Page 89 of Mortify

Half monster, half survivor.

What kind of person will that create?

"We need to call Regnor," Vail says. "He needs to know?—"

"After," I plead. "After they get back safe. I can't... I can't distract him right now."

They exchange looks but nod.

"Your mom then," Gwen suggests. "She's probably worried sick."

I agree to that, and Vail steps out to make the call.

Lying in the hospital bed, waiting to be moved to a room, I close my eyes and let the relief wash over me.

The baby's okay.

We're okay.

Whatever else happens at least I haven't lost this.

Haven't lost the tiny life that's become my reason for everything.

"Hey," I whisper to my belly. "You scared me, little one. But you're tough, aren't you? Just like your daddy."

And I mean Regnor.

Because DNA doesn't matter anymore.

What matters is who'll be there.

Who'll love this baby.

Who'll protect us both no matter what it costs.

The blood might be Dylan's.

But the heart, the love, the family?

That's all Regnor.

That's all ours.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Regnor

The warehouse squats in the industrial district like a cancer, all concrete and corrugated metal under the pale moon.

We've been in position for twenty minutes, watching, waiting.

The Patriot's inside—Tor confirmed it an hour ago.

After years of this psychopath poisoning our community, it ends tonight.

"Two guards on the north entrance," Fenrir's voice crackles through the comm. "Three on the south loading dock."

I adjust my position behind a rusted shipping container, AR-15 steady in my hands.

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