Chapter 39

Kelsey POV

The crack of the gunshot ripped through the warehouse, swallowing the relentless drumming of the storm outside.

The acrid, burning stench of sulfur and cordite flooded the damp air. I blinked against the muzzle flash, my brain frantically trying to process the situation.

I was still standing. Liam was still clinging to the back of my jacket, trembling but physically unharmed. Genevieve was still gripping the heavy silver handgun, a thin wisp of gray smoke curling lazily from the barrel.

And Garrison—Garrison was still planted squarely between us, acting as an immovable shield.

"Garrison?" I whispered, my voice barely audible over the high-pitched ringing echoing in my ears.

He turned his head slowly over his broad shoulder, his dark eyes locking onto mine.

He looked peaceful, flashing a faint, strained smile as if trying to reassure me that he had the situation under control.

Then, a dark stain began to bl