Page 108 of What Doesn't Kill You…

Violet dismissed them and focused on Alan. He made a strange rumbling sound, deep in his chest, but his eyes stayed on hers. Violet slid his shirt up and assessed the damage. She sucked in a breath. The bullet hole was over his heart. Blood was pouring out of him, covering both of them.

"No," she said as she pressed her palm to the wound, trying to stench the flow. She swallowed, her throat tight. "You're going to be okay."

His dark gaze held hers and softened. He knew she was lying. He blinked slowly, as though it was hard to keep his eyes open. His hand curled around her arm. It felt weak. Too weak.

"No," she said again. This would not happen. "No."

"Warrior," he whispered, it was little more than a breath.

She pressed harder to his bubbling chest.

"Protector," she said, acknowledging him. Seeing him.

His lips quirked in a tiny smile, and he coughed. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

"No," Violet whispered.

"Your welcome," he said as his eyes drifted closed.

"Alan," she pressed against his wound. "Alan?" She shook him gently.

Rodrigo knelt beside her, placing his hand over hers.

"He's gone, Violet," he said with understanding.

"No." She shook her head. "Alan?"

Rodrigo curled his fingers around hers and slowly removed her hand from her stalker.

"He's gone," he said again.

Violet shook off his hold and pressed her blood-soaked fingers against Alan's throat, searching for a pulse.

She couldn't find one.

Her head fell back, eyes closed, and her mouth opened in a silent howl. Later, when she was able, she'd rage for him. Later, she promised herself.

Carefully, she moved Alan to the wooden deck.

"Let me help," Rodrigo said, sliding his arms underneath him and helping her to settle him on the floor.

With effort, she stood, and watched the rain wash his blood away. He was gone. She swallowed hard, straightened her shoulders and looked up at Rodrigo.

"The guards?" she asked, her voice hoarse.

"We dealt with them." His dark eyes full of sympathy and questions.

She looked around, as though seeing the place for the first time. Logan had his back to them, his eyes peeled for danger. Good. That was good.

She sniffed and lifted her chin. "I stashed Max in the bushes. He's been beaten."

"We know." Rodrigo held up a radio. "He called for help."

Of course he did. Talking was his superpower. "He insisted I come back in and get the photos he needs." She dug the phone he'd given her out of her pocket. "I haven't managed it yet."

Rodrigo held his hand out for the phone. "I'll get the photos. You get Max."

She nodded.