Love And Betrayal | ✔️

63. Hubris leads to doom

I didn't come from much,
but I had a head of golden dreams
I did it for myself, I didn't know
what love could mean
Cause I was always such a runaway
I had my alibis and my stowaways
But when I met you I couldn't get away
I have been through pain
in the dark like a knife
Yeah, I've been betrayed
You showed me how to love
like a spark in the night
And not be afraid
You taught me how to be Brave

—Zayde Wolf (Brave)

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A D E N

THE BULLET PASSES through, leaving a gaping wound in its wake.

A second of silence.

Before my eyes, the tissue seals itself back together. Stitch by stitch. Seamlessly. Perfectly. Just like that. With only a smatter of holes and a little blood on his shirt to show for the deed.

Well, shit. A whole round of silver bullets wasted for nothing.

In my peripheral vision, I spot the two fighting for breath. Gasping and clawing and thrashing against his grip. I can sense Kiara giving up. See it as her eyes flutter shut. Feel it as the cold fear crystallises around my heart.

Fuck this. I charge.

Fists clenched and heart thudding in my chest, I ram into him like a raging bull. The butt of the gun strikes his cheekbone and causes him to stumble back; his hold loosens. Kiara and Taylor drop on the floor as his hands reach out to balance himself.

In an instant, Taylor is back on his feet. Deep red marks have formed around his neck, but he pays little regard to the pain as he springs into defensive position. Fingers fisted. Knuckles white. A snarl escapes him as he stands shielding an unconscious Kiara from Grey's ire.

Dread pools in my stomach.

But Greyhound isn't even looking at Taylor. Instead, his stare is entirely on me—a predatory look in his eyes as he sizes me up. He runs his tongue over his cut lip. "Carter, what a surprise. You're still alive."

"Much to your disappointment, I'm sure."

A ghost of a smile appears on his face.

"If I really wanted you dead, I would've snapped your neck the instant you touched me."

I expect him to come bounding towards me but he doesn't. Instead, he turns away from me and takes a calm, measured step towards my left. Towards Taylor. Towards Kiara.

Damn.

And Taylor realizes his intention the same moment I do.

"Oh no you don't—" The words are barely out of my mouth when Taylor's strikes first. But, Grey is faster. With his supernatural strength, he's unbeatable. Taylor's fist barely touches him before he juts out his arm out to block the blow. He goes for his side, lands it in his ribs, knocking the air right out of his lungs.

I hear the dreadful sound of his rib crack.

Taylor slams into the ground. Again.

But before, Greyhound can deliver the final blow I step between them. Stop his fist with my palm.

"Your loyalty is impressive, Carter." He remarks. "Don't tell me you've become the sacrificial kind who puts everyone before yourself. Protecting your mate is one thing, but protecting him too?"Amusement flickers behind those sharp electric eyes. "Don't you know what he's done?"