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I firmly clutch Raine as the sharp crack of the gunshot reverberates in my ears. I tightly shut my eyes, and gently press a kiss to the top of her head, savoring the warmth of her presence. In this chaotic moment, I find solace in the fact that I discovered love before my time ran out. I brace myself for the searing pain, but instead, there’s nothing. To my surprise, the gun abruptly lowers from the back of my head, and I watch in disbelief as Jack’s body collapses to the ground, the tension in the air shifts in an instant. What the fuck? My heart races as I tense up, a chill running down my spine. Was he really going to kill me? Panic swirls in my mind. What just happened?

I quickly turn my attention to Raine, who lies unconscious before me. Carefully, I check her breathing once more, a mix of dread and hope swirl within me. When I found her, she was already out cold; the evidence of Jack's attack clear, the bullet only grazed her arm, a wound that bleeds just enough to worry me, but seems far from life threatening. Quickly glancing around, I take in the chaos unfolding in my surroundings. People are rushing toward us, their figures blurred in my hazy vision. I can’t decipher who they are. With a firm grip on Raine, I hoist myself up from the ground, determination coursing through me. Rising up, I kick Jack’s body over, there’s blood everywhere and a bullet wound in his forehead, right between his eyebrows. Someone got him good.

With a sense of caution, I begin my trek back to the house. Suddenly, a woman and two men emerge from the shadows, blocking my path. The woman is carrying a sniper rifle. I embrace Raine, drawing her close, and instinctively turn my body to shield her from the looming threat of these strangers. The urgency of the moment ignites a fierce protectiveness within me, and I can feel my heart racing as I brace against the unknown.

“Donovan?” The woman raises her voice.

A mix of confusion and curiosity swirling inside me as I turn my gaze toward her. “Oh, please tell me I didn’t kill the wrong brother?” She huffs out. Softening her gaze as she looks to the two men beside her.

“Ivy?” I croak out, as realization fills me. “Ivy is that you?” I add, unsure of my emotions.

Is this my sister? Am I actually looking at her right now?

“Yes, brother, it’s me,” she answers, “Now let’s get you both inside, she needs some medical attention,” she points to Raine.

Wholeheartedly agreeing, I nod in understanding, keeping my feelings steady as we step inside together.