Page 3 of Ruined Wrath
“This house is supposed to be secure,” Ciara snaps, though there’s no real anger behind her words, only fear. “How does this even happen? How do they get through the guards?”
I don’t have an answer.
I don’t think any of us do.
“The twins shouldn’t be out here. It’s not safe.”
“I’m not leaving,” Ciara says stubbornly, though Addison lets out a scream of protest.
“We should go and help Cormac,” Riley chews on her bottom lip as she looks into the distance. “God, I hope he finds Scout.”
“He will,” Ciara says firmly.
I want to believe her, but with each second that passes, Scout grows further out of reach. Even if we do find him…
I don’t let myself finish the thought. I can’t. Not when I’ve grown to care for this kid as if he were my own.
“How long until Ronan and Kieran get here?” I ask Riley urgently, trying to ignore my racing heart.
“I-I’m not sure. Kieran said they would be as quick as they can, but they’re coming from the city. They’re sending more men in the meantime.”
Ciara is pacing. “They better be. Otherwise, they’re both in for the ass-kicking of a lifetime.”
“I can’t believe this happened…” Riley whispers. “Kieran and I… We brought you all here because we thought it was safe. Oh god, if something happens to Scout?—”
Ciara holds her shoulder with her free arm. “Stop it, do you hear me? You are not to blame here, Riley.”
“But—”
I nod. “Ciara’s right. This is not your fault.”
It’s mine.
All of a sudden, a string of black SUVs comes hurtling down the drive, kicking up a cloud of dust behind them.
Armed men pour out of them before they even come to a halt.
It feels like everything is happening at once as their voices mix with the sound of radios crackling and engines rumbling.
Cormac appears from the shadows and starts barking orders.
Men file out in all directions, surrounding the property as more men start to arrive.
But there is still no sign of Scout.
Ciara hands Addison to Riley. “Here, take the kids. I’m going to go and help?—”
Brennan groans.
The three of us freeze, watching as his brow furrows before he sucks in a breath and blinks against the blinding floodlights mounted along the perimeter fence.
“Scout?” he mumbles.
I lean closer. “It’s Fiona. You hurt your head, but you’re okay.”
Brennan pushes himself upright with a sharp grunt, swaying slightly as he does.
I reach out instinctively, bracing him, but he barely seems to notice.
