They wereenjoying it.
And then, another sound. Closer. Harsher.
Gray’s voice.
“Come on then! Let’s see what you’ve got!”
Oh god, what was happening?
I dared to look.
Through the trees, maybe thirty feet out, I saw him. Bleeding. Staggering. But still fighting. He had one man down. Another lunging. A third coming up behind.
“Gray!” I cried out before I could stop myself.
Too loud. Too raw.
One of them turned.
He saw me.
He fucking laughed.
I raised the gun, too slow, too unsure, and I saw it happen in real time. He gave me a cocky grin. Started toward me.
“Run, Ava!” Gray shouted, but it was too late. The man was almost on me.
I aimed.
My hands shook.
Point, breathe and shoot, I told myself. Like Gray had said. Like I repeated to myself when I was trapped and alone.
But I wasn’t alone anymore, and it wasn't just my life on the line.
It was Gray and I against them.
And the man with his eyes on me... he wouldn't stop.
He was coming closer.
Grinning.
Raising his gun.
BANG.
The shot cracked the air open like a thunderclap. He jerked. Stumbled.
Then locked eyes with me.
And something happened in those seconds that I’ll never forget, not for the rest of my life.
Oh... God... no... please.
I saw it.
The moment it left him.
