Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 133213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 666(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 666(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
Aidan looked up. “What the fuck is happening, Tris?”
He heard Carys gasp but he didn’t have time to talk. “Stay down.” He looked over and Ian and his fathers had taken up refuge behind the balcony wall. Luckily they’d stayed somewhat true to the original architecture and hadn’t switch it out for wrought iron. It was a thick wall that protected them from bullets.
The hail of bullets went on for what felt like forever. He was forced to huddle behind one of the big pillars while Carys and Aidan were behind the wall. He could barely see the white of her dress because her father and Aidan protected her so completely.
But he wasn’t there, and if he didn’t figure this the fuck out he never would be again. Aidan had been serious. He’d meant to cut Tris out after today.
He’d agonized for years over the decisions he’d made. He thought he’d come to terms with all of them. But standing here and not being able to take his half of the burden was killing him. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t be without them for the rest of his life.
The sound of the chopper hung in the air and then he risked it to get a look. Tristan moved to the side, and the chopper was starting to pull away.
“Are they leaving?” Carys asked quietly.
He glanced over to where his cousins were huddled. Kala and Kenzie looked worse for the wear, but neither was panicking. Kala caught his gaze and lifted her chin slightly.
She wasn’t letting anyone leave. Neither was he. If he didn’t take the shot, his cousin would.
He nodded and then the twins were moving, firing to give him some cover. The helo was starting to turn. Cooper was suddenly at Tristan’s side.
“Hit the fuel tank,” Cooper said, his eyes narrowing as he lifted his weapon. “They’re too close right now.”
Tristan knew exactly where to hit, but they had to let the fucker get further away. There was a responding set of gunfire, and Cooper ducked but Tristan stood there. He stared at the fuckers who were likely looking for him. He was the reason for all of this. A bullet flew by him, but he stood firm.
The gunfire ceased, and for a second the quiet was unsettling.
“Girls, get down now. Tristan, Cooper, take them out.” Uncle Ian yelled.
He was sure Ian would have preferred to do the taking down, but he and Coop were in a better position. The helo started a sweep up, and he and Coop fired.
Two shots. It was all they needed. Two shots and then they heard the whirring of the engine right before the whole thing exploded.
Tristan felt the heat from the blast and realized Coop had taken cover. Everyone had. They’d all protected themselves, but Tris needed to see it, needed to feel the power of the blast, to know beyond a shadow of all doubt at least these fuckers wouldn’t be coming after his family.
“What is wrong with you?” His dad’s eyes were wide as he stalked across the space, pointing Tristan’s way. “Do you have a death wish, son? They were close. You are lucky the blast didn’t take you out.”
“Hey, are you okay?” His papa was calmer, though he could see what it had cost Adam Miles to stand down while the rest of them took care of the situation.
“I’m fine.” He took a long breath and turned to help Aidan up, but Sean Taggart was already there. He had Aidan on his feet and reached for Carys, but she was already holding her hand up for Aidan.
“Yeah, I need a cleanup crew,” Big Tag was saying into his cell.
Liam O’Donnell rushed in as Aidan helped Carys to her feet.
Her dress was ruined. It was torn in several places and covered in some form of soot. Her hair had come down, and the veil was barely hanging on. She held on to Aidan as she looked back at her dad. “Is everyone okay?”
Charlotte Taggart came in from the bridal suite where it looked like she’d taken the guests in the back half of the balcony to hide. She was in a designer gown but had her favorite accessory. A pistol. “We clear?”
Her husband nodded. “Yeah, but now we have to deal with the fallout. Carys, sweetheart, I’m so sorry…”
She held up a hand. “The wedding’s off. We need to check on everyone, and then you need to figure out what’s going on. I understand. All that matters is everyone is safe. Does anyone need medical treatment?”
She was surreally calm as she pulled the veil off her head.
“I think we moved them all out in time, sweetie,” her dad said. “I need to let your mom know you’re okay.”
“I’ll come with you. I want to check on everyone,” she replied, cool as ice.