Page 61 of Sworn to Protect

The moment I spotted Ethan and the rest of the crew walking up the tarmac, I expected relief to flood back in, but the gnawing feeling something wasn’t right wouldn’t go away. But he was safe. I could see him walking toward me.

Ethan’s eyes found mine. He broke into a wide smile that said he defied the world. I could tell their mission had been successful by the way they composed themselves. That cocky self-assurance he had about him. He closed the distance, and I couldn’t help but lay into him.

“You, dumb motherfucker. Why the hell would you jinx yourself?”

“Worried about me, were you?”

I shook my head at him. “Dumb motherfucker.”

His laugh hung in the air right before someone yelled, “Insurgents,” and gunfire rang through. Ethan’s eyes grew large as he grabbed hold of me and slammed me to the ground. It took a few moments to realize he laid on me as a shield. I tried shifting him off me, but he shook his head.

“Stay down. You’re worth more alive than dead. No one will miss me.”

He grabbed his gun and rolled off me. Sitting up, he fired. “Stupid fuckers.” Bullets zipped through the air. Yells. Shouts. I reached for my gun but came up empty. Fuck. It was back at my barrack. I tried sitting up, but Ethan shoved me back, ordering, “Stay down.”

And in that moment, my life was forever altered. Royce ran through the haze of dust, firing his weapon. Ethan had him in his scope but pulled back. Being shot by friendly fire wasn’t happening on our watch. Everything happened fast. Royce aimed directly at Ethan. I yelled for Ethan, but it was too late. The gun fired, and Ethan collapsed at my feet. I didn’t waste time. I grabbed Ethan’s gun and turned it on Royce. My heart pounded as Royce, the man I recruited, aimed at me. Recognition danced in those black eyes, and that moment of hesitation was all I needed to deliver the fatal blow. Royce dropped to the ground.

I scurried to my friend.

“Ethan, goddamn it. You better be okay.”

Steel-blue eyes stared up at me, full of regret. “Did you get the fucker?”

“He’s dead,” I reassured my friend as I folded up my shirt and pressed it to his right upper flank—so much blood.

“Take care of my family.”

“Bullshit. You’re going to take care of them yourself.” This was my fault. I had brought the traitorous bastard here. Had fought for him to stay.

“I need help,” I yelled above the chaotic noise. Blood coated the sandy soil. I pressed down harder—a worthless attempt to try to stop the bleeding. But the bleeding wouldn’t stop.

Blood. Blood was everywhere.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

MACKENZIE

My poor,sweet boy.

I collapse to my knees beside Liam, my hands hovering uselessly over his broken body. His gargled moan slices through me, gutting me to the core.Jesus.If I could trade spots with him, I would do so in a heartbeat.

“Momma?” His voice is strained and weak, and a piece of me shatters.

“I’m here, sweetie. I’m here.” My voice wobbles, but I force control.

Where is all this blood coming from?I scan his body but don’t find any active bleeders. Gashes mark his forehead, arms, and torso, but they’re superficial. Then my gaze lands on his lower left leg. And my stomach lurches. Bones aren’t meant to bend that way. I fight to keep my expression neutral, but my insides are screaming.

I want to scream at Jordan for defying me. At my son for skipping school. At myself for ever putting Jordan on the pick-up list. At Ethan for dying in the first place. And at God for whatever sick, twisted game He keeps playing with my life.

You took my husband. You will not take my son.

I place a gentle hand on Liam’s shoulder. It’s the only piece of him unscathed. His skin is cold and clammy. Isn’t that a sign ofshock? I think back to what we’re supposed to do.Lift the legs.I glance at his mangled leg and cringe. There’s no lifting those.

“Call nine-one-one now,” Nate barks at Jordan. “Tell them we’re at the first southern plateau off the trail and to send the medevac.”

“The what?”

“Air ambulance. Call it an air ambulance. Now!”

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