Page 180 of Savage Reign

Dr. Lee smiled softly at me.

Tears were already streaming down my face, and I grabbed hold of Killian’s hand, trying to keep myself steady.

Maverick nodded, looked once at me, then back at Rachel and the woman Finley had pushed toward us before he looked out to the crowd.

Finley was now holding a man I assumed was his father at gunpoint, though I wasn’t sure why.

Wasn’t he a guest at the wedding?

I didn’t say anything as Maverick stood up and faced the crowd.

“Any last words, Uncle Fionn?” Maverick asked the older man.

Fionn spat on the ground. “Fuck you.”

Maverick smiled cruelly, and I had to remind myself that this wasn’t my Maverick but the head of the Tiernan crime syndicate.

He looked back at me, indecision on his face. I wasn’t sure why, but Killian did because he turned me around and pushed my face into his chest.

“Killian?”

“Shh, it’s okay, little firecracker. Just keep your face pressed here, and no matter what you hear, don’t look. Understand me?”

“No, why? What’s going on?”

Killian didn’t answer. He only tightened his hold on me, pressing one hand to the back of my head.

I couldn’t move even if I wanted to.

“Go ahead, Finley. This is your show now. And for remaining loyal to us, know that the syndicate has your back. We would help destroy any man who dares go against you.”

I tensed when Finley laughed.

“I have been looking forward to this for years.”

I turned my head slightly and peeked out. I didn’t think Killian noticed. I could see just a little from one eye.

I should have listened to him and not looked.

I kept my eyes on the scene unfolding before us, watching as Finley kicked the back of his father's legs. Watched as the older man fell to the ground, and Finley held his hand out.

Someone placed a long, nasty-looking metal blade in his hand.

I held my breath when he pulled his arm back and sliced through his father’s neck, cutting his head off.

The sound…

It was the kind of sound I was sure I would never forget. Along with the sight.

Bile rose in my throat as the head rolled on the floor of the church.

I couldn’t move.

I couldn’t close my eyes.

I couldn’t do anything at all.

Killian finally noticed I was looking, and he turned my face back to his chest, but it was too late.

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