Fight With Me

Chapter 10

Hope's POV

Dr. Saltzman and I got back to the hotel and went upstairs. MG, Kaleb, Raf, and Mr. Dorian were all awake now, tension thick in the room the second we walked in.

"We found the house," I said. "They're being held in a yellow place across from Arlington. Second story."

Relief flashed across their faces.

"We go tonight," I continued. "But before that—" I looked directly at Dr. Saltzman and Dorian. "I need both of you to take some of my blood. Just in case."

They didn't argue. They just nodded.

"I'm not losing anyone," I added. "Not tonight."

We spent the afternoon running through drills and walking the layout over and over. No rushing. No mistakes. I bit into my hand and filled two mugs, setting them aside for later. We wanted the blood in their systems as close to go-time as possible.

By the time the sun went down, we were all dressed in dark clothes, weapons checked, nerves tight. About an hour before we left, we gathered in the living space. Dr. Saltzman and Dorian drank my blood as I went over the plan one last time.

"We park a quarter mile out," I said. "Quiet approach."

I turned to MG and Kaleb. "Raf breaks the front door. You two go in first. Snap necks. Anyone breathing goes down."

They nodded,

"There's at least two inside," I continued. "The man who took the twins, and someone else. Possibly more. Neck snaps buy us time."

I looked at Raf. "After the door, you circle around back. No one leaves."

Then back to Dorian and Dr. Saltzman. "You follow MG and Kaleb in, clear the rest of the house."

Finally, I exhaled. "I go upstairs. I find the girls."

"Alright," I said quietly. "Let's move."

The drive over was silent. We parked down the street and moved in on foot. Raf paused at the door, listening, then glanced back at me and mouthed, Four.

I gave MG and Kaleb a nod.

The door exploded inward.

MG and Kaleb vamped inside instantly. Raf disappeared around the side of the house. I followed with Dorian and Dr. Saltzman close behind. Four bodies hit the floor, necks snapped, clean and fast.

I didn't stop.

Up the stairs.

Voices.

I pressed my ear to the door at the end of the hall.

"Don't worry," a man's voice said. "Won't be much longer."

My jaw tightened.

MG and Kaleb reached the top of the stairs. I turned and whispered, "He's in there with the twins. Give me two minutes. Then come in."

They nodded.

I opened the door.

Josie and Lizzie were still tied to the chairs, back to back. Both of them were bruised now. Blood streaked Josie's cheek.

The man stood behind them, a knife pressed to Josie's throat.

"Well," he said, smirking. "Took you long enough."

I raised my hands slowly. "You want me. Let them go."

Josie shook her head violently. "Hope, no—get out—"

The knife pressed deeper. A thin line of blood slipped down her neck.

"Easy," I said, never breaking eye contact with him. "I'm right here. You don't need to hurt her."

Lizzie's hand clenched around Josie's as she sobbed silently.

The man began to pull the knife back
That was my two minutes.

I lunged.

Bones cracked as I shifted mid-motion, teeth tearing into his throat as MG and Kaleb burst through the door behind me.

He never hit the floor alive.