Page 24 of Beautiful Scars: Unshakeable

"Like hell—"

"He's right." Colt interrupts, standing. "We need precision."

"This isn't a fucking debate." Levi's hands clench into fists. "After what we just heard—"

"Exactly." I step into his space, using my height advantage. "After what we heard, can you guarantee you won't lose control? That you won't get Sunny killed trying to make him pay?"

The question hits its intended mark. The color drains from his face.

"I'll handle Garrett. We'll bring him back here." My voice leaves no room for argument. "You and Colt clear the upper levels, secure any other victims. I'll take Wolf and Rex down below."

"Z..." Levi's voice cracks. "I need to be there. When you find her..."

"And you will be." I grip his shoulder, forcing him to meet my eyes. "But we do this right. No mistakes."

He searches my face for a long moment before nodding slowly. "No mistakes," he agrees. "But when we get our hands on him..."

"Then we'll make his death last days instead of hours." The promise comes easily. Some men don’t deserve a quick end.

"Wolf's team can be ready in thirty." Colt hangs up his phone. "Ty and Chase are leaving now to bring the heavy weapons in from the warehouse. Jayce has medical and supplies standing by."

I nod, already moving toward the door. "Get everyone geared up. Full tactical loadout. I want teams assigned and briefed in an hour."

"Z." Levi's voice stops me. When I turn, his eyes are haunted. "What if... what if we're too late?"

The question hangs in the air, giving voice to my deepest fear.

"We won't be." I say it as if there is no other possibility. No other way this could play out.

The determination that settles over Levi's features mirrors my own. We've failed her before—in different ways. But not this time.

This time, we bring her home.

And God help anyone who stands in our way.

Chapter Twelve

Sunny

Thephoneclattersagainstthe wall, pieces exploding across the floor.

Garrett's face transforms from disbelief into something darker. Something cold and black.

"You stupid—" He stops himself short, running a hand through his hair. When he speaks again, his voice drops to a deadly quiet I recognize. The one that means pain. "After everything I've done for you."

My body goes still, every muscle locking in place. My heart slams against my ribs and I can't get enough air.

The mattress shifts as he launches himself off the bed.

He circles the room, slow and deliberate now.

"All this time." His breathing is controlled, measured. "I've spent all this time keeping you safe. Protected. And this is how you repay me?"

I press my face into the pillow, fighting back the scream I feel stuck in my throat. I'm bracing myself for the punishment Iknow is coming. I know it's going to be bad. The copper taste of blood fills my mouth where I've bitten my cheek.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" He grabs my face in his hands and squeezes. He forces my head up until our eyes meet. "You have no idea what you've done."

His eyes dart between me and the door. The panic I can feel rolling off of him is new. Different. For the first time, I see real fear on his face.