The Hunted (The Killing Hours Book 1)

by Christy Anderson

  “Raven, let go of the gun, sweetheart. Let me have it.” I vaguely hear Lazz speaking quietly to me, and then a few seconds later, I feel him prying the gun from my hands. My arms drop, and I fall to my knees as a wail escapes me.

  Nothing.

  All of this death has been for nothing. I found the man I love, and now, he’s gone. I crawl the few feet over to where Knox lies in a pool of blood. Ace is frantically working on him, applying pressure to his wound.

  I cry as I kneel at Knox’s side.

  “Please God, please! Don’t leave me!”

  I sob uncontrollably as my world tilts on its axis.

  “Lazz, a little help here. He’s got a pulse, but it’s weak. He’s lost a lot of blood.”

  “He’s not dead? They didn’t kill him?”

  He’s not dead!

  I scramble to my knees and begin searching Knox for his heartbeat. The faint thrum of his pulse beneath my fingers lights my heart on fire.

  “No, and he won’t be on my watch. We have to move, though. Hold pressure on this wound while we carry him to the infirmary.”

  Ace’s words bring me some measure of relief but it’s fleeting. Knox is in a fight for his life.

  “One of the brother’s is a medic. I’ll call him and have him meet us. He’ll need access to the building, Ace.”

  “I’ll release the locks from Knox’s place. I can get into his security room and do it from there.”

  Lazz digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone before he steps out into the hall to make the call.

  “He’s a fighter, you know. He has you to fight for now so, he isn’t about to go anywhere,” Ace says as he looks down at his friend, concern passing over his face.

  “He has you to fight for, too. You’re his best friend, his brother.”

  Ace smiles at my words. I think he deserves to know how important he is to Knox, too. Knox loves him. He is his family.

  Lazz returns and they pick Knox up, carrying him out the door. I move with them, keeping steady pressure on his chest. His blood seeps between my fingers, and I use both hands as I try to hold his life inside him.

  How the hell did this happen? How could it have all gone so wrong?

  “Snake is riding in. He should be here in just a few minutes. I told him where to find us. We need supplies. He’ll have a few, but I’m not sure what all he needs.”

  “I can get him whatever he wants. The infirmary is fully stocked. Let’s just get him upstairs.”

  Panic chokes my breath and tears blind my vision as we wind our way out of the elevator and down the hall, working as a unit. I can barely keep my shaking hands on the wound.

  God, let him be okay. I need him to be okay.

  We get to the infirmary and Ace pops his finger up to the lock. The door clicks open. We push our way inside as the lights come on. We move together as one to place Knox on the bed. A slight groan escapes his lips as we settle him.

  “Knox, you’re okay. We’ve got you. Help is on the way.”

  I lean in and brush a kiss against his temple, running my fingers back through his damp hair.

  “I’m so sorry, Knox. Everything will be okay. You’re going to be okay. You have to be.”

  Hearing any sound from him at this point, even if it is due to pain is a blessing. He looks so pale and has lost so much blood.

  “I’ve got to go to Knox’s place and get the doors open. Lazz, can you give Raven a break for a minute? Let her get cleaned up.”

  “I’m fine. I’m not moving. I’m not leaving him.”

  They’ve lost their minds if they think I’m leaving his side right now.

  Ace’s eyes narrow on me. “You don’t have to, you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes, Ace. Go do what you need to do.”

  He takes a gun from its holster and lays it beside the bed on the table.

  “Just in case. I’ll only be gone a few minutes.”

  “Thank you.”

  I mean the words. He’s here for his friend. He’s been there for my sister. Ace is a good man. Knox is lucky to have had him by his side all these years.

  Ace nods his head at me. Then he looks at his friend as he lies covered in his own blood. Worry and sadness mar Ace’s face. This breaks my heart for him, too.

  “Ace?”

  He reluctantly pries his eyes from his friend to look at me, like the shock that Knox is near death has just dawned on him.

  “Go open the doors. I’m not leaving him.”

  He looks back over Knox once more then turns, running from the infirmary to unlock the doors of the manor.

  “You’ve got yourself a good man there, Raven.”

  Lazz looks sad and tired as he runs a hand through his hair, pushing it from his face.

  “He’s honorable. He may have a checkered past, but everything he’s done was due to necessity. He is a good man.”

  “He is,” I agree whole-heartedly. He is a good man.

  “I’m going to get some supplies that I know Snake will need. You’re doing a great job Raven, but when he shows up, I want you to let me take over. Okay? You’ve had quite the night yourself.”

  “Okay.”

  My arms burn from the constant pressure I’m having to apply. I can feel the fatigue trying to set in, but there’s no way I’d let go. Lazz moves about the infirmary like a man on a mission as I watch Knox’s chest rise and fall, the steady rhythm soothing me. Long minutes pass then Lazz is beside me.

  “Okay, sweetheart. Let me get in here.” He slides his hands in between mine. I feel his strength press into Knox’s flesh, and I slowly untangle myself from Lazz. My hands turn numb as I shake them.

  “There’s a restroom back in the back. It has a shower and some clean towels. There’s also some scrubs. Take a quick shower and change. You’ll feel better.”

  My eyes settle on Knox.

  I can’t leave him, not even for a few minutes. What if he dies?

  “I promise I’ll come get you if anything changes. You have my word.”

  I lean over, smoothing Knox’s hair and kiss his temple. His skin feels chilled and the color has long since drained from his face.

  “You promise you’ll come get me if there’s any change?”

  “Scout’s honor.”

  Lazz gives me a small, crooked smile.

  It doesn’t resolve my distress at leaving Knox, but it’s something.

  I return his smile with a sad one of my own and head swiftly toward the bathroom. The lights come on when I enter, and I walk toward the sink, my eyes lowered toward the floor. I watch my dirty, blood-covered feet shift underneath the bottom of the tattered remains of the once pristine white dress—now covered in dirt, blood, and pond scum. I take a deep breath, bracing my hands on the sink before looking up into the mirror. My eyes rake over my reflection. My tangled hair, my blood covered face and dress. The pale color of my skin stands in stark contrast to the gore I’m covered in.

  I died today.

  I took a life.

  I’m a survivor.

  I’m a murderer.

  I turn the water on and wash my hands, then my face. I can’t get this damn dress off fast enough. I tear at the zipper and shove the dress from my body. Wadding it into a ball, I throw it into the trash bin before I move to the shower. I turn the knob and set the water as hot as I can stand it.

  The scalding water beats down on me, enveloping me in its warmth. I take a moment to compose myself before I begin to scrub my skin brutally as I cry.

  31

  Knox

  Pain blossoms and spreads through my chest and abdomen. I hear talking. It sounds so far away.

  Who’s talking?

  Ace?

  I think I hear Ace.

  Where’s Raven?

  I’m so tired. I want to stay here. It’s quiet. It’s still. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so at peace.

  “Knox, I’m here, Knox. Can you hear me? Stay with me. We are going to get you fixed up.”

&n
bsp; Raven. My Raven. I love her. She sounds sad.

  “We’re going to give you something for the pain, Knox. Hang in there.”

  Ace. He’ll look after Raven.

  Maybe I can just let go now. It’d be so easy. So easy to just slip away.

  She’s safe.

  “He’s been out for a while. How long until he wakes up? Do we know?”

  Raven. Why can’t I open my fucking eyes?

  “He lost a lot of blood. Luckily, there was a supply on hand. This place is stocked better than a hospital. I got the bullet out, but he’s pretty out of it right now. Now all we can do is keep him comfortable and wait till he is a bit more stable and get him to the hospital.”

  Who is that? A doctor? Hospital?

  “Thanks, Snake. We appreciate your help, man. Our doctors are on their way in here to continue his care until we can transport him.”

  Ace? Who the fuck is Snake? What the fuck is going on, and why can’t I open my eyes?

  A kaleidoscope of color dances and swirls around me. The voices are so far away, like a dream.

  Is this a dream?

  “Luckily the bullet just missed his heart.”

  Bullet? I was shot? Why can’t I remember being shot? Who the fuck shot me?

  “Hey, Ace. We’ve got to get Raven to eat and rest.”

  Lazz? Why isn’t Raven eating? My sweet Little Bird.

  I float along in the swirl of color. Bright reds that fade to shades of pink. Dark blues the color of the night sea. So pretty, so peaceful as it wraps around me. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel relaxed, safe but I’m tired. So tired.

  The colors close in, cocooning me. They twist and swirl around me as I float along the ether.

  Maybe, I’ll just rest here for a while.

  32

  Raven

  In the week since Knox was shot, I think I’ve died a thousand deaths.

  When we moved him to the hospital, his blood pressure dropped, taking my heart along with it.

  The emergency surgery saved his life, but I lived in constant fear the assumed name we were using for him wouldn’t work and the police would arrive any moment.

  But Ace says he has it handled, that they have too many people in their pockets for anything to come out about the massive gun battle and Knox’s gunshot wound. I suppose they do, based on their high-profile clients at the manor. Plus, we’ve yet to see a police officer.

  I look at Knox as he rests peacefully. His too large form almost dwarfs the bed. His doctors told us had it not been for the swift care Snake had given him, he most likely would have died. I will never be able to thank that man enough for saving his life.

  Now, I wait for him to wake up.

  Come on, Knox. Come back to me.

  I’m told it should be any time. They’ve had to keep him heavily sedated to manage his pain and give his body the chance to mend.

  I’ve talked to him endlessly about my past, his past and our future. I want that, our future. I’ve cried, I’ve begged and pleaded with God so much for Knox’s life since that moment I realized it was him lying on the floor, shot.

  Ace came by to check on him earlier and to meet with the doctors. He stops by when he can. He’s been ensuring the cleanup at the estate is handled properly. Some of the members of Iron Mayhem are helping out with the task. I don’t even ask. I know that’s his polite way of telling me they are getting rid of the bodies.

  Despite my best protests, Ace finally made me leave to go rest a little earlier today, but that only lasted a couple of hours. I sat in the cafeteria, but my thoughts were with Knox the entire time. I just can’t miss him waking up. I want to be here. I have to be here, for him.

  I nestle into the window seat and enjoy the warmth from the sun while I try to read. My thoughts turn to Scarlett, though. In the aftermath of what happened, she left with Lucian, Lazz’s brother. She called me to tell me that she needed some time to try to put herself back together and that she’s as good as she can be under the circumstances.

  Lucian promised to watch after her, and I can come visit or call her anytime. He swears he’s watching out for her and keeping her safe and comfortable. She’s in a guesthouse within their walls, and he keeps two guards stationed on it twenty-four hours a day. He updates Ace regularly, and Ace updates me, for now.

  Ace is less than happy about this development and drives over there daily to check on her himself. He says it’s for my peace of mind, but I’m pretty sure it’s more for his.

  Scarlett did call our parents, and after hours on the phone, they finally settled down enough to understand her need for distance at this time.

  Scarlett and I decided it was best not to tell them what happened at Hale Manor. They think I’ve been working out of the country, anyway, thanks to the cover story provided by the manor when I first arrived there. Scarlett told them she spoke with me and that I am getting on a plane and flying back home as soon as I can.

  Once Knox wakes up, I’ll go and visit her.

  The thought of her alone with strangers is unsettling, but if it’s safety she’s seeking, there may be no better place. The club is fenced, guarded, and the men are armed to the teeth. I keep telling myself this. Maybe right now she needs to feel like she is in a fortress, where nothing bad can reach her.

  I can understand that after what she’s been through. I’d like to be somewhere similar, but I don’t really care where I end up, as long as I’m with Knox.

  Lazz went back with Lucian and swore to me he’d keep an eye on her and wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He said he’d kill anyone who looked at her wrong. I believe him. Lazz keeps his word, if nothing else. He’s come back a couple of times to check on Knox and me. I appreciate that. Knox will too when he wakes up.

  Lazz has also been doing recon on the rest of the leaders of Albatross, and when Knox is back to himself, they can come up with a plan to bring them all down.

  Everything has been such a whirlwind. It’s hard to believe any of it actually happened.

  I’m lost in my thoughts and barely hear the light groans coming from Knox. I rush to his side and press the call button on the bed to get the staff to come in. His brow furrows, and he shakes his head slightly.

  Please wake up, please.

  I sweep the hair from his forehead as I lean in and press a soft kiss to his cheek.

  “You’re okay, Knox. I’m here. It’s time to come back to me.”

  His eyes squeeze closed tighter, and his mouth sets into a grimace. Then his lids flutter. Slowly, squinting against the light, his beautiful amber eyes open and meet mine.

  “Hi, baby. I’m so happy to see you awake.”

  Tears begin to fill my eyes as he lifts his hand up to cup my cheek.

  “Little Bird.” His voice sounds hoarse from sleep, tubes, and underuse.

  A laugh escapes me as the tears begin to fall.

  He manages a small smile, then what he says fills my heart with adoration. “Meeting you changed my life. You are my life. I had nothing before you. I was nothing before you.”

  The doctors enter the room, and I grasp his hand on my cheek and give it a small squeeze before laying it beside his body on the bed. I step to the side so the team can do what they need to. Knox doesn’t take his eyes off me as they check his vitals, his wound, and ask him countless questions.

  “Can he have water?”

  One of the nurses shakes her head no but before she can speak Knox cuts her off.

  “Give me some water baby.” He cuts his eyes at the nurse and I bite my lip trying to suppress my giggle. Still bossy. I step up and put the straw to his lips.

  He stares at me as he drinks, and the heat in his eyes sets me on fire. I’ve missed him so much. His intensity, his passion. Him. I don’t ever want to be without it again.

  He grabs my wrist, pulling me to him, the cup of water flying from my hand in the process, splashing onto us and the floor. I try to steady myself to keep my weight from his wound but he
tries to pull me to his chest in his embrace.

  “I love you.”

  His sweet words are whispered into my hair, only for me to hear as he peppers my cheek in kisses. I can’t contain my laughter, my happiness. The team of doctors stand off to the side watching us but it doesn’t stop Knox from dragging me over the bed railing and into bed with him. I shriek but laugh and nestle into his side, very much aware of his wound.

  “Get out.” He turns his head to look at the doctors.

  “Sir, we have a few tests we need to run before you. . .”

  “Get the fuck out. I’m paying you all a shit ton of money, I’m certain, so please, get the fuck out. I’ll do this test shit later.”

  The doctors appear a little shocked but hustle out the door.

  “Now, where were we? That’s right. Give me that sexy as fuck mouth. Had dreams about those lips.” He leans in and captures my face with one hand while his other arm bands around my waist. It feels like a lifetime ago since he held me. A small groan escapes my lips, and he devours it as he tilts my face deepening our kiss. By the time he pulls back, I’m a panting mess.

  “Am I hurting you? You’re still recovering.”

  “Wouldn’t matter if you were. I wouldn’t care. Never letting you go.”

  His hand slides under my shirt as his firm fingers rub my nipple into a stiff peak.

  “It feels like forever since I’ve been inside you. Let’s change that.”

  “Knox, we can’t. You were shot, a week ago.”

  “All the more reason to make up for lost time.”

  He waggles his brows at me, a coy smile on his lips. I laugh, a real laugh for the first time in as long as I can remember.

  Epilogue

  (Six Months Later)

  The wind whips through Raven's hair as the sun shines down on us, kissing her inky black strands with an almost ethereal glow. She walks in front of me, running her fingers through the tall stalks of grass. The seed pods sway on the breeze. The sun catches my grandmother's diamond ring on her finger, sending prisms of light out through the field. She's still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Even more so since I found out what all she went through to save me that night. I wish I could take it all away, that she’d never had to go through any of it. She still has nightmares sometimes. She was never meant to take a life. It's not within her nature, so she still struggles. She says she'd do it all over again if it meant she found me.