Page 21 of Scars of Fate

“I know how to take cover.”

He glanced over his shoulder, one eyebrow lifting.

“I wasn’t asking.”

Despite everything, I almost smiled.

Some things never changed.

Another volley of gunfire ripped through the shattered windows.

Glass rained across the concrete floor.

Children screamed.

Janice Turner immediately threw herself over a frightened little boy, protecting him with her body.

Boone rushed forward.

“I’ve got them!”

Hawk dropped to one knee beside a broken loading-dock window.

“Five hostiles! East side!”

Russ answered from outside.

“Three more moving toward the south gate.”

Adam never raised his voice.

“Hawk, cover.”

“Got it.”

“Boone, move the civilians.”

“I’m on it.”

“Lucas, you’re with me.”

Lucas didn’t move.

Not right away.

His silver eyes stayed locked on me.

Searching.

Taking in every bruise.

Every scrape.

Every reminder that the last few days hadn’t been kind.

His jaw tightened.

“You can walk?”