when we were BROKEN

Thirty-Four

Rémy felt the chill of premonition snake across his scalp. This was going to get bloody very quickly unless they could neutralize the threat. Feeling the cool stone against his back, taking in soft, even breaths, he pulled his gun free from his waist, but an iron grip clamped over his wrist. Startled, he glanced into dark eyes. Masters shook his head, pushing the gun back into place.

The message was clear. Too noisy. Their gazes clashed in a mute battle of wills that Masters easily won simply by not caring what Rémy thought. Letting go, he signaled for Rémy to make a circuit around the perimeter of the house. He would go around the perimeter of the yard to make sure no one had gotten past them. Whoever was out there was in for a nasty surprise.

Neither man was in a forgiving frame of mind.

Watching his footing, Ji eased off the porch, staying in the darkest shadows along the wall framing Ikeno's property. Insects had fallen silent, leaving the slightly cool air void of sound. His heartbeat felt abnormally loud, blood rushing in his ears as his practiced gaze swept the silvery yard. Nothing moved, but the experienced operative could almost feel the intruder's presence.

A slight movement caught his attention, and he froze, eyes darting that way. Within a shadow, something moved. Something big. Moonlight glanced off something metal, flashing white.

Hands flexing to loosen the joints, Ji shifted silently on his feet, crouching low. Every muscle in his legs coiled, prepping for action. Rémy was at the corner of the house, facing the other way, his broad shoulders and head highlighted against the darkness. The intruder made a slight, calculated movement, light flashing across the gunmetal.

Ji lunged forward, throwing his full weight against the silhouetted form of the shooter, ignoring the burning in his shoulder. A soft pfft was followed by a hard grunt as Ji's shoulder dug into the intruder's ribs, throwing them both forward. They land hard in the grass, rolling heavily to a stop.

A brutal shot to the chin slammed his head back, the heel of the shooter's hand catching the soft spot in his throat. Choking, he grabbed at the man's face, fingertips tearing into delicate eye sockets. Abrupt movement warned him just in time. Shifting his weight prevented a knee jab to the groin that would have momentarily crippled him. Off balance now, the shooter shoved him sideways, slinging a leg up and out.

It would have wrapped around Ji's neck, slamming him to the ground. He was a fraction faster. Strong hands caught the shooter's ankle mid-swing. In a violent move, he tucked the writhing leg against his ribs and wrenched around. The bones inside the ankle snapped, breaking through the skin.

Flailing, both arms surged toward his face, but Ji was in full control now. Cold. Effortless. Catching one arm by the wrist, he jerked backwards, hauling the shooter off the ground before ducking under the outstretched limb. Still clamping the wrist tight, he snapped upright, the taut arm bending against his back and shoulders.

Another joint popped, the shooter screaming behind clenched jaws. Without letting go, Ji wrenched sideways, his weight keeping the shooter immobile. A sickening scream pierced the air as the socket tore free, leaving the right arm dangling uselessly when Ji dropped it. Clamping a hand around the intruder's throat, panting, he narrowed his eyes.

"Who are you."

A soft gurgle answered him, the esophagus working against his palm. Not buying it, Ji squeezed harder.

"Who are you."

"...Masters..." the hoarse croak whipped his attention up. Rémy was on the ground, black staining his shirt but his hand was lifted, pointing. Half-turning, Ji didn't have time to react. The impact sent him staggering backwards. A soft pop echoed in his ears as shattering pain rippled through his entire body. An instant later he felt like his blood had been set on fire, his eyes sizzling as enough electricity to knock down an elephant coursed through him.