton said.
“Your promise means nothing, you stupid fuck,” Christian answered. “Last time I took you at your word, she nearly died.”
“In my defense, shedidtry to kill me first.”
“Take your hands off her,” Imara said, “or I will cut them off.”
“Oh, for stars’ sake”—Colton rolled his eyes—“is the whole gang here?”
“Three against one,” Hawk replied. “Let Gemma go.”
Colton sighed. “I don’t have time for this.” From the back of his waistband, he withdrew a pistol.
Time slowed as Colton lifted his weapon. Gemma’s chest constricted, the single beat of her heart thunderous in her ears. Her hands shook as the trembling power she’d felt in the desert rose up from deep within, dousing her vision with a purplish hue. The moment Colton’s nostrilsflared, Gemma felt each of her muscles relax, and by the time the trigger was pulled, her hand was raised.
Her shield ricocheted the bullet into Colton’s shoulder, and time began moving once again. Colton yelped before staring at her in shock.
Gemma jumped to her feet and slammed her forehead against his nose, the alien part of her now in control. The pain in her scalp barely registered.
Colton stumbled backward as if he’d been hit with a club, and the reaction forced him to let go of her hair.
She kicked him as hard as she could in his chest. Colton flew into the wall behind him, landing on the ground with a thud. Gemma snarled and grabbed Colton’s knife off the floor.
Earlier he’d used it to pick at his fingernails. Now, she would use it to take his life.
Colton clutched at his sternum as he tried to rise to his feet. Gemma took three big steps—and plowed the blade into his abdomen, beneath his left rib cage. He stumbled until his back hit the wall.
A menacing laugh rolled through his bloody teeth. “Seu idiota. Now who’s gonna disarm the bomb?”
Gemma seethed, baring her teeth. “Where is it?”
Colton smirked. “Good luck finding it.” Staring Gemma straight in the eyes, he grabbed her wrist with both of his hands and plunged the blade further into his body, angling it so the point hit his heart. The grin was still on his face when the light left his eyes.
