Page 38 of Whispers and Warriors
But even as the fury consumed him, a small, rational part of his mind whispered caution. They were outnumbered,outgunned, and on enemy territory. They needed to be smart about this, to find a way out that didn’t end with them all dead or worse.
Liam forced himself to take a deep breath, to push down the anger that threatened to overwhelm him. He needed to focus on what mattered most—getting Emma to safety. Everything else could wait.
Beside him, Alex’s expression had darkened, his hazel eyes glinting with a dangerous light. Liam knew that look all too well— it was the same one Alex got right before he did something reckless and impulsive.
“Alex,” Liam warned, his voice low and urgent. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
But even as the words left his lips, Liam knew it was too late. Alex’s hand was already moving, reaching for the weapon at his hip with a swift, decisive motion. There was no hesitation, no uncertainty in his actions, Only a grim determination to protect what was his.
Liam saw the future unfolding before him with terrible clarity. He saw the chaos that would erupt, the blood that would be spilled, the lives that could be lost. And he knew, with a sinking certainty, that there was no turning back now.
They were in this fight, for better or for worse. And God help anyone who stood in their way because they were getting off this damn ship.
The sharp crack of the gunshot echoed through the ship’s corridors, shattering the tense silence that had fallen over the room and reminding them the storm that wailed just outside that seemed all but forgotten for the four of them in this room.
Carnie stumbled backward, his eyes wide with shock and pain as he clutched at his leg, blood seeping through his fingers and staining the floor beneath him.
The air was thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder and the metallic tang of blood, a sickening reminder of the violence that had just unfolded. Liam looked to Alex, praying that he wasn’t going to take another shot after carefully choosing the leg and not the head a moment ago.
Alex knewLiam was staring at him, that he’d taken action without an order from Chris. He didn’t care.
His mind was singularly focused on one thing and one thing only—making this asshole pay for endangering Emma. As his heart pounded against his chest, he knew the familiar surge of adrenaline pulsing through his veins. He clenched his jaw and focused on the task at hand, blocking out all other distractions and doubts as he pushed forward with unwavering determination.
Alex’s eyes narrowed as he heard the footsteps just outside. The crew had heard the gunshot, and they were coming. The ship still tossed and turned from the storm, but perhaps he’d underestimated how loud the shout was.
He glanced at Chris and Liam, a silent understanding passing between them. They had to move quickly, had to neutralize the threat before it overwhelmed them. Alex’s grip tightened on his pistol as he positioned himself near the door, ready to strike at the first sign of trouble.
The door burst open and three crew members charged in, their faces contorted with anger and confusion. Alex didn’t hesitate. He lunged forward, his fist connecting with the first man’s jaw with a sickening crunch. The man staggered back, his eyes rolling back in his head as he crumpled to the floor.
Beside him, Chris and Liam sprang into action, their movements fluid and precise. Chris grappled with the second crew member, his muscular arms locked around the man’s neckin a chokehold. The man thrashed and clawed at Chris’s arms, his face turning a mottled shade of purple as he gasped for air.
Liam, meanwhile, engaged the last crew member in hand-to-hand combat. Alex didn’t have time to ask where the hell Liam’s gun was. The two men traded blows with lightning speed, their fists and feet a blur of motion. Liam ducked under a wild haymaker and countered with a swift uppercut, sending the man reeling backward.
He spun around just in time to see Captain Carnie struggling to his feet, his face twisted with pain and rage. The man’s hand scrabbled for his own weapon, but Alex was faster. He closed the distance between them in two long strides and brought the butt of his pistol down hard on Carnie’s temple.
The captain crumpled like a marionette with its strings cut, his body hitting the floor with a dull thud. Alex stood over him, his chest heaving with exertion, his knuckles throbbing from the impact.
Behind him, Chris and Liam had finished dispatching the other crew members. The three men lay unconscious on the floor, their bodies splayed out like broken dolls. The room was silent now, save for the harsh rasp of their breathing and the distant roar of the storm outside.
“Time to go,” Chris said with a grunt.
Outside, Alex could see that while the storm wasn’t done, it had calmed slightly. The howling wind far louder than it was gusty, far safer than just before…how long had it been since they’d realized Emma was missing after helping get things settled on deck?
“No rushing, no running. Nothing suspicious. We haven’t seen any other women, and it’s likely there aren’t any onboard. We don’t have time to look around and save any who might be, no matter how much distress it brings me to say that.”
“You do remember Emma made us go back that first time with Marcus, right?” Alex wasn’t trying to be smart, but the tone was there, anyway.
“Yeah, well, this time, we’re not telling her until after. Marcus paid us back in kind for that move and I’m sick of people getting past us to Emma. Walk.”
Alex nodded, understanding the fury Chris felt. Once again, they’d been too distracted to help Emma. Once again, they’d almost failed to protect the woman they loved.
The pain pelted his skin, but the chaos from before had died down. People still rushed about, but there were no more screamed orders and franticly waving arms. They could leave in this weather.
We have to leave. I shot the fucking captain.
“Just keep moving,” Chris stepped past Alex and sped up the pace.
With a nod, he trailed behind, trying to keep his face calm as they moved below deck.
