Page 8 of Hell's Claim

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“All dead? The kids included?” Sunny whispered, appalled. He’d phoned Chance to update him and instead was receiving the shock of his life.

“Yeah. Willa stayed alive long enough to give names. We know who was behind their attack.”

“Make them hurt,” Sunny seethed. He was on edge knowing Julie was fighting somewhere for her life—and their child’s. Now he was hearing news of murder. Whiskey, Willa, Chaser, Amy, and their kids were all gone. Brutally slaughtered.

“We’re taking Hellfire back,” Chance promised.

“Heard that before,” Sunny groaned bitterly.

“It’s happening,” Chance said grimly. “Keep me updated on Julie.”

Chance cut the line. As much as Sunny wanted to believe him, he didn’t. Zeus and the others had escaped the shit they had caused too many times.

“Mr Barlow?” a woman asked, and Sunny spun.

“How is she?” he demanded, his eyes going to the doctor. Her name badge said Dr Leese.

“The baby is fine; she’s a girl. She is a couple of weeks early, but she’s strong.” Leese spoke solemnly.

Sunny broke into a grin. “A girl!” he exclaimed happily.

Leese nodded but didn’t smile.

“What’s wrong?” Sunny asked, happiness fading.

“I’m sorry. But Miss Kershaw bled heavily during the delivery. We carried out a caesarean section, but unfortunately, the damage was done. Miss Kershaw is alive but has little chanceof survival. Come and say your goodbyes,” Leese said bluntly. Sympathy shone on her face as Sunny stepped backwards, reeling in shock.

“Julie’s dying? She can’t, she’s too young,” Sunny spluttered. “She’s only twenty-nine.”

“Mr Barlow, time is a necessity. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing else we can do. We’ve made Miss Kershaw comfortable, but she has little time left,” the doctor said softly.

Sunny stared at her. Julie couldn’t be dying. Women didn’t die in childbirth, not in today’s society. Leese took his arm, and Sunny looked down.

Mutely, he allowed her to lead him to Julie’s private room.

“I suggest, Mr Barlow, you tell Miss Kershaw whatever she needs to hear. The baby is in with her, so at least Miss Kershaw got to see her daughter,” Leese said. Sunny nodded and opened the door.

He wasn’t prepared for what he saw. Julie lay in bed, deathly pale, tucked into a clean nightdress. Beside her was the baby, with a midwife standing close in case Julie dropped their daughter. Julie smiled weakly as Sunny strode over. He walked around to the other side and sat, drawing Julie into his arms. The midwife helped keep the baby in Julie’s embrace.

“She’s beautiful, she looks like you,” Julie whispered.

“God, I hope not, she needs to look like her momma,” Sunny murmured, kissing her forehead.

“Need you to promise to put her first, even before Hellfire,” Julie muttered. Her eyes closed as she hugged the infant close.

“Always.”

“I loved you, Sunny. I know you never cared for me the same way, but you became my world. But I was never yours. Love Olivia like you didn’t me,” Julie’s voice trailed off.

“Baby, I…” the words stuck in Sunny’s throat. He couldn’t lie as much as he wished to.

Julie smiled.

“You gave me everything you could. Sunny, you cared a lot, that was enough. One day, you’ll fall head over heels, and you deserve to,” Julie whispered sadly. A tear trickled down her cheek.

“Julie, I…” he began after a few moments, but Julie sagged forward, and her arms slackened.

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