Page 31 of The Vicious Defender

"I told you, angel. No one can take you from me."

I look up at Xavier, his face impassive.

"Did you do this?"

"No," he hisses.

Do I believe him? I'm not sure.

"I didn't even get to say goodbye," I sob as I let my fingers linger over Phoenix's bloody face.

"Tallulah, we have to go. We can't stay here any longer. It's not safe," he insists.

"I don't care," I quip back, and my husband steps away to give me some privacy. At least he's not trying to argue this time. "Phoenix..."

I stare at the man who was my ally for years. Phoenix worked with my father, knew him since they were both kids. Phoenix was my only link to my family in this place. Except Xavier can never know that. I lean down and kiss him on the forehead, and then turn to leave.

Xavier holds out his hand and helps me up. "I'm sorry, Tallulah."

"Don't be. We both knew it would end this way once your brother got closer."

He tightens his lips and doesn't say a word.

We run for the door and Xavier opens it for me. There's a black SUV waiting outside and we hurry towards it. Saul is waiting in the driver's seat, and I let out a breath. At least he's still here.

"Get in," Saul orders.

"Go," Xavier urges.

Saul steps on the gas and the tires squeal. Nobody speaks, and I glance in the rearview mirror. I see people pouring out of the mansion, armed and ready. They fire at the SUV and it jerks wildly.

"Fuck!" Saul curses.

"Drive, drive!" Xavier yells.

Bullets hit the vehicle, and the window shatters, raining glass on us. I scream and cover my head with my hands. Xavier is shouting something, and the sound of gunfire fills the air. Saul makes a wild turn, and the car skids.

"Hold on!" he yells.

He drives faster, and the bullets stop. When I look back, the house is growing smaller and smaller, and no one is following.

"Are we okay?" I ask, breathing hard.

"Not yet," Saul says.

"They won't follow," Xavier assures me.

"Why not?"

"Because they have bigger problems now." I glance at Xavier, my eyes narrowing. He motions to the cars passing us, driving straight to the mansion. "Your father is here."

I see he's right as I notice a small serpent marker on one of the cars racing by us in the opposite direction. We ride in silence, and my thoughts are racing. Xander's attack seems to have finally brought my father and Xavier together. For how long, I'm not sure.

Xavier's grip on my leg is firm and reassuring, and I lean into his body.

"Tallulah, are you alright?"

"I think so," I murmur, closing my eyes. Even when I should only see calming darkness, Phoenix's lifeless face flashes before me, and I stifle a sob.

---