Chosen Legacy (Book Five of the Chosen Universe)

Chapter Three

ROSE

After they'd helped save Tommy, the Rangers from Operation Overdrive had scattered. Dax had murdered Ronny, revealing the fact that he'd turned traitor and had been working for Merkhet. Most of the team had shunned even his memory after that, not even going to his funeral. Only Mack had shown up for that. As far as he was concerned, Dax turning evil had been complicated. He'd done it in exchange for the promise that he'd be able to take care of his family, which included a seriously ill child. Rose felt bad for the kid, but that didn't mean she could support Dax after what he'd done. The bastard had literally shot one of his teammates in the head. There was no coming back from that.

Will and Rose had both gone back to their normal lives, not wanting to remember the battle that had cost the Rangers so much. As far as Rose knew, Will had lost touch with Mack and Tyzonn, just like she had. He hadn't contacted her either. That was why she was so surprised to receive a text message that said, It's Will. Need help ASAP. Trouble found me. Considering Will excelled at getting himself out of trouble, this was especially alarming.

Rose immediately tracked his phone and headed off to help him, sending a quick text to Mack. Will's in trouble. I'm on my way. Back me up? And contact Ty. Then, she sent Mack the location and hurried there herself.

When she arrived at the seemingly abandoned warehouse, Rose could feel someone watching her. She didn't have her powers, nor did she have the morpher that could have restored them.

"For a smart person, you're not very intelligent," a voice said mockingly.

Rose spun around and frowned. A woman she didn't know smiled at her and it was absolutely terrifying. The woman had blonde hair, but her skin was tinted blue and her eyes were red. "Who the hell are you?" Rose demanded.

"Respect those who came before you, my dear Rose... I'm a Pink Ranger, too."

"You don't look like one of the good guys."

The woman laughed. "I never said that I was... My name is Katherine, Rose... And I've come here to kill you."

Rose pulled a knife out of her purse. "Too bad you're going to be disappointed," she said. Where's Will? She thought frantically. Is he even here? Oh fuck, what if she...?

"Look to your left, Rose," Katherine said cruelly.

Rose didn't want to, but she did it. To her absolute horror, she saw a bloody form lying on the ground. Please, no... Don't be Will... Please don't be Will, she thought frantically.

"Go on, Pink Ranger. Check on him," Katherine said.

Rose frowned, but she had to do it... Will could still be alive. She raced to him and knelt beside him, rolling him onto his back. To her relief, Will was still breathing, and he looked at her in horror.

"Go... It's a... Trap..." Will said. "She took... My phone..."

"It's too late for that," Rose said. She took off her jacket, desperately trying to stop the bleeding. "Stay with me, Will... You can still make it." That was a lie, and she knew it. Unless someone with magical healing powers showed up in the next two minutes or so, Will would bleed out.

Katherine laughed before grabbing Rose and strangling her with impossible strength. "Silly little Pink Ranger... You're all going to die today," she said.

"Not before you do!" Someone shouted. Katherine's arm took a hard hit and she released Rose.

"Mack!" Rose croaked out with relief. She struggled to catch her breath.