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Everyone in his family was willing to do whatever it took to protect each other, but shooting in cold blood crossed a line he didn't want anyone to have to cross. "Put down the guns and leave," he commanded. "We won't press charges on the trespassing and assault with a deadly weapon. If we do, you'll end up in prison for parole violation."

He didn't want to let them go, but it was the first step to end the standoff.

"I'm gonna count to five," Ivan said. "And then I start shooting."

Fuck. "We have a helicopter on the way, and a sniper trained on you. You can't beat us—" He saw the man on Ivan's right twist, and he knew the guy was going to shoot Lucas. "No!" Instinctively, Jacob dove to the right to cover Lucas, and the bullet tore through his side. He stumbled, trying to keep his balance as shots rang out.

A few quick shots, shouts, and then it was over.

Every one of their visitors was on the ground, holding a foot and groaning, except for one, who had his hands up in the air, shouting, "I surrender!"

"Colin got 'em?" Jacob stumbled as Lucas caught him.

"We all got 'em." Lucas slung Jacob's arm over his shoulder. "You guys take care of those fuckers. Jacob, stay with me."

Jacob went down on his knees as pain radiated through his chest. "Where's Annie's dad? I don't see him."

Lucas looked around, then swore. "Where the fuck did he go? Colin!" he yelled. "Find the other one!"

Colin stood up, scanning the landscape. "I don't see him."

Jacob heard an engine rev, and he looked up to see the headlights come on in Annie's dad's truck. He rolled away from Lucas, pulled out his gun, and aimed for the grill and shot.

The truck went into gear and started driving right toward him.

Jacob fired again, and Lucas started shooting.

The bastard hit the gas and drove faster, the dirt shooting up. He was trying to run them down. Fuck!

Jacob shot again. And again. And again. He heard his brothers shooting as well, but he kept his focus on that truck, unloading his gun until finally, the truck veered off, and came to a rolling, steaming stop.

His brothers took off for the driver's side, shouting to cover each other.

Jacob tried to get up. To help.

But his legs gave out. He slid down to the ground, and rolled onto his back. His lungs felt like they were filling up, and he fought for air. Lucas dropped to his knees beside him. "The helicopter is only two minutes away. Hang in there."

Jacob grabbed his brother's arm. "Tell Phoebe and Annie that I love them. I changed my will to give them everything. Make sure it goes through."

Lucas swore. "You tell them yourself."

"Don't let Annie see me like this. We have to protect her." He swore. "Fuck. I waited too fucking long. Too fucking long to start to live."

"No, you didn't. You have time." Lucas pressed something on Jacob's side, making him gasp in pain.

"What the fuck? That hurts!"

"Get over it. The pain means you're still alive, so embrace the damned pain."

Jacob leaned his head back, resting it on the ground while Lucas worked on him. "Can't breathe," he gasped.

"Yes, you can. You have a family waiting for you. Not just us, but Annie and Phoebe. They've lost too much. You have an obligation to survive for them."

"They have my money…"

"Which means shit without you, as you know." Lucas leaned over him and grasped his face in two hands. "Look at me."

Jacob looked at him, fighting to stay conscious.