Page 204 of The Darkest Chase

So much for keeping a cool head, but if that miserable fuck touches her, if he touches her at all—

Talia’s scream splits the night.

A frigid, murderous rage lashes my blood.

I can taste death on the air.

I go stock-still, save for my clenched fists.

“Grant?” I snarl.

“Yeah?”

“You’re going to want to let me go before I make you,” I bite off, right before Xavier’s voice carries over the dock.

“Come out, come out, little white wolf!”

Grant swears softly, his grip easing off.

“Don’t think I have much choice,” he mutters. “Think our cover’s fucking blown.”

Yeah, I’d agree.

The silent dock clatters alive with noise and activity—Jacobins, Bowden, people I don’t recognize diving for their guns.

I catch a glimpse of carbines, shotguns, and pistols before I hunker down behind the freight container and sling out my M4.

“Look,” I whisper. “They’re sitting ducks, out there in plain sight. We’ve got cover. We can take them while they’re confused.”

“And Talia?” Grant peeks around the corner of the freight container, hefting his own weapon.

“Don’t risk it.” I shake my head. “Pick off the assholes around Xavier first. Don’t engage him. She might take a stray bullet, and we wouldn’t be able to get to her in time.”

Grant nods tightly, pressing the headset clipped to his ear and muttering into it. “Boys, we’re going sniper. Use the freight containers. Duck and dodge like hell. Never step in the same place twice. Go for the hostiles, avoid Xavier Arrendell and the hostage. Understood?”

Lucas’ voice crackles in both our earpieces. “Suicide run, got it, Cap.”

“Like hell I’m dyin’ here!” Henri joins in. “I’m too good a shot for that. Let’s fuck some shit up, my friends.”

Grant just sighs, rolling his eyes. “Fucking children, acting like it’s a video game. Move on my mark.”

“If you don’t show yourselves,” Xavier calls out, “I’ll kill her now! Right here in front of you.”

Talia’s pained cry follows, and my heart shatters again, each sliver furious and cutting.

I close my eyes, shaking, forcing myself to wait, wait.

Fuck, if I can’t control myself, I’ll just make it worse.

The three seconds until Grant snaps are the longest of my life.

“Now!” he roars.

Then he darts away and I’m free.

I charge in the opposite direction, glancing between freight containers. The Jacobins and their hired mercs fan out defensively.

Ephraim and Eustace hang back with Bowden, his service pistol clenched in both hands.

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