Page 30 of Rugger: The Huntress

My lids drew backward. My irises were exposed. My pupils dilated. My right index finger curled around the trigger of the PMXs. The custom switch designed especially for the firearm gave it the ability to continue firing rounds. And, I wouldn’t stop until I heard the God-awfulclickthat revealed its emptiness.

My left index finger curled around its twin. Without hesitation, I aimed in the dark, still laying down. The movement on the other side of the room was my primary focus. I didn’t need to see to shoot. Neither did I need to be up in my bed. The unsettling feeling in my bones and the keen sense of hearing were all I needed.

I began applying pressure, aiming straight for the deep, smooth breathing. Just as I grew confident in my accuracy, the sound ceased. My eyebrows crunched inward toward my nose. Confusion kept me grounded. The only satisfaction I had was knowing my unwanted guest was feet away from me. The second they moved or made a peep, I’d blast.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

I began the countdown. It wouldn’t be very long before the exact location of my intruder was revealed. All I needed was an exhale. Even the slightest one and they’d meet our Maker.

One hundred and twenty-one.

One hundred and twenty-two.

As the revelation hit me, footsteps took off in the opposite direction. I lifted from my bed, hurrying toward the door that was now ajar. I raced down the hallway and then down the stairs.

What the fuck?I questioned, still rushing through my house with my gun drawn.

I’d left one behind to better control the other. All I needed was one shot. I’d clear. That was a fact.

One foot in front of the other, I scanned my home, careful around each corner until I heard movement in my kitchen. I made a beeline toward the open space.

A slim, familiar frame stood in front of the open fridge. The bottled water was the choice of beverage. As it turned, my weapon lowered. My heart doubled in size and it hurt each time it pumped.

“Teddy,” I sighed.

The disappointment on his face was diminishing.

“When did you realize?”

“When you held your breath a second longer than the above-average human being.”

“You should’ve never gotten to ten. One hundred and twenty-one is absurd.”

“I needed an accurate location.”

“In the room with you is accurate enough.”

“I would’ve killed you.”

Chemistry paused with a sarcastic smile on his face. His brows raised as if curiosity plagued him. It was a lie. He was hardly curious about anything, but seemingly knowledgeable about everything.

“Me?” He tittered, pointing at his chest with a shake of his head.

“Yes,” I reiterated.

“No, baby. That’s impossible. Shoot first, Rugger. You know the rules.”

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