Page 75 of Ruthless Possession
Morgan finishes packing and helps Charlie into her shoes. "Just the essentials for now," she says quietly to me. "We can come back for more once we've secured the house better."
I nod, my mind already planning improvements to our security cameras, motion sensors, and locks. But I know that no security system can stop a determined man with nothing to lose.
As we prepare to leave, I stand at the front door, looking out at the bloodstained porch. The deer head is gone now as Mason removed it while we were packing, but I can still see the dark stain on the wood.
Harris thinks he's hunting us. He thinks he has the advantage, the element of surprise.
But he's made a fatal mistake. He threatened what's mine. And now the hunter has become the hunted.
I turn away from the door, joining my family in the hallway. Charlie clings to Morgan's hand, but gives me a small, brave smile when I approach.
"Ready?" I ask, taking the small backpack from Morgan.
"Ready," she confirms, though her eyes are still shadowed with fear.
I place my hand on her lower back, a gesture of support and protection. "We'll find him, Morgan. This ends on our terms."
She nods, her jaw set with determination. "Make him pay, Trenton."
I don't make promises I can't keep. But as we move toward the garage, Charlie between us and Matthew following with the weapons bag, I know this isn't just about protection anymore.
Morgan
The front door closes behind us, and the cool night air hits my face as we make our way to the garage. I keep Charlie's hand firmly in mine, my other arm wrapped protectively around her small shoulders. The sight of my father's truck pulling up our driveway makes my breath catch.
"Dad's here," I say, relief flooding through me as he rolls to a stop, gravel crunching under the tires.
My mother is already climbing out of the passenger side before the truck fully stops, her face tight with worry. "Morgan! Are you okay? We came as soon as Isaac got the call."
I nod, pulling Charlie closer. "We're fine. Harris sent men to?—"
I stop as another truck appears behind my father's. The headlights cut through the darkness, illuminating Kane's familiar vehicle with Sydney beside him in the passenger seat. Behind them comes Carter in his newer Ford, his muscular frame visible even through the windshield.
"Carter?" The name escapes my lips before I can stop it. We grew up together, but I haven't seen him since he joined the MMA circuit and then the club.
My father moves to my side, his hand heavy on my shoulder. "I called in everyone who could get here fast. We're not taking chances with this bastard."
Sydney and Kane approach, their expressions grim. Kane's face is weathered from years of hard living, but his eyes are sharp and alert as he scans our surroundings.
Carter joins us, his fighter's physique evident even in his casual stance. He nods at me, his eyes softening when they land on Charlie.
"Hey, Morgan. Been a while." He crouches down to Charlie's level. "You must be Charlie. I'm Carter. I used to push Morgan on the swings when we were kids."
Charlie gives him a small smile, the first I've seen since the night's chaos began. "You did?"
"Yeah, but she always wanted to go higher than I'd push her." His voice is gentle, reassuring. "She's always been brave."
Matthew appears in the doorway, two duffel bags slung over his shoulder. "We're ready."
My mother moves to help me get Charlie settled in our SUV, while Trenton speaks quietly with my father and the others. I can't hear their words, but their expressions are enough to tell me they're discussing Evan.
"Morgan," my mother says softly as she helps me fasten Charlie's seat belt, "we'll follow you to the cabin. You won't be alone in this."
"Thank you, Mom." The words feel inadequate for the relief I feel.
Once Charlie is secured, I turn to find Carter approaching, his expression serious.
"The club's got your back, Morgan," he tells me. "Harris made a mistake coming after you and that little girl."
