I again line up Kane in my sights, trying to get a clear shot. I try to slow my breathing and focus, at this range, I’m unlikely to get a clear shot, but I have to try. There’s no time to get closer, it’s now or never.

“Mason, we need to get out of here,” Jax says but I ignore him.

As quick as a flash, Kane points his gun and fires a shot into Breaker’s knee. He drops to the floor, howling in pain, and a shootout between the Hell Riders and Kane’s men ensues. The sound of gunfire echoes into the stillness of the night. Kane moves out of range and my chance is lost.

My heart plummets as I realize that Kane is going to get away. Our only hope now is that the Feds will arrest him.

“Shit. Kane’s men have found us, we need backup!” one of our guys shouts over the radio, all attempts at being quiet gone.

In the distance, there’s the sudden appearance of blue flashing lights on the horizon and the sound of police sirens. The two groups begin to scatter, still firing at each other as they retreat, leaving a wailing Breaker alone on the ground. Only two of his men have the balls to try to help him and they hobble along slowly. It occurs to me that I could take him out now, but the cops are likely to get to him before he gets away. If they don’t Kane will come for him. My eyes frantically search for Kane. He’s the one I want gone.

“Mace, come on! We’ve got to go, the others need our help!” Jax says firmly, his hand on my shoulder as he tries to pull me away.

All I can think about is Emma and how I want to protect her, to get rid of the threat to her and Max. But Kane is nowhere to be seen. He’s got away. Reluctantly I allow myself to be led out of the room. If we stay here, we’ll be arrested and we’re no use to Emma and Max in prison.

“Fuck!” I cry out in frustration as we race down the stairs, guns drawn and prepared to fight our way to help the rest of our team.

“Guys, we need backup now!” the frantic voice rattles over the walkie-talkie the sound of gunfire in the background.

The next words he says send ice through my veins and I look over to Jax in panic. We both start sprinting, praying that the worst isn’t about to happen. Emma will never forgive us. I’ll never forgive us.

The words rattle around in my brain as I pray we can get him help in time.

All I can think is, he can’t die.

“J-Bird’s been shot. Guys, it’s bad.”

Chapter 27

Emma

Imust have fallen asleep, though for how long I can’t be sure, because when I’m woken by the sound of Ty’s phone ringing, the sun is just starting to rise, peeking through the gaps in the curtains.

Ty answers it and I lay there. I can’t hear the other voice but the expression on Ty’s face chills me to the bone.

After ending the call he turns to me and summarizes what he’s just learned. Something bad went down and Jacob got shot. It’s serious, really serious.

My big strong brother who always seemed so indestructible is now fighting for his life in surgery. Jacob’s always been so much more than a brother to me. He’s my protector, my father figure, my best friend. I can’t lose him.

I hold onto Ty’s strong back, like he’s a life raft keeping me from drowning, as we ride as fast as possible on his motorcycle toward the hospital where Jacob’s been taken. I’m grateful for Ty’s stoicism and strength right now, for the solid warmth of him to cling onto. We pull into the parking lot, tear off our helmets, and rush inside.

“Jacob Miller, where is he?” Ty barks to the receptionist as soon as we get to the desk.

The frazzled and overworked receptionist looks as though she’s about to admonish Ty for his abruptness or perhaps ask us questions to ascertain our relationship with Jacob.

Not wanting it to take any longer than absolutely necessary I chime in, answering the unspoken question. “I’m his sister, Emma Miller.”

The nurse turns her attention to me, scrutinizing me for a moment before saying, “I’m afraid your brother is in surgery right now. His friends are in the sixth floor waiting room.”

“Thank you!” I reply breathlessly, already running to the elevator.

I tap my foot impatiently, willing the elevator to go faster as we go up. Ty takes hold of my hand, squeezing it gently.

“It’ll be okay, Emma. He’ll pull through. If anyone can it’s J-Bird,” he says soothingly.

“How did this happen?” I say in disbelief, my voice breaking.

He doesn’t need to answer. He already briefly told me what went down. I feel so guilty that while I was sleeping with Ty, the other men I love and care for the most were risking their lives. If it wasn’t for me, Jacob wouldn’t have been so reckless. He wanted to take on Kane to protect me and Max.