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Willow laughs, light and bubbly. “I’d love to live in a tent. It sounds fun.”
“You won’t be saying that when the bugs come after you—”
A gunshot rips through the air. Willow and I look at one another. There's another gunshot, and then another. Before we know it, it sounds like an all-out battle.
“I think it’s coming from up the hill,” I say.
“The hacienda,” Willow gasps. “Are we under attack?”
“Stay here and hide,” I warn, moving toward the sound of conflict.
“Absolutely not! If my aunt and grandmother are in danger, then I’m going to help.”
I grind my teeth. This isn’t ideal. I can’t leave Willow unattended in case someone nabs her, but I don’t want to lead her directly into the fight, either.
“We have to go,” she insists. “They need our help.”
“Fine,” I grumble. “But you stay close to me, understand?”
Willow nods. “I’m right behind you.”
Chapter 29
Willow
They attack from the north. I can’t get a clear view from where we’re hidden in the bushes, but the south wing of the hacienda is largely unguarded.
“That’s our way in,” I mutter under my breath.
I’m about to step forward, but Zane grabs my shoulder. “No. We’re not going inside.”
“But my family needs help!”
“And risk getting pinned down just like them? Hell, no.”
“Then what are we supposed to do?”
Zane reaches for the guns in his shoulder holsters and hands me one. “Natalia teach you how to shoot yet?”
I gulp. “No.”
“It’s easy. Here.” He holds up his own weapon to demonstrate. “Always keep your eyes open. Arm steady, but never lock your elbow. Make sure the safety is off. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire. Don’t aim for the head, aim for the chest. It’s a bigger target. Do you understand?”
I suck in a shaky breath. “I think so.”
“And remember, don’t hesitate. It’s either you or them, and they won’t show you the courtesy of mercy.”
We hug the tree line, keeping as low to the ground as possible to remain out of sight. Zane leads the way, swift and practiced. I’ve never seen him move like this, never actually seen him in action before. He’s a predator, trained and patient and ready to pounce in a moment’s notice. We eventually make our way around the front.
It’s absolute carnage.
Bodies litter the ground. I can’t tell friend from foe. The north-facing windows of the hacienda have all been shot out, beautiful stained glass fractured and irreparable. It’s a constant barrage of gunfire, Esteban’s men firing at the defending occupants.
My heart seizes in my chest. I really hope Renata and Natalia are okay.
Zane signals with his hands, pointing at a man who’s hidden himself behind his vehicle, using it as a shield. No words are exchanged between Zane and me, but his meaning is loud and clear. I keep my weapon raised and ready as he creeps out from our hiding spot, approaching from behind with the stealth of a puma.
Zane is on the man in the blink of an eye, arm whipping around the man’s throat. Zane squeezes with such force that I swear I hear the gunman’s head snap right off his head. I’m not at all surprised when his limp body slumps to the ground. Now that the coast is clear, Zane waves me over. I take a deep breath and will my shaky hands to still. This is no time to be afraid.
