Max's POV

I shut the door to Nikolas's office with a soft click. My chest tightened as I stared at my trembling hands. I balled them into fists, trying—and failing—to steady the rage coursing through me. My heart pounded violently as I turned to face them, the weight of the image I saw ripping me apart at the seams.

Nikolas leaned against the edge of his desk, arms crossed over his broad chest, his eyes suspiciously narrowing as he studied me, "Why did you bring us here?" he asked. His wary gaze darted between me and Dad, searching for a clue.

Dad stood right next to him, his hands tucked into his pockets, the furrow in his brow betrayed his immense concern for me. His usual calm demeanor was fraying at the edges.

I stepped closer, swallowing hard as my gaze flickered between them both, "Do you trust me?"

Dad's forehead creased further, his confusion evident, "Yeah, Max, of course, I do," he said cautiously, "What's going on?"

"What happened?" Nikolas asked, picking up on something.

I looked at him, my voice tightening, "You didn't answer me."

His jaw worked, the muscle ticking as he stared at me, "Trust you in what exactly?" He asked, his tone much sharper now.

Frustration bubbled to the surface, and I let out a heavy sigh. "Can you not answer my question with another question?" I grated out, my patience fraying. I didn't have much time.

Dad turned to Nikolas, shooting him an exasperated look, "Seriously," he muttered under his breath, taking my side.

Nikolas shot Dad a hard glare before he focused his calculative gaze on me, "Well, I have a feeling that you are about to suggest something catastrophically stupid and reckless," He pointed out. He is good, I give him that.

I hefted out a very harsh breath, the anger, and desperation coiling in my chest. I stepped closer and pulled my phone from my pocket. My fingers fumbled to unlock it, my hands still shaking. I placed it on the desk between them, the image and the words on the screen scorching my brain.

"I know where he is," I said, "And I need you both to trust me. Because I need to go there, alone."

Nikolas's eyes flicked up from the screen, his expression darkening, "Like hell you are," he shot out.

"Max, this is clearly a trap, you can't go alone," Dad pointed out, refusing the idea wholly.

I nodded my head, "I know," I said, "And I need you to trust me in this and follow my plan this time, because you two are trying to figure out ways to fix this all while thinking of my well-being," I shook my head, "And I...I need to think of her well-being."

"I need to make sure that there is no risk on her at all," I pointed out, "Even if it meant getting hurt in the process."

"No," Nikolas said, not willing to listen to reason, "You're not going there on your own. I am not letting you."

"You're not letting me?" I shot him a mocking glare. Who does he think he is? "What are you going to do? Tie me to the chair?" I grumbled out.

"If I have to, then yeah."

Dad elbowed him sharply, "That's enough, shut up you," he hissed before turning to me. His voice softened, but his words carried the same weight. "Max, listen to me. This is dangerous. You don't know how many men he has with him. You don't know his plan. He wants you to go there. He'll be prepared. You won't."

"I will be," I said.

Nikolas stepped closer, his voice rising, his anger barely contained. "No, you won't. Just because I trained you for a few months doesn't mean you're ready. They overpowered Leo, and he's been doing this for years," He shot out, his anger and rage climbing to the surface, painting his neck fiery red, "When you and I fought, I was pulling back my punches, okay? Even on those times that you won. So don't for once think you can go out there and fight them on your own!"

God, I wanted to hit him so bad. "I know that, I am not stupid!" I shot out, "Which is why I am willing to get hurt for this, and I need you to trust me. I have a plan. We don't have time and I am not going to do anything that will risk Valerie's life in any way."

"I get that Max, but—" Dad said but I cut him off immediately.

"No, you don't get it!" I shot out, glaring at them both, "Neither of you do."

"If it were you in my place, you'd do the same thing. You'd throw yourself into the fire for the people you love. So stop thinking about me and start trusting me. I can't let anything happen to her. I won't let anything happen to her."

If she gets hurt again, I won't handle it.

"I love her," The words scraped at my throat, but I forced them out, "She's everything to me. And she's been through enough. She doesn't deserve this." My chest heaved as I looked between them, "I came to you because I don't want to be reckless, because I don't want to worry you. I don't want to risk her life—or mine. But you need to respect me and trust me when I say I know what I'm doing."

The silence that followed was deafening. Nikolas dragged a hand down his face, his composure barely holding together as he grasped for control. Dad gazed at me for a long moment before he stepped forward, "What do you have in mind?" he asked, his voice heavy with worry.

Nikolas's head snapped toward him, his eyes widened and he shot Dad an incredulous look, "Are you fucking kidding me," He grated out, and his fists clenched at his sides, knuckles white.

Dad glared at him, "No, I am not," he said, giving me a chance, "So, shut up and let's hear him out."

The heavy weight over my heart loosened just a bit and I explained what I deduced so far, "Like you said, this is a trap, so he won't be there when I go, I am almost too sure of it. He won't keep her there either," I explained as I picked up my phone from the desk, and gazed at her pale face. I tried to draw power from it, just enough to keep going.

My fingers tightened over the phone, "At first, he will need to make sure that I am alone, so whoever is helping him, how many men he has, they'll be there waiting for me."

I looked up, locking eyes with both of them, willing them to understand. "That's why I need to go alone. If he sees anyone else—if he even suspects you're there—he could hurt her. And we don't know where she is yet."

My throat tightened as I spoke, my chest heaving with the effort to keep my emotions in check. "So, I'll go there. I'll buy us time. While I distract them and him, you'll find her. You have to find her," I added, "He wouldn't keep her so far, because if I understand him well, at first he will want to throw a couple of punches at me. He wants payback, to make me bleed a little before he moves to the real threat," My voice dropped, my gut twisting. "And then..."

"Then he'll bring her out," Nikolas interrupted, resuming my words, his voice lower now, less angry but it held a distinctive tone I couldn't make sense of, "And he'll hurt her in front of you."

Dad's jaw tensed, his eyes flickered to his brother, then went back to me.

I nodded, my throat dry. "Yeah," I murmured. "That's what I believe."

"That's why I need you to act fast. While I'm keeping his attention, you search. Maybe he's holding her in the forest near the overlook, or maybe somewhere closer, like the campus. He'll want her nearby but hidden. If you find her before he brings her out, you can get her to safety. If not..." My voice wavered for a moment, but I pushed through. "If not, you interfere only when he brings her out."

Nikolas let out a harsh breath, running a hand through his hair, his frustration barely contained. "This could go wrong in so many ways."

"I know," I replied, meeting his gaze without flinching.

"He could kill you for god's sake!"

"He won't," I said, "At least not right away."

"Still, he could hurt you enough—"

"I can take it," I pointed out.

"Let me go instead," he grated out, "I'll kill every man he sends my way, including him. We won't have to go through any of this bullshit."

I shook my head, "No. He has the upper hand on us now because we don't know where Valerie is. If you go, he'll see you coming and kill her just to spite us. I'm not taking that risk."

He was ready to argue but I didn't give him the chance, "So, are you with me on this, or not?" I asked, looking between him and Dad, who looked extra stressed but kept silent as he thought all of my words through.

Finally, he let out a slow breath and nodded. "Okay," he said quietly. "Let's do it."

Nikolas's composure cracked further, "Fine. Since no one's going to listen to me, I guess I don't have a fucking choice but to say yes."

Good.

It wasn't perfect. It could go wrong in a hundred ways. But none of that mattered now.

Because no matter what, I had one goal. One thought burned into my mind.

David dies today.

•────•°•❀•°•────•

Alex's POV

My gaze stayed on Max as he talked to Jeremy about something. Jeremy nodded along, answering every question that got thrown his way, trying to assist in any way he could.

I leaned slightly toward Nikolas, lowering my voice so only he could hear me. "It's like he's you and me combined into one person," I muttered.

Nikolas didn't look up, his focus on reloading his gun. "Mhmm," he grunted absently, clearly only half-listening.

"Seriously," I continued, "like if you and I had a baby, that would be him."

That got his attention. His hands froze mid-motion, his head snapping toward me, eyebrows furrowing, "Wha...why did you say that? Why would you ever say that?" he grumbled out in utter annoyance, "What the hell is wrong with you?"

I flashed him a fake innocent look, "What?" I asked, "You don't want to be my baby's daddy?"

His expression darkened, and I could practically see his blood pressure skyrocketing. "Seriously, Alex? Now? Of all times?" he grumbled as he tucked his gun into his waistband with far more force than necessary, stopping himself before he used one of those bullets on me.

I snickered, "Come on. Don't act like you didn't think it too. He's got your brooding scowl and my devilish charm. The resemblance is uncanny."

"Keep talking, Alex, and I might test how fast I can reload this thing."

I let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling my eyes at his complete and utter lack of humor. "Fine, fine," I muttered.

He kept silent after, his gaze focused on Max before it flickered to me, "I can't believe you're letting him do this."

I nodded, my jaw tightening. "He needs to do this," I replied, my voice steady despite the worry in my heart. "If I didn't back him up, he might've done something even more reckless." Cue his mother's genes.

"He could get hurt badly, Alex," Nikolas pointed out.

I turned fully to face him, raising an eyebrow, "You really think I'd let him go in there without a backup plan?" I asked, crossing my arms.

His eyes narrowed slightly, "What do you mean?"

"You really think I'll send him over there alone?" I said, "Like hell, I would. He has a plan of his own, and well, we'll have our own plan too," I added, "But he needs to feel like he's calling the shots, or he'll explode," I let out a loud sigh, "That's what you get when you mix your stubbornness with my flair for chaos."

Realization dawned on Nikolas's face, and the tension in his shoulders eased ever so slightly, "Now you're starting to sound more like my brother," he said and I punched his arm for that mocking tone.

"We've got the upper hand here," I said, shifting gears and stating the obvious.

Nikolas's worry had overpowered his judgment before. Now, he glanced at me with a knowing look, reminded of that fact.

"David is an amateur," Nikolas stated.

I nodded, "And you know what the best part is," I said, raising my fist for Nikolas. He smiled and bumped his fist with mine.

"He has no idea who were are," He resumed the words on my behalf.

•────•°•❀•°•────•

Max's POV

Nikolas was arranging his men, issuing his orders when I stepped up to his side, waiting for him to notice me.

His sharp eyes caught mine, and he paused mid-sentence, dismissing them instantly. The men moved away quickly, leaving the two of us alone in the tense silence.

I spoke without any introductions, I didn't have much time anyway, "I trust Dad in this," I began, "But can I trust you too?" I had to make sure, one last time, "Can I trust that you won't put her life at risk for me?"

Nikolas didn't answer immediately. His eyes held mine for a moment too long, searching, studying me. His gaze flickered across my face, as though he was trying to unearth answers to questions he didn't dare speak aloud.

"I'm giving you a chance," I continued, "And I'm trusting that you won't disappoint me." Slowly, I extended my hand toward him—another olive branch, "So...can I really trust you?"

He nodded his head, this time without any flicker of hesitation. His hand came up and wrapped around mine, "Yes, you can."

I let out a low breath, "Okay, cool."

I started to pull my hand back, but his grip tightened. Before I could react, he used it to tug me forward, catching me off guard. His arms wrapped around me in a fierce embrace, his hold so tight it nearly knocked the air out of me, "You be careful out there," he said, his voice low and tight, "Remember everything I taught you, okay?"

I froze for a moment, my arms hanging awkwardly at my sides. This wasn't something I was used to—not from him at least. Slowly, tentatively, my arms moved, wrapping around his back. My hands clenched lightly at the fabric of his jacket as I leaned into the embrace, uncertain but not pulling away.

His hand came up, gently cradling the back of my head, "Don't worry, she will be okay. I will find her and bring her to safety before you know it."

I nodded against his chest, "Okay," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He pulled back slowly, his hands lingering on my shoulders for a brief second before falling away. I stepped back, breaking the contact, my arms dropping to my sides, fingers curling into tight fists. My chest felt impossibly heavy, my heart pounding against my ribs like it was trying to break free.

But there wasn't time to dwell on any of this. We had to set our plan into motion.

They went to do their part, and I went to do mine.

I drove in silence, gripping the steering wheel so tightly. A hundred different emotions swirled in my chest but I shoved them all aside, letting only one thought consume me. Valerie. Her safety.

I parked my car at the campus and went down, using my feet to take me to the targeted spot. The top of the overlook stretched out before me, eerily still and silent, just as I'd expected. The emptiness didn't soothe me—it was the calm before the storm.

And the storm came fast.

In seconds, a group of men emerged from between the trees, their faces hard, expressions unreadable, each of them armed and radiating a cold menace. Their steps were purposeful as they closed in around me, forming a tight circle.

"Well," I muttered under my breath, "This feels welcoming."

One of them, a tall guy with a shaved head and a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as they scanned me. "Turn around," he said, his voice gravelly and impatient.

I raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance. "Oh, and here I thought we'd start with introductions. Icebreakers, maybe?"

He wasn't amused. "Turn. Around."

Another man, shorter but stockier, stepped up behind me and started patting me down. His hands were rough, and brusque, searching every inch with precision.

"You better be planning to buy me dinner after this," I grumbled out, his hands getting way too touchy for my liking.

"Shut up," the scarred one growled.

They checked my jacket pockets, then my waistband, then my boots. They found nothing. I had nothing on me. One of them snatched the phone from my pocket, flipping it over in his hand before turning to the scarred leader.

The scarred man shot me a glare, his expression a mix of suspicion and irritation, as though my phone might explode in his face.

"What?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "No one said anything about not bringing a phone. You should've mentioned it in the invite."

Without missing a beat, he hurled my poor phone over the edge of the overlook. I watched it disappear into the darkness, hearing the faint crack as it hit the rocks below.

"Well, there goes my playlist," I muttered lowly.

They didn't respond. Instead, one of them grabbed my arm roughly, yanking me forward.

"Easy," I said, wincing as they tightened their grip. "You break it. I break yours."

The scarred man stepped closer, his face inches from mine, "You think this is a joke?"

I met his gaze, a mocking smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "No, but I'm trying to make it one. Lighten the mood, you know? You guys are so serious."

His jaw tightened, but he didn't respond. Instead, he motioned for the others, and I felt another hand grab my arm. Together, they dragged me forward as they guided me off the overlook and into the forest nearby.

I kept my senses on high alert, trying to be aware of their next move. So far, things are going just like I expected them to.

The forest grew thicker, the air colder. The farther we went, the heavier the tension became. My pulse thundered in my ears, but I forced myself to stay calm. I needed to focus. Every step brought me closer to David—and to Valerie.

After a few minutes, we emerged into a small clearing. The space was well-worn and familiar. A round patch of dirt, littered with the remnants of frat-boy bonfire parties. Empty beer cans, and burned logs sat in a pile, and used condom wrappers lay scattered on the floor.

They stopped there, holding me in place. No one said a word.

We waited.

I glanced around, eyebrows furrowing, "So, that's it?"

They ignored me.

Minutes ticked by, the tension in my chest winding tighter with every passing second. My jaw clenched as I glared at the nearest guy holding me. "You know," I began, "this is becoming really boring—"

"Well, I didn't bring you here to entertain you, did I?"

And here he comes.

I heard him before I saw him. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot echoed through the trees, each step slow and deliberate, like he was savoring the moment. And then he came into view.

The sight of him tore through every thread of composure I had left. His smug smile, his relaxed stance, like he didn't have a care in the world. Rage flooded my veins, hot and consuming. Control slipped through my fingers. I wanted him dead. I wanted to see him bleed. I wanted to watch the life drain from his eyes.

David stopped a few feet away, keeping his distance, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his jacket. His gaze swept over me, a cruel smile curving his lips. "Max," he said, his tone light and mocking. "You look...tense. Rough day?"

I glared at him, my teeth grinding. "You've got a lot of nerve showing your face. Shame it's still intact." Should've killed him right there and then...

He scoffed, "You know, for someone so eager to play hero, you're really predictable," he mocked, "Did you honestly think I'd make this easy for you?"

My fists clenched at my sides, the men holding me tightening their grip as I leaned forward slightly. "I think you like the sound of your own voice too much. Why don't you let me fix that for you."

David's grin widened, "You know," he chuckled lowly, "You sound like a really cool guy, we could've been good friends, it's almost a shame I have to break you tonight."

"Big words for someone who hides behind a group of thugs," I shot back.

His smile didn't waver, but there was a flicker of something darker in his eyes. "Oh, don't worry. I don't need them for this."

He gave a subtle nod, and the men holding me released their grip, stepping back just enough to give me space. My muscles coiled instinctively, ready for the fight I knew was coming.

David didn't waste a single second, he moved fast—faster than I expected. His fist shot toward me, aiming for my face.

Oh, but I was so ready.

Anger didn't drive my actions, no, not like before. I used my rage, I controlled my fury. I harnessed it, and let it sharpen my focus. I caught the faint shift in his stance, the tightening of his shoulder as he prepared to strike. I ducked at the last second, his fist grazing past my cheek as I spun to the side.

Before he could recover, I slammed my hands against his chest, shoving him backward with all the force I could muster. The force drove him backward, his feet stumbling over the uneven ground. His composure faltered, and I saw a flicker of surprise flash across his face.

He was no match.

David's expression darkened, his amusement long gone. He surged forward again, his movements less calculated now, driven by anger.

Big mistake.

I sidestepped his lunge, letting his own momentum betray him, and I swung my fist hard. It connected with his jaw, the satisfying crack reverberating up my arm. He staggered once more, a growl ripping from his throat as he brought a hand to his face. When he pulled it away, his knuckles were streaked with blood.

I prepared myself for the next attack, my mind racing through every technique Nikolas had shown me. But before I could make my next move, strong hands grabbed my arms from behind, yanking me back with enough force to knock the air out of my lungs.

"Really?" I spat, struggling against their grip. "Couldn't let me have a fair shot? Cowards."

My muscles strained, but they held firm, "What's the matter, David? Afraid I'll beat you down in front of your goons?"

David wiped his mouth, spitting a glob of blood onto the ground before stepping closer, "Let's see how much fight you really have in you," David grated out before his fist connected with my stomach in a brutal punch.

A wave of pain crashed through me. My body doubled over as much as their grip allowed, but I clenched my jaw, refusing to let the pain show. Instead, I glared up at him, fire in my eyes, "Can't fight unless you have men holding me back?" I shot out, "Pathetic."

He shrugged, "At least now I got the upper hand," He said, his words followed by a brutal punch aimed at my jaw. My head snapped to the side, pain radiating through my skull, but I didn't care. I expected this. Every punch, every word—it was predictable.

Another blow came, landing in my ribs. A grunt escaped me as the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. David leaned in, leveling his face with mine, "This is nothing. Wait until I do all of this to her. Right in front of you."

So predictable.

I gathered the blood pooling in my mouth and spat it directly into his face.

He froze, his body going rigid as the blood dripped down his cheek. With a growl that sounded more animal than human, he wiped his face and lunged for me.

His men tried to hold me steady, but I didn't need much room. The moment he came close, I lifted my legs, bracing against his chest, and used the leverage to shove him back with all the strength I could muster.

He stumbled, caught off guard, but recovered quickly, "You little shit," he snarled, his voice dripping with venom as he came back at me.

"David, stop!"

The unfamiliar voice rang out, sharp and commanding, cutting through the chaos. It echoed through the empty forest, leaving a tense silence in its wake.

David tensed mid-step, his fists lowering slightly as his head snapped toward the source of the voice. Reluctantly, he stepped aside, allowing me to see who had spoken.

My eyes landed on the man and my jaw ticked. His father. Fuck. Now, that I didn't account for.

The man strolled forward. He stopped just ahead of me, his sharp eyes sweeping over me with cold amusement, "So," He said, leaning down until his face was inches from mine. He brought his hand up, fingers curling around my chin and forcing me to look up, "This is the guy who put you in the hospital?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips as he turned to David.

"Yeah," David muttered, still wiping blood from his face, "That's him."

His father smiled, "Oh, we are gonna have so much fun, aren't we?"

He straightened, turning to the men holding me. "Hold him tight," he ordered. "He's a handful." Their grips tightened, bruising against my skin, but I barely noticed. My focus was on the man rolling up his sleeves with an almost lazy confidence.

"You see," he began, glancing briefly at David, his tone mocking, "my son, he's...weak." His smirk widened as David bristled. "Me, on the other hand, I don't play around."

His fist raised, his posture shifting with precision, and I pressed my eyes shut, bracing for the impact.

But it never came.

Almost instantly, a thunderous crack split the air, followed by another. Gunshots.

In mere seconds, the forest erupted into chaos.

The hands holding me loosened as the men spun around, reaching for their weapons. Shouts echoed through the trees as more gunfire rang out, closer this time.

I pried my eyes open, my head snapping around to take in the scene. David's father stood frozen, his face twisted in disbelief as he scanned the clearing, unable to comprehend what was occurring.

Nikolas's men poured in from the shadows, quick and calculated. They were armed, they were more in number, their movements precise and practiced as they took down David's thugs one by one.

The forest became a battlefield, the air thick with shouts and gunfire.

My heart quivered at the mere thought of it. They found her, didn't they?

Before I could process it further, David's father grabbed my collar, yanking me back to the present. His grip was tight, his face contorted with fury as he shook me violently.

"You're really starting to get on my nerves," he grated out, his fist rearing back.

I barely had time to react before I was yanked backward, the force pulling me free of his grip. I stumbled, blinking in shock as a familiar figure stepped in front of me.

"Dad?"

My father's hand shot out so quickly, catching the other man's fist mid-swing. His grip was harsh, his eyes blazing with fury, "Why don't you fight someone your own fucking age?" Dad snarled, his free hand driving forward in a brutal punch that landed squarely on the man's face.

David's father staggered, clutching his nose as blood streamed down his face. The crimson smeared across his cheek as he tried to steady himself, but he didn't even have time to recover. Dad was already closing the distance; I'd never seen him fight like this before. His fist dove into the man's ribs with brutal force.

The impact sent a sharp crack echoing through the air, and David's father doubled over, clutching his side as he wheezed.

"Touch my son again, and you're dead," Dad grated out. He didn't give the man a moment to breathe. He moved so quickly, blinded by the urge to protect me, "Who am I kidding," He scoffed as he grabbed the man by the back of his shirt and yanked him upright, "You're dead anyway."

Without hesitation, Dad's other fist came up, delivering a sharp hook to his jaw. David's father's head snapped to the side, blood spraying from his split lip.

Oh, wow.

The final punch landed squarely on the man's temple, a devastating blow that left his eyes rolling back in his head. His body crumpled, falling to the ground, unconscious.

For a moment, all I could do was stare, my breath caught somewhere between my lungs and my throat.

Dad turned around, his chest heaving, his knuckles bruised and bloodied. His sharp eyes locked on me, scanning me from head to toe. He moved toward me, his gaze softening as he got closer. Without a word, his hand brushed over my jaw, his thumb grazing the cut on my lip as his eyes darkened.

Before I could speak, his hand moved to the side of my neck, then to my shoulder, gripping me firmly as if making sure I was still solid beneath his touch. Then, in one motion, he pulled me into him, his arms wrapping around me so tightly I could barely breathe.

My breath hitched, "Valerie?" I asked, failing to make a full sentence.

"Nikolas has her," he said, his voice low but I heard the faint tremor in it—the remnants of the fear he'd just fought so hard to contain.

Relief surged through me, so powerful it almost made me collapse on the spot. Instead, I clung to him, my arms wrapping around him just as tightly as his were around me. My eyes shut tightly, my body trembling as I fought against the tears threatening to spill.

"I love you so much, Dad," I murmured into his shoulder. What would've I done if I didn't have him? If possible, his arms tightened even more, his breath stuttering as he exhaled, "I love you too, kid," he murmured, his voice unsteady for the first time.

When he finally pulled back, he cupped the side of my neck, holding me in place as his eyes bore into mine, "This is the last time...the last time you ever do something like this. Do you hear me?" He grated out in warning.

I smiled and nodded my head, "Okay."

I could feel it—his trust. His belief in me, even as his heart had been ripped apart worrying for me.

And it killed me, that in a way, I will shatter that belief today.

•────•°•❀•°•────•

Valerie's POV

I tugged at the ropes binding my wrists to the cold rail, the coarse material biting into my skin with every pull. The darkness around me was suffocating, but I refused to stop. My arms strained, my muscles trembling with the effort, but the knots didn't budge.

Come on. Come on, I thought, gritting my teeth as frustration clawed at my chest. I couldn't waste this moment. I was alone now—this was my only chance.

The air around me carried a faint, familiar scent, something that shouldn't have made sense in the chaos of my situation. Coffee. That rich, bittersweet aroma that clung to my clothes after every shift. My brows knitted together as realization prickled at the edges of my mind.

Am I—

I blinked hard, trying to adjust my eyes to the suffocating darkness, straining to make out the shapes around me. The faint hum of a refrigerator in the distance, the dull clang of a metal shelf somewhere nearby—it all felt hauntingly familiar. My heart sank, an icy wave of dread washing over me.

Am I...in the back kitchen of the coffee shop?

He tied me up here? Here, of all places?

Is he crazy?

A groan escaped my lips, raw and loud, as I yanked at the ropes again, harder this time. My legs kicked out uselessly, my heels scraping against the tiled floor in desperation. The knots dug deeper into my wrists, the burn sharp but I didn't care. I needed to get free.

"Damn it!" I hissed, my voice breaking the silence of the room. My chest heaved, my breathing erratic as frustration pooled in my throat. I could feel the sting of tears pressing against my eyes, but I blinked them away. This wasn't the time to cry.

Then I heard it.

The unmistakable sound of heavy, urgent footsteps echoed in the distance, growing louder with every second. My eyes widened as panic surged through me, my heart slamming against my ribs. No. No, no, no. My breathing quickened, my body trembling with the realization that I was no longer alone.

I couldn't escape.

The door burst open with a deafening crack, slamming against the wall so hard I thought it might come off its hinges. A flood of light poured into the room, blinding me. I winced, squeezing my eyes shut as the sudden brightness sent a sharp pain shooting through my head.

The footsteps grew closer. My entire body tensed, my mind racing through what little options I had. Desperation clawed at me, and I forced my eyes open, preparing to fight—to slam my head against David if he dared come near me.

But then I froze.

"Valerie," Nikolas breathed out in relief, his eyes flickering all over me.

My eyes widened as he crouched in front of me in an instant, his hands moving quickly, almost frantically, as he untied the ropes binding my wrists. The tension drained from my body all at once, replaced by a wave of overwhelming relief that left me dizzy.

"Oh my god," I whispered, my voice shaking as the words tumbled out. I could barely process what was happening, the sudden shift from fear to safety leaving me breathless.

The moment my hands were free, something in me snapped. Relief, fear, gratitude—everything hit me at once, surging through me like a tidal wave. Before I could think, I lunged forward, throwing my arms around his neck and burying my face in his shoulder.

A shaky, stuttering breath escaped me, and the tears I'd been holding back spilled over, streaking down my face uncontrollably.

Nikolas tensed beneath me, his body going rigid as if he wasn't quite sure what to do with the sudden contact. For a second, I thought he might pull away, but then he steadied me. Slowly, carefully, his arms wrapped around me, so very protective.

His hand rested against my back, so gently, and I could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest. "It's okay," he murmured softly, "You're safe now."

I clung to him tighter, the sheer weight of what had just happened crashing down on me. "I—" I started, but my voice broke, another sob cutting through the words.

He held me there, silent but solid, until my breathing steadied.

When I finally pulled back, sniffling, I avoided his gaze, embarrassed by what I just did. My voice was hoarse as I asked, "How did you...how did you find me?"

His jaw tightened, "Let's just say David isn't as clever as he thinks he is," he said shortly, brushing it off as he stood.

He reached down, offering me his hand, and I let him pull me to my feet. My legs were weak, trembling beneath me, but his grip was steady.

"Max?" I asked, my chest twisting painfully at the thought. "Where is Max?"

Nikolas didn't answer right away. Instead, he pulled out his phone, typing something quickly. His free hand wrapped around my wrist, tugging me gently toward the door.

"Come on," he said, "We need to go to him."

The air outside hit me like a slap. My stomach churned as my eyes fell on the two lifeless bodies by the door, blood pooling beneath them in jagged streaks that glistened under the faint light.

I pressed a hand over my mouth, swallowing hard. "I..." My voice faltered as the reality of what Nikolas had done to get to me settled in my chest.

"Don't look," he said softly, his tone oddly gentle for someone who had left death in his wake.

But I couldn't help it. My feet faltered, my legs locking in place as my eyes darted back to him. "Leo," I whispered, my voice shaking. My heart dropped. "Where...is he? Did you—?"

Nikolas exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "He's in surgery," he said, his voice flat.

My heart clenched painfully. "Is he...is he going to be okay?" I asked, my voice barely audible, laced with guilt that clawed at me relentlessly.

Nikolas didn't answer. He couldn't. The silence stretched, and I pressed a trembling hand to my mouth, trying desperately to hold myself together.

"It's not your fault, Valerie," He said, so sure.

"But it is," I choked out, tears blurring my vision as they spilled over.

I climbed into his car, my body shaking with the weight of it all.

"No," Nikolas said sharply as he joined me, turning in his seat to face me before starting the car. "Leo knew exactly what he was signing up for. The men in this family—they walk in ready to die for the family. He understood that."

I shook my head violently, "But it's not fair. He was only trying to protect me."

Nikolas sucked in a deep breath, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "Look," he said, his voice softening a bit, "Leo is one of my best. He's a fighter. He'll make it through this, I am sure."

I gulped down, praying for a miracle. Nikolas turned his focus to the road, the car roared to life as he pressed the gas, the tires crunching over gravel as we sped into the night.

My chest felt tight, my mind racing with everything he told me as he quickly filled me in.

He told me about Max—how he had gone in first, deliberately putting himself at risk to keep the focus on him. Oh my god, this boy will kill me one day. He explained how Max's father had followed closely behind, ready to strike with the backup they had the second they found me.

And how, the moment they did, they attacked.

Every word made my heart heavier, my hands trembling as they gripped the edge of the seat. I could barely hear him over the pounding of my pulse in my ears. They did all of this for me. I didn't know what to feel anymore.

When the car finally stopped, I didn't wait. I shoved the door open, stumbling out into the night.

"Valerie!" Nikolas called sharply behind me, but I didn't listen.

My breath hitched as I stepped into the clearing. The sight before me froze me in place. It was horrifying.

The ground was littered with bodies, some slumped against trees, others sprawled in pools of blood that stained the dirt and leaves.

But none of it mattered.

Not when I saw him.

My eyes found Max, and the world around me blurred into nothing. His green eyes locked on mine. His chest heaved as he stood there, blood streaked across his shirt, his knuckles raw.

Before I knew it, my feet moved of their own accord, propelling me toward him. My vision blurred with tears, and the lump in my throat nearly choked me, but I didn't stop until I reached him.

I crashed into his chest with enough force to knock the breath from both of us, but his arms were there, wrapping around me fiercely, like he'd been waiting for this moment for decades. A shuddering breath escaped him as he buried his face into my shoulder, his entire body trembling.

His hand cradled the back of my head, his shaking fingers getting bunched up between my strands, "Valerie," he whispered my name like a prayer.

I clung to him, my hands fisting the bloodstained fabric of his shirt, afraid to let go, afraid he might vanish if I did.

My tears soaked into his chest, but I didn't care.

I edged back just enough to see his face, my breath catching at the sight. The bruises on his jaw, the small cut over his lips—it was too much for my weak heart. My fingers trembled as they reached for him, tracing the angry mark on his face, and the dried blood at the corner of his mouth.

"What did you do?" I whispered.

His hands came up to cup my face. His thumbs brushed away my tears with an aching gentleness that made my chest tighten painfully. His tortured eyes roamed over every inch of my face, as if he needed to memorize it, to convince himself I was here and safe.

"You're okay," he murmured, more to himself than to me.

I felt his thumb glide over the cut on my forehead, his gaze darkening as he stared at it like it was a personal failure. His jaw clenched so hard I thought it might crack, and I felt his hands tighten on my face, his struggle to keep himself together so palpable it made my throat tighten.

"Max," I whispered, placing my hand over his, and shaking him back to me.

He exhaled a shaky breath, his forehead coming to rest against mine. For a moment, we stayed like that, wrapped in each other, our breaths mingling, the chaos and destruction around us forgotten.

I lifted my hand, letting my fingers brush over his cheek. A small, tearful smile curved my lips as I whispered, "I knew you'd come for me."

His eyes squeezed shut, his breath hitching as though my words had broken something inside him. "I thought I might lose you," he admitted finally, his voice so quiet I had to lean closer to hear it. "I thought...I wouldn't get to you in time."

"But you did, you found me," I whispered, my thumb brushing over the bruise, "You even...you placed yourself in danger for me."

He shook his head, "I would die for you, Valerie," He said and sucked into a suffocating breath, a single tear slipping down his bruised cheek as he held me even closer, like he still couldn't believe I was here.

I couldn't hold back my own tears anymore. They spilled freely as I cupped his face in my hands, my thumbs brushing over the raw edges of his injuries. Rising onto my toes, I pressed my lips softly to his, tasting salt and warmth and every ounce of pain and love he carried.

"I love you," I murmured against his lips, the words trembling as they left me. I kissed him again, softer this time, like a vow. "I love you so much, Max."

"I love you more than anything," he whispered back, breaking and healing my heart altogether.

The moment was ours—fragile, beautiful, and almost infinite.

Until it wasn't.

A loud throat-clearing broke the silence, shattering the fragile bubble around us.

I stiffened, my eyes snapping open as we both turned toward the source.

There stood his father, his arms crossed over his chest, "Well, I'm glad we're all feeling the love tonight," he said, his eyebrow raising, "But if you two could maybe wrap this up, we've got a bit of a situation here."

I bit my lip, my cheeks burning as I glanced at Max, who looked equally caught off guard.

"Dad," Max groaned, his voice laced with frustration as he dragged a hand down his face.

His father flashed him a knowing look before he looked at me, his lips curled into a very soft smile, and he gave me a wink, "We're glad you're okay, Valerie," He said, genuinely.

I smiled, my chest swelling with gratitude. "Thank you...for everything," I said, "Especially for making sure he doesn't do something stupid," I added playfully, pointing at Max with a teasing grin.

His father chuckled but Max's head snapped toward me, his eyebrow shooting up as he gave me a look of utter betrayal.

"Seriously?" he muttered incredulously, his expression making me laugh softly.

I leaned into him, resting against his side as his arm instinctively wrapped around my waist, holding me close. The warmth of his touch steadied me, but as I let my eyes wander over the scene around us, my smile faded.

The ground was the aftermath of a battlefield—bodies scattered, blood soaking the dirt.

My stomach churned at the sight of David's father being dragged toward one of the cars. His face was battered, swollen, and bruised, his lip split and blood dripping steadily onto his torn shirt. I couldn't help the faint satisfaction that flickered in my chest at the sight of him like this—broken, powerless, unconscious, a shadow of the threat he'd once been.

"You did that?" Nikolas asked, his amused eyes on Alex.

Alex nodded with a smug smile, "Well, not to brag, but yeah."

Nikolas nodded approvingly, tapping him on the back proudly, "Nice work."

Around us, the cleanup continued. The dead were being moved, bodies hauled into cars. But then my eyes caught on something that made my blood run cold.

I froze.

David. He was still conscious, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine with a hatred so visceral it sent a shiver racing down my spine. A man dragged him forward, his arms bound tightly behind his back, but his defiance was unshaken.

I felt Max tense beside me, his arm around my waist tightening as his jaw clenched. My gaze flicked to him, and my breath caught at the murderous glare in his eyes, his body coiled like a spring about to snap.

David's eyes bore into me with pure venom, his lips curling into a sneer despite the blood trailing down his chin. I tried to suppress the instinctive urge to shrink under his gaze, leaning closer to Max as though I could anchor myself to him, brand myself into his presence.

"What do you want us to do with this one?" the man holding David asked Nikolas.

David's jaw ticked, his pride still refusing to yield. "If you think this ends here," he spat, his voice cutting through the air, "you're all very wrong!"

Nikolas's expression didn't shift, his gaze calm but deadly. He signaled to the man holding David, and without hesitation, the man stepped back, releasing him.

David barely had time to process the movement before Nikolas was on him. His fist flew, landing a bone-shattering punch to David's face. The sickening crack of bone echoed around us, and David crumpled to the ground with a strangled cry of pain.

"I've had enough of you," Nikolas said, his tone almost bored as he adjusted his shirt casually, like he hadn't just broken the man's face.

David clutched his nose, blood pouring between his fingers as he whimpered in agony. But before I could fully register the satisfaction of seeing him like this, Max moved.

I felt it the second his arm left me, the sudden absence of his warmth making my heart lurch.

"Max?" I whispered, trying to reach for him again.

It all happened so fast—and yet, in the moment, it felt agonizingly slow.

Max stepped forward with terrifying calmness. His movements were almost calculated, as if rehearsed in his mind a thousand times. His hand quickly reached for the gun tucked into Nikolas's waistband, his fingers curling around it with practiced ease.

My eyes widened, "Max!" I shot out, lunging toward him, my hands reaching out to stop him.

Nikolas moved too, his reflexes sharp, but not sharp enough.

"Max, no!" his father barked, his hand outstretched, but even he couldn't close the distance in time.

Max didn't hesitate.

The gun was in his hand, the safety flicked off. He raised it, his aim steady and he fired, not an ounce of hesitation in his actions.

Not one, not even two...three bullets left the gun and hit David in the chest. His body jolted as the bullets fiercely tore through him.

I froze.

Nikolas's eyes widened in shock, his entire body tense as he stared at Max, disbelief etched into every line of his face, "What the hell did you do?!" he shot out in anger.

Max turned slowly, his expression unreadable, too cold. His green eyes drifted from David's lifeless body to Nikolas as he handed the gun back, his movements eerily calm for someone who just killed a man.

"Making sure this doesn't happen again," was all he said before he came to my side, his hand curling over my wrist and he pulled me away from the horrifying scene.

•────────•°•❀•°•────────•

The next chapter will be the last chapter. I will miss this book :(

So, what do you think? xD