to. Just as she was ready to step out, show Anthony he was outgunned, a shot made her jump back.
Helen’s hand went to her chest as she staggered back a step.
Then another.
Then she fell to the snow.
“No!” Amelia’s scream rang in Mona’s ears as she stepped from behind the tree to kill the son of a bitch who was hell bent on ruining as many lives as possible.
All to feed his own need for power and vengeance.
Today vengeance belonged to one person and one person only.
Her.
Mona lifted her hand, eyes meeting Anthony’s as Amelia fell to her knees beside Helen’s unmoving body.
She gently squeezed the trigger as she exhaled, eyes open, stance tight.
Just like Zeke taught her.
She didn’t hear either gun fire.
Hers.
Or Anthony’s.
But this time when she hit the snow it didn’t seem quite as cold.
****
“IT HIT THE building.” Dutch’s voice got louder. “I need everyone to the front of the building.”
The sound of an explosion carried through the line as the van skidded through a turn and into the commercial area surrounding Alaskan Security’s entrance.
“Hunter’s sending additional men.” Heidi was all business. “They’re on their way.”
“They won’t be here fast enough.” Harlow was also shockingly calm. “I’m looking for her Pierce.”
He couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think of anything besides Mona.
“She went to her room to get a sweater. Maybe she laid down or something and fell asleep.”
“No way would she not be here.” Eva said what he was thinking. “Something happened.”
“Wait.” Excitement edged Harlow’s next words. “I just saw something on a back camera.”
The van was silent as they closed in on the entrance, each man checking his gear, making sure they were ready for anything.
“It’s prints. More than one set. In the snow leading to the back of the property just off the garage exit door.
The same place she’d been rescued from once before.
“I’ll get us as close as I can.” Rico didn’t slow down as they passed the last crossroad.
The van was still burning where it was wedged into the front of the building as Rico raced through the destroyed gate. He flew around the building, tires spinning as the van skidded out, coming to a hard stop with the back end facing the back of the property.
The spot where Harlow caught sight of prints in the snow less than thirty seconds ago.
The doors opened and every man was out and running along the tracks in the snow. Pierce flew past them, his boots hitting the snow as fast as he could force them to go.
The sound of a single shot, narrowed his vision to a point as he ran.
Nothing else mattered. Not the business. Not the money. Nothing.
Mona was missing and he would move hell and earth to find her.
Bring her back to him whole and happy.
Give her all he promised.
All he had yet to promise.
A scream pierced the air followed by two, almost simultaneous shots.
One from a gun he recognized.
The screaming continued, the wail echoing through his head as he cut through the trees.
The shrieking wail dropped to a guttural cry.
The sight of three upright forms eased the squeeze in his chest.
He didn’t realize he was yelling until they all turned his way, eyes wide. Helen was crouched down beside where Mona sat, the snow behind her tamped down and stained with blood.
Pierce fell to his knees in the snow. “What happened, Love?” He reached for her, needing to feel her against him.
To know she was safe.
Helen smacked his hands. “Don’t you touch her.” She twisted a bundle of fabric around Mona’s upper arm, pulling it tight.
Mona’s eyes were glassy as they met his. “There’s a bullet in my arm.” Her skin was pale.
Pierce pressed the button on his earpiece. “Call Eli. Tell him I’ll be there in five minutes.”
Zeke fell into the snow just beside Pierce. Mona’s dilated pupils went to him. “I did what you said.”
“I see that.” Zeke took over for Helen, pulling what appeared to be a shirt loose from Mona’s arm before ripping it into a smaller section and tying it back in place. “The twist will save your ass every time.”
Mona’s blue gaze went to a spot just beside the fence where a body laid in the snow. “He didn’t twist.”
“Good.” Zeke stood up. “You carrying her or am I?”
“I can walk.” Mona tried to stand.
“No walking until this bleeding is under control, Monster. We need to keep that heart rate down.” Zeke picked up the pistol lying in the snow next to where Mona was sitting. He tipped his