Travis’s men are scared and reckless. Some of them are trying to escape, but there will be no mercy for any of them.
I’ve got three men down when Wraith’s voice comes over our comms. “I count ten more hostiles. I think one of them might be Travis.”
“Where?” Mal barks, and I shoot another one.
“Back east corner. They are definitely heading for Rory’s crate.”
“Tag,” I practically beg.
“I’m pinned down,” he grunts.
“On it,” Wraith answers.
“I’ve got a clear shot on Travis, sir,” Quiet informs me. Before I can give her permission to shoot him in the dick, he yells.
“Come on, Hart!” The gunfire stops for a minute.
“Don’t take the shot,” I order and then shout at Travis. “Give me, Rory.”
“Not a chance. I’m sure we can work this out. Share the territory. I’ll stay on my side, and you stay on yours.”
“No,” I growl.
Travis speaks up. “How about this, then? I give you Chad and Rory, and you let me and my men go.”
“No!” Chad yells weakly from somewhere.
“You gave up everything when you touched what’s mine.”
“So it’s going to be like that, then?” Travis sighs like this is some kind of annoyance to him. “I won’t go down without a fight.”
“I’m glad because I can’t wait to bash your face in.” I duck as the gunfire starts up again. “We need to get to Rory.”
Mal comes over to me while my men cover us. “Let’s secure the area. He’s safe in his crate for now.”
I want to argue, but Mal’s right. There’s too much crossfire. “Fine. Quiet?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Shoot anyone who gets near Rory’s crate.”
“Yes, sir.”
Tag lets out a war cry, and I know he’s on the move again.
“Sir. Eric is approaching Rory’s crate.” That’s good. “Should I take the shot?” she asks. It’s clear she doesn’t want to shoot one of our own, but she also doesn’t want to disobey my orders.
“No.”
He’ll protect Rory until I can get to them.
I need to feel my boy in my arms again.
Soon, baby boy.
31
RORY
