Page 279 of Jase

“They’re regrouping again!” Ronan calls. “Heavier this time!”

“Heavier how?” Cal asks.

A pause.

Then—

“Six. Maybe more.”

Perfect.

“They’re getting desperate,” Mila says.

“Good,” I reply. “So are we.”

I glance around the shelter.

Small space.

Limited exits.

No room to fall back.

Which means—

We don’t.

“We hold here,” I say.

“That’s not exactly ideal,” Lance mutters.

“No,” I agree. “It’s not.”

I check my mag.

Then look at Mila.

But it’s the only option.

“And we make them regret coming through that door.”

A slow, dangerous smile touches her lips.

“Now that,” she says, lifting her weapon, “I can get behind.”

Outside—

Boots hit gravel.

Voices—low, controlled.

Stacking up.

Again.

But this time—

We’re ready.