The Badass Protector

Iris

“IRIS, STAY focused.” Gael cupped my head, forcing me to look at him. “This is our only chance. If we fail, then we’re all dead.”

I stared at the pools of sadness and frightened eyes as I gulped and repeatedly nodded as if I understood everything.

Chills ran down my spine in horror. I was trembling, but Gael kept squeezing my hands, saying we could do this.

No matter how hard he tried to hide his emotions, I knew he was terrified. We were all beyond afraid for Colt.

Tears rolled down my cheeks, but I tried harder not to break down for their sake. This was not the right time-I told myself many times, and I have no plan on losing him today.

“Our plan will work, Iris. Colt can handle himself. Just trust me and remember what I told you.” Gael’s encouragements were just a buzz to my ears. They weren’t sinking in.

I couldn’t think.

My brain was freezing, and I had more adrenaline flooding my system to think of anything right now.

My bones were chilling with fear. I was willing to sacrifice and go with them peacefully, but Gael believed they would still kill Colt no matter what, so he wanted to fight instead of watching Colt would die in cold blood.

“There are seven men out there with guns, Gael,” I urged. Three men from the Jeep with powerful weapons while Colt had no chance against them. His gun was left in the car, and he was zip-tied.

We’re hopeless.

“You only have five minutes left, my dear Blue.” Otis’ vile voice sang outside the cabin. “Or this man will die!”

I peeped through the gap in the door. Colt was already kneeling while Otis was pointing a gun at his head. He also had a syringe stuck in his neck, making him look uncomfortable. He remained steady, and I couldn’t exactly read what was on his mind right now, but one thing I was sure of was he was in a fury. His mouth was tight shut since the last time I yelled not to hurt him.

“Should I show you a little demonstration of what I’m about to do to your boy Colt Snow here, dear?” He stepped back from Colt. Gun still pointed at him.

I couldn’t believe Otis was eviler than I thought he was. For sure, he had nothing humane left in him.

“Now, let me tell you about Colt.”

“I swear-” Colt was cut off.

“His twin brother, Colton Rebel. Do you know how he died?”

I gasped in shock. Twin brother?

Colt launched himself at Otis, but he halted when Otis pointed the gun at his forehead.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I will fucking kill you!” Colt gritted with rage and vibrated with the urge to revenge on his brother-his twin brother.

I swung the door open and finally revealed myself. My knees were weak, but I held all my strength to save Colt and everyone’s life.

“There you go. Just a little motivation will do the trick. I know you very well, my little sister.”

“Little sister?” Colt met my gaze in shock.

I had to bite my lip and blink to push back my emotions.

“Sister?” Shocked, Gael asked behind me, who was now pointing a gun at my head.

“Long story.”

“I am not your sister and never will be! You’re a monster!” I screamed at him.

Otis wasn’t affected, though. Of course, he never cared. He treated me like shit when his parents adopted me. He said I was weak and bullied me with his friends in grade school, but I never thought he would hurt me like this.

“It doesn’t matter now, little sis,” he snickered devilishly, which always gave me a shiver, but right now, all I could see was the fake monster who tried to scare me in my sleep. This was a reality. He could not hurt me anymore.

“We can still be a family since our parents are all dead. It’s not too late to start over, right? Come here.” He gestured his hand.

“Not until you let him go,” I asserted.

“Trust me, little sister. This man has no value to me-”

“Then why suddenly do I get your interest?”

“Family always comes first, Blue. You shouldn’t have escaped. I got a house for us inside the Colony after proving my loyalty to them.”

“And by means of proving your loyalty to them by killing my only brother?” My chest heaved in anger.

He shrugged. “That’s the only way.”

“Then you have to kill me too.” I stole a glance at Colt, hoping he got my signal.

“You know I would not do that, but I would not hesitate to kill this man.” He pointed his gun back to Colt. I held my breath every time he did that, scared he would pull the trigger.

“If you do that, I also have to kill her,” Gael spoke, holding me hostage.

“Tsk tsk. I know you would not shoot her.”

“Oh, I will. I won’t hesitate. She’s just a roll in the hay to Colt. Trust me. I will blow her brain in a heartbeat. So, either you let him go, or Iris dies!” Gael roared with rage.

“It’s not your place to demand! I have his head, and you will all die if you will not give me what I want in ten seconds. One. Two. Three. Four. Walk forward now, Blue Iris, because I’m losing my fucking patience, or I swear to God.”

“It’s okay,” I said to Gael. I walked slowly and raised my hands.

I glanced at Colt and gave him a short nod.

My breathing caught in my throat. I closed my eyes as I shivered and was scared of what was about to happen.

God helped me.

I grasped my palm close.

Single gunfire echoed. An excruciating pain seared through my back with a strong impact that hit me to the ground with a thud.

My head bounced against the ground.

Dust sifted on my face. My name roared against my ears before I saw the last light reflected upon me.