Page 79 of Sire

“Dad?” Alan’s not sure what’s going on, but Jace picks Alan up, one-handed, by the waist of his jeans, and pulls him away.

Grant helps Jace. He kneels on Alan’s back, putting zip ties on his wrists before they help Alan stand and escort him toward the front of the house.

But Sire looms over Waylon in the backyard with his muzzle pressed to his skull.

“Did you hurt Wren?” Sire presses harder. “Did you hurt all those girls? Confess the truth.”

“Hell, yes, I did.” Waylon shows no remorse. “Virgin pussy is worth a lot these days.”

I’ve never seen Sire like this, his face ferocious, his eyes slanting devilish and determined. That’s all he needed to hear. “Then vengeance is mine,” he seethes. “I will repay, says the Lord. And?—”

“House is clear. We got him!”

There’s more commotion at the back door. It’s Loch, calling out, carrying Mr. Grinzer in his arms while Nash covers them from behind.

I watch it all in my scope as Axel emerges last, his shoulders dropping, relieved this is over, but…

A branch snaps behind me.

I’m crouched so small behind this giant tree; whoever it is can’t see me.

Another branch snaps.

My men are too far away in the yard to hear the threat, but I do, approaching from my eight o’clock. Slowly, quietly, I turn, peering around the tree, using my scope.

It’s a man in camo. He must be Waylon’s backup, weaving through the trees, his rifle aimed at … Sire.

Oh, hell no. Not my man.

WWWD?What WouldWrenDo?

You have one in the chamber, three in your magazine.

Always count your shots.

I aim and fire at his thigh. He falls, turning my way. It’s exactly what I want as I reload, lightning fast. He opens his body toward me, raising his rifle while I aim for his center mass, and fire again.

“Wren!” I hear Sire call for me while I keep my crosshairs on the body in case it moves.

“Here!” I shout out.

In a moment, I hear Sire by my side, huffing, worried, “Angel?”

“I’m fine.” I keep my rifle aimed at the dead man. “He was going to shoot you. Check the woods. There may be more.”

While Axel covers Waylon and Jace has Alan, the others swarm the perimeter, rifles raised, looking for more threats, but there are none.

We meet in the backyard, and Sire holds Waylon at gunpoint again, waiting for Jace and Grant to load Alan into a truck parked in the driveway.

Alan’s in shock when I appear, standing by his open car window.

“Wren! Is that you?” He gulps. “Fuck, I hoped you were dead.” He shakes, his brow, sweating. “I mean… I’m so sorry. I know what he sold you into, and I’m so sorry. I kept hoping you were dead instead of?—”

“Are there others?” I demand, “Alan, tell me. Has he taken other girls?”

He nods toward the farmhouse. “Not here but check inside. Check his laptop. He’s working for some evil shit. The Warden, and…” His bound hands twitch. His cheek tics. “I just need a little rush. Can you get me a?—”

“We’re getting you some help.” I touch his clammy arm. “These guys are the good ones, okay? They’ll pay for it. Don’t worry. Just let us help you. You’re safe now.”