Page 116 of Pretty Ruthless Monsters: Complete Series

A murmur ripples through the crowd. Not everyone has been sold on Quinn or the alliance, but the mention of the Young Killers overrides any internal bickering or bullshit drama.

“This isn’t just about Quinn,” Nico continues, his voice carrying over the low rumble of idling engines. “This is an attack on all of us. The Young Killers think they can come into our territory, take one of our own, and get away with it.”

I watch as the mood shifts. Doubt gives way to anger, hesitation to determination. The Young Killers have always been a thorn in our side, and this feels like a direct challenge.

“We’re going to show them exactly how wrong they are,” Nico growls.

A chorus of agreement rises from the crowd. Engines rev, and I can feel the energy building, the collective rage and anticipation of the fight to come.

As Nico outlines the plan, I scan the faces around me. These are our people, ready to ride into battle for us, for Quinn. In spite of everything that’s happened, they’re here, united against a common enemy.

The urgency inside me hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s grown stronger. We’re close now, so close to getting Quinn back. I grip my handlebars tighter, ready to ride the moment Nico gives the word.

“We need to be smart about this,” he says, with an intensity in his eyes that matches his voice. An intensity I haven’t seen in a while. “We’ve done recon on the Young Killers before. We know which buildings they control in this part of the city.”

He’s right, of course. My urgency to find Quinn is making me reckless. I force myself to take a deep breath, to think strategically.

“Which spots have had movement recently?” Killian asks. “Where have Young Killers members been spotted?”

Kendrick, who does a lot of recon work for us, rattles off a list of locations. I nod as I listen, my mind racing as I consider the possibilities of where Quinn could be.

“The old factory on Riverside,” I say suddenly, my head whipping up. “That’s where they’ve got her.”

Nico and Killian turn to meet my gaze, their eyes boring into me.

“How do you know?” Killian asks.

“It’s the most logical place. Kendrick said there’s been extra activity in that area recently, and it’s the best place to keep a hostage. They’ll have a strategic advantage against anyone who tries to break in. That’s where they’ve got her. I’d bet my fucking life on it.”

Nico nods slowly, his expression shifting as he considers my words. “Yeah. I think you might be right. But we still need to cover all our bases.”

He glances at the gathered Carnage members and rattles off several other addresses, assigning teams to check out each potential hideout.

“If one group finds her, call for backup immediately,” he continues, his tone hardening.

“Do not engage alone. We go in together.” His gaze sweeps over the crowd, landing on each face in turn.

“And let me be crystal clear about one thing. Quinn is not to be harmed. Protect her at all costs. If anything happens to her…”

He leaves the threat unfinished, but the message is clear.

Nico dismisses our crew, and the air thrums with energy as everyone breaks off into their assigned groups, engines roaring to life.

As the last team peels away, I’m left standing with Nico and Killian.

Killian glances at Nico, then nods at me. “Let’s go.”

We get back on our bikes and speed across town, heading toward the place where I hope like hell Quinn is being held. I swear to fuck, that warehouse must be where they’ve got her stashed—but if I’ve guessed wrong, I’ll never be able to forgive myself.

The ride probably takes less than twenty minutes, but it feels fucking endless. I give a hand signal as we approach the old factory, and we kill our engines and coast to a stop a block away.

The three of us move silently, sticking to the shadows as we scout the perimeter. The place looks deserted at first glance, but then I spot it—a flicker of movement behind a grime-streaked window.

“There,” I whisper, pointing.

Killian squints, then nods. “I see it.”

I scan the building, trying to spot more signs of life inside. A shadow passes behind another window, and I catch a glimpse of what looks like a guard patrolling.

“She’s in there,” I whisper, my certainty growing with each passing second.

Nico nods, already pulling out his phone, alerting our people to converge on this location. But as he slides his phone back into his pocket, we exchange a look that says everything.

We can’t wait.

“Backup is at least fifteen minutes out.” Nico’s voice is tight with tension.

Killian’s eyes are fixed on the building, his expression grim. “Going in now is suicide.”

“Yeah,” I agree, but I’m already checking my weapon, making sure it’s loaded and ready.

Nico does the same, his movements quick and efficient. “Maybe. But a surgical strike here might be more effective than a full-blown fucking shootout. If it isn’t, we’ll have backup here before shit really hits the fan.”

Killian nods, a wry smile twisting his lips. “Well, it’s as good a day as any to die.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I look over at Killian, then at Nico—really look at them—and I see the same determination, the same willingness to lay it all on the line for Quinn.

We’re all ready to die for her if that’s what it takes.

I don’t have time to fully process what that means, to examine the depth of feeling that’s brought us to this point. All I know is that every second we waste is another second that she’s still in danger.

“Let’s do this,” I say, somehow keeping my voice steady in spite of the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

We move as one, creeping towards the factory entrance. There’s no time for elaborate plans or second thoughts. We’re going in, consequences be damned.

As we approach the door, I catch Nico’s eye. He gives me a short nod, and I know we’re on the same page. Whatever happens in there, we’re in this together.

For Quinn.