Tessa steps closer to me.
“I’m not leaving.”
I look at her.
Really look.
There’s no fear in her now. Not the kind that makes someone run.
This is different.
This is someone who’s already survived hell—and decided she’s not going back.
“Then you stay on me,” I say.
She nods once.
No hesitation.
Good.
We move.
Tight formation. Clean. Controlled.
Beast cracks the door, scanning.
“Clear.”
It won’t stay that way.
I feel it before I hear it.
Then—
The engine roars.
Too loud.
Too fast.
“He’s not slowing,” Trigger says.
Of course he isn’t.
“Inside,” I snap, grabbing Tessa and pulling her back just as the truck tears into view.
It doesn’t brake.
Doesn’t hesitate.
It slams into the barrier with a violent crunch—metal twisting, snapping—
Then keeps coming.
The impact rattles the entire house.
Glass trembles.
