Claim

35

She didn’t understand right away. Her body was frozen while her mind misfired, trying to make sense of the sound from the trees, the alarm in Lyon’s eyes, the panicked shouting of their friends.

Then the first guard dropped to the ground, followed by a hail of bullets and a stream of men dressed in black, advancing swiftly and determinedly toward the wedding party.

She heard Lyon’s command just before his body hit hers, pushing her to the ground as a hail of bullets rang out around them, the crowd screaming as the men reached for their weapons and tried to provide cover for the women and children.

Kira hit the lawn with a force that knocked the wind out of her. She gasped, struggling to breath as Lyon lifted his body from hers.

“I love you,” he said frantically, his weapon already in his hand. “More than anything.”

He jumped to his feet, and Kira spotted Alek hurrying toward them.

Lyon shoved Alek toward her. “Get her out.”

Then he was gone.