Unmasked (King Morine #4)

68. Stryker

CHAPTER 68

Stryker

“ E veryone clear on what to do?” Zayne says as we exit the golf carts and move toward the Chapmans’ house.

There’s a chorus of agreement, but I don’t say anything. My gut is screaming that my girl is in danger.

When I spot the lane, I take off, running for my life. I ignore the pain in my stomach as I sprint down the road, only caring about one thing—Mallory.

Zayne and Jaxson curse behind me, but I have a head start. I run like a cheetah on flat land because I’m used to running in the mountains.

As I reach the house, I press my back against the siding, trying to slow my breathing. Sweat rolls down my face as I creep to the window, peering through the glass.

The living room is empty.

I move to the front door, entering the code. It beeps, and I clench my jaw, waiting for a noise to indicate he knows I’m coming. But there’s only silence.

As I push the door open and step inside, Mallory screams. I sprint toward the sound .

The room turns red when I see her fighting for her life as the asshole tugs at her dress, trying to pull it off. She must have been bound, judging by the raw, red marks on her wrists.

A beast-like growl erupts from me as I lunge, shoving him off her and slamming him onto the floor. I’m on top of him, drawing back my fist, unleashing all the rage inside me. The crack of my knuckles against his bones is such a fulfilling sound.

“Stryker.” Her tearful voice is beside me.

I pause with my fist in the air, turning my head to hers. The second our eyes lock, she sees the raging beast inside me.

“Don’t kill the bastard before I can inflict some pain.”

I stand, dragging Cole to his feet, and pin his arms behind his back. “Have at it, little prey. Own your power. Take back control.”

Her face contorts from rage, and the darkness fills her eyes. My chest swells with pride as she lands a solid fist against his jaw. He howls from the pain, which only fuels her.

She unleashes, her punches solid and rapid. I look over her shoulder as the gang files into the bedroom, watching her with approval in their eyes.

When she stops, her chest heaving, her dress hanging down her body, revealing her bra, Delaney steps forward. “You don’t know me, Mallory. But I’m Delaney, Zayne’s… well… I belong to Zayne.” She grins at him before turning back to Mallory. “Permission to fix your dress.”

Gratitude fills me. Delaney is blocking her from the other’s view.

Mallory’s head drops, her arms crossing over her chest. She nods, and Delaney steps forward, grabbing the material. Mallory drops her arms, letting her fix it, and then spins so Delaney can zip it.

I whirl Cole around, throwing him against the wall. “Now it’s my turn, motherfucker. ”

The world turns red as I throw punch after punch before kicking him in the stomach. My stitches tear, blood running down my stomach, but I’m too focused on destroying him to worry about my injuries.

“Stop.” Mrs. Chapman yells as she tries to push through my friends, her face panicked. “Please don’t hurt him.”

I glare at her. “ He tried to assault your daughter. He was ripping off her dress when I came into the room.”

“But I love him,” she whispers, her eyes pleading with mine.

“Mom.” Mallory stumbles back, shaking her head in disgust. “Oh, God. It’s true what he said. That you… and him….”

I throw Cole’s unconscious body down and grab my girl. She spins around, throwing herself in my arms.

“It’s okay, little prey.” I stroke her hair, placing gentle kisses on top of her head. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.” I squeeze her tighter. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

She lifts her tear-streaked face. “I know. I’m safe with you. Always.”

I cup her face, my thumbs gently wiping away her tears. “I fucking love you so damn much, little prey.”

A smile spreads across her face. “I love you so fucking much, my unhinged predator.”