I had to get Taryn out of here. Nash would kill her without a second thought, especially knowing that I cared for her.
Standing with Taryn still wrapped in the blanket, she didn’t so much as twitch, and that scared the shit out of me.
Max whined.
“I know, buddy.” My hand went down to scratch his big head again.
I was worried, too. She was burning up, and I didn’t know what to do to help her.
Max pressed tight against my leg, not willing to be far from his person.
I moved to the door and cracked it open, listening to the sounds from below.
Cocking my head, I heard something that didn’t belong.
There was the sound of dragging and a low moan coming from downstairs, maybe from the kitchen? It seemed like we’d missed a few.
Max’s growl deepened.
Then—the clicking sound.
I moved, picking Taryn up and holding her tight in my arms. Whatever it was, it would serve as a great distraction to get her out of here.
The stairs vanished beneath my feet, once again, as I took long strides, barely feeling each step as I descended.
I stepped into the main room, and the chaos hit all at once.
Lynn emerged from the hallway resembling something dragged straight from hell. Blood clung to her hair, and her eyes appeared clouded. Her mouth moved as if she were attempting to speak but had forgotten how.
I recognized her instantly, even though half of her face looked as if it had melted.
Nash and Bull had their backs to her, drinking long necks. I could have warned them, but screw that. Those two could handle themselves, or not. I didn’t give a damn either way.
She hit Bull first.
Hard.
Taking him down in a crash of limbs and teeth.
“What the hell—!” he shouted as he fell.
Nash stepped back, gun already up. “Move, fat ass, and I’ll smoke the bitch!”
Lynn twisted, snapping toward him, and slammed into his chest hard enough to send him stumbling back.
Chairs overturned, and wood splintered. The room turned into complete chaos.
Stain came out of the bathroom and froze at the sight of Lynn trying to rip Nash’s throat out.
I watched it all with indifference. There might still be some love left for him deep down inside me, but I wouldn’t step in on his behalf and put Taryn in danger.
She would always come first.
Lynn clawed at Nash, fingers gripping his shirt, pulling herself closer as if she didn’t notice the hits, shoves, or the harm he was trying to cause.
The same bitch that ran her mouth to my Fox—snapping, drooling, eyes empty, gone from anything she had been before.
I wasn’t upset by her loss; she deserved it.
