Chapter 17: No More Games

The van rumbled to a stop in front of the remote cabin, and Kian’s men immediately began unloading their weapons and gear. I hesitated, uncertain if I was expected to get out as well. Kian fixed me with a hard, unforgiving glare.

“Out,” he ordered gruffly, his tone brooking no argument. “All of you, move.”

I swallowed heavily and quickly climbed out, not doubting for a second that Kian would make good on any threat. As intimidating as he usually was, the cold fury simmering in his eyes now told me he was done playing games.

His massive hand clamped down on my arm the moment my feet hit the ground, his grip bruising. Kian jerked me forward, forcing me to stumble along behind him towards the rundown cabin. I could feel the tension rolling off him in waves, his entire body coiled like a spring about to snap.

The interior wasn’t much better - just a couple of small, sparse rooms furnished with old cots and a rickety table. In one corner, Luca lay unconscious on a stained mattress as t