Page 151 of Us Defiant Few

“Yes,” he answered solemnly. “We won’t let anything happen to you.”

The girl threw her tiny arms around him, barely reaching his back. Takeshi’s eyes widened, but with the arm that wasn’t holding the gun, he gently patted her back, his expression softening.

Khalani’s heart thumped wildly in her chest.

She’d never seen him around children. And with the savage glint in his eyes and the way he had mercilessly struck down the guard, he probably thought they were terrified. But the kids stared at him like a giant hero of old.

If war hadn’t been so ingrained in their lives, he would’ve made an amazing father.

Takeshi stood and turned to their group, an intense focus sharpening his gaze. “Someone needs to stay with them,” he said.

“Leave it to Winnie! She’s great with kids,” Winnie proudly announced, striding forward.

“I’ll stay too, in case any guards come back.” Derek moved ahead, but not before giving Serene and Khalani a tight hug. “You all better return alive or I’m gonna have to go to the afterlife and drag you back.”

They smiled as Takeshi gave him an extra gun and patted him on the back.

Brock moved toward Winnie, handing her his knife.

“You know what to do with this?”

“Stick it where the sun don’t shine.” A nervous smile came over her, and Brock grinned before kissing her on the cheek.

“Stay safe, Winnifred.”

Khalani rushed forward, hugging Winnie tight to her chest, not wanting to let go. But Winnie cupped her cheeks.

“You must go, Khalani dear. Don’t forget what Winnie told you.”

“I won’t,” she promised, squeezing her shoulders. “I will see you when this is over.”

She’d make sure of it.

They finally let go, and Winnie whirled toward the children. “Okay, kids! Let’s find a safer spot, and Winnie will tell you all a story.”

“Does it have magic?” one of the kids asked, following her.

“Magic. Dragons. Fairies. And the greatest love imaginable.”

Winnie’s voice faded into the distance as they ran away.

Khalani’s ribs were starting to cramp, and she was certain a sharp piece of glass was lodged in her shoe, digging into her heel. But she ignored the pain.

The symphony of death and misery spurred her onward.

She let the chaos fuel her as her feet pounded against the bloody road.

Suddenly, Takeshi yanked her back.

“What the—”

Crack!

A stone gargoyle fell from the building and crashed into the exact spot she’d been standing.

Takeshi swallowed hard, his shadowed gaze raking over her.

“You all right?”