31. Chapter 31

Chapter 31

-Jared-

Julia trembled in my arms, but I knew I had to hand her over to Alison so I could join my team. Despite the urgency of the situation, I couldn't risk Julia's safety by taking her back into the chaos. However, she clung to me, too frightened to let go.

"Alison, take her from me," I instructed, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Alison didn't seem pleased, but we both understood that Julia needed to be with her now. Julia protested, screaming and crying, but together, Alison and I managed to pry her from my grasp.

As I looked into Julia's eyes, I reassured her, "I'll be back, okay? Alison will take care of you now. Everything will be all right."

Her expression remained blank, indicating she was still in shock, but I had no time to linger. Hurrying back to the waiting car, I climbed inside as we raced toward the spreading fires, the sound of gunshots echoing in the air. Alison would ensure Julia's safety, and I would reunite with them later, but first, I needed to put an end to this once and for all.

As the car swerved sharply, the bullets ricocheting off the metal and bulletproof glass, I noticed people emerging from the house. Dominic and his sons were among them, directing everyone outside to safety. Seizing the opportunity, I slipped out of the car on the opposite side, using it as cover as I took down two of Dominic's sons, their wives screaming in terror. Dominic turned toward the direction of the gunfire, but his attention was diverted by a scream from inside the house.

"Camilla?" he shouted, realizing his wife was trapped.

He appeared torn, and I aimed at another one of his sons, bringing him down. Their wives, caught in the crossfire, collapsed as well, with their children not spared. Dominic surveyed the chaotic scene, witnessing the sudden reversal of fortunes, and I smirked at him from afar. However, shots rang out, forcing me to seek cover. Just as I prepared to take Dominic out, I watched him sprint into the burning house, opting for the one he couldn't bear to lose.

I continued to fire at his men and the remaining son, each meeting their demise. But a bullet struck my shin, causing me to crumple to the ground in pain. Groaning, I was swiftly surrounded by my team, who dragged me to safety. They retaliated with gunfire, and I winced at the cries as some of them fell.

"Take down Dominic if he emerges!" I ordered, pushing myself upright and leaning against the car. We continued to eliminate the panicked enemies, the disrupted formation and the element of surprise ensured a swift conclusion to the battle. Yet, as I awaited Dominic's emergence, he never appeared. The flames consumed the structure, shattering glass and creeping toward the roof. We exchanged gunfire until only the crackling of flames and the groaning of the collapsing house filled the night air.

We waited and waited, the silence stretching on, but Dominic never emerged. He had met his fate alongside the one he loved, and for that, I harbored a tiny bit of respect for him. Yet, I would never allow anyone to try to take Alison from me. Those who dared met the same fate, as had been proven once again tonight—Alison would forever be mine.

"What do you want to do now?" one of my men asked as we stood upright, observing the fire consume this hellish place.

I reached into my coat, retrieving my pack of cigarettes and my lighter. I lit one, savoring the taste of victory with each slow inhale.

"Now, we go home."

-Alison-

I wanted to remain by Jared's side until his return, but ensuring Julia's safety took precedence. Besides, she was in a state of panic, her hands stained with blood. She recounted how she had to defend herself against a guard during her escape. She explained to me that she had tried to find an alternate route, but the fire had been her only option.

As I cleaned her up, she showed me the lighter she had used. Then I led her to the spacious living room and settled her down. Though I offered food and water, she declined, insisting on waiting until Jared returned, a sentiment I respected.

So, I stayed with her, offering comfort as we waited. Our silence was interrupted by the sound of the door opening and voices filtering in. Julia perked up immediately, leaping from her curled-up position on the couch and darting out of the room. I hurried after her, reaching the entrance just in time to witness her throwing herself into Jared's arms as he entered.

He winced slightly, seeming to be in discomfort. Meeting his eyes, I silently inquired about his well-being. He responded with a smile and a nod, reassuring me. Smiling as well, I watched as he allowed Julia to embrace him—a significant gesture, considering Jared's aversion to physical contact with anyone but me.

In that moment, I knew that Jared would never become the monster he feared he might turn into. He carried within him remnants of goodness that served as a constant reminder not to lose himself entirely.

When Jared attempted to pry Julia away, she adamantly refused, prompting him to scoop her up instead and carry her over to me effortlessly. Upon reaching us, he gently placed her back on her feet before giving me a powerful, passionate kiss.

"You're limping," I observed as he pulled away.

"I'm fine. It'll heal," he reassured me.

I felt a hand grasp mine and turned to see Julia smiling up at me. "What happened?" she asked.

I glanced at Jared, awaiting his response. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke up. "Well, the house is gone," he began. "And your family who lived there—"

"Not my family," Julia interjected.

"Okay, the people who lived there are gone as well," he clarified.

"So?" I prodded.

He turned to me, a faint smile gracing his lips. "So," he continued, reaching out to wrap an arm around my waist before he focused on Julia. "If you want to... you could stay here."

"With you two?" Julia inquired.

I nodded, affirming my agreement with Jared's words.

"Forever?" she added.

"If that's what you want," I replied.

"Would you lock me away?"

"No," I assured her.

"Do you want my inheritance?"

"I have enough on my plate," Jared stated, making me chuckle. I knew how busy he was and how reluctant he had been to take on such a prominent role.

"And we have more than enough money," I added.

"So why do you want me here?" she inquired, and my smile widened.

"Because we want to give you a proper home. We know what it's like to live in an isolated, cold place. We don't want you to go through the same as us," I explained.

"So you're asking me to stay... just because you want me here?" she queried. I nodded, chuckling at her choice of words.

"And I can go where I want to?" she pressed.

"Guarded," Jared added.

"But anywhere I want to?" she persisted.

"Yes," he replied.

"And live normally?"

I sighed a little, then squeezed her hand. "Your life may never be truly normal, like that of the average kid, but we are going to make sure you don't feel suffocated or restricted. You won't feel alone here."

Julia contemplated it, looking uncertain, and I glanced at Jared, who seemed almost desperate for her to say yes as well. It calmed me to see.

"We could, of course, look into that guard's history. Julia, you should probably know—" he began.

"I know," she said. "At least I think I do, but I don't want you to. I didn't know him, and even if we do share a connection, I want to stay here."

"You do?" I questioned, hope in my voice.

"I do," she confirmed. "If you will still have me."

"Of course," I replied, then crouched down to her level and hugged her tightly. "You're always welcome here."

She began crying again, clinging to me, and I turned to look over my shoulder, seeing Jared watch us. I reached toward him, grasping his hand and squeezing it in mine, knowing this was as vulnerable as he would be. I loved the sight of it, though. It only made my love for him grow stronger.