Ruthless Gang Harasses Pregnant Woman, Unaware Her Husband Is A Lethal Killer

Violence thrives on miscalculation on the assumption that the weak will remain weak that fear will keep its victims Frozen Trey Grayson and his crew had built their reputation on that very belief when they spotted Ava Carter pregnant and alone leaving a corner store on a quiet afternoon they saw nothing but an opportunity an easy Mark vulnerable powerless a woman who wouldn't fight back what they didn't see Was the war they were about to start because Ava Carter wasn't alone not really the man didn't notice the one who was coming for them was her husband Malik

Carter a former Army Ranger trained to eliminate threats before they knew they existed and while Malik had left combat behind his instincts had never dulled by the time Trey and his men realized who they were dealing with the city they ruled would no longer belong to them before we go any further Comment where in the world you are watching from and make sure to subscribe Ava Carter stepped out of the clinic blinking against the late afternoon sun as it dipped toward the Horizon casting long golden streaks across the bustling city streets the warmth of the

day lingered but a crispness in the air hinted at the approaching evening the faint scent of exhaust mixed with the aroma of street food from a nearby vendor the rhythmic hum of traffic Blending with the distant chatter of pedestrians 30 weeks that's what the doctor had confirmed her baby was strong heartbeat steady growing just as expected moving more each day the thought made her chest tighten with a mixture of relief and anticipation soon she and Malik would be parents she traced gentle fingers over the curve of her stomach feeling the flutter of life within her

adjusting the strap of her purse over her shoulder she exhaled Already imagining Malik's reaction he would be thrilled maybe even a little smug she could already hear his deep teasing voice in her head calling her his Warrior Queen and insisting that she'd take it easy his protectiveness had only intensified since the pregnancy and she smiled to herself shaking her head always watching always worrying Malik had seen too much during his years in the service too much violence too much loss it had hardened him sharpened His instincts he didn't trust the world not even their own

neighborhood and he wasn't long Ava's gaze flickered around as she walked the sun's low angle stretched Shadows across the pavement distorting shapes making everything feel just a little more uncertain a group of teenagers huddled on a stoop their laughter loud unfiltered one of them taking a drag off a cigarette before passing it along nearby two men in dark hoodies leaned against the wall outside A liquor store speaking in hushed deliberate tones their eyes followed her as she passed though she refused to meet their gaze a car with tinted windows idled at the curb the Deep

hum of its engine nearly lost beneath the city's noise it hesitated then rolled forward at a slow deliberate Pace her fingers tightened around the strap of her purse this wasn't the best part of town but it was home it had been home her whole life she had grown up here gone to school Just a few blocks away and now she taught at the local elementary she knew these streets knew their Rhythm their dangers and their Comforts Malik always said the city had changed that it wasn't the place she remembered that it wasn't safe anymore he

wasn't paranoid just experienced but Ava refused to live in fear she had taken this walk a hundred times before and she would take it a 100 more her sneakers padded softly against the cracked pavement as she approached The small Corner Store at the end of the block the worn out open sign flickering slightly in the window The Familiar scent of spices old wood and something faintly sweet greeted her as she stepped inside the tiny shop had been there for decades wedged between a laundromat and a barber shop both closed for the day the familiar ding

of the Bell above the door chimed announcing her entrance the narrow aisles were stocked to the ceiling with Goods shelves lined with Everything from canned soup to Dusty bottles of imported soda from behind the counter Mr Patel the Shop's owner glanced up adjusting his reading glasses as he put down a small radio he had been fiddling with his warm wrinkled face creased into a polite smile afternoon Mrs Carter you're out a little late his voice thick with a lingering accent carried the same mix of concern and curiosity if always did when he saw her alone

in the evening doctor's Appointment ran long she replied reaching for a bottle of water from the refrigerated case the cold air tickled her skin as she grabbed a small pack of crackers from a nearby rack just heading home now Mr Patel nodded but didn't say anything else he hesitated just for a moment his expression carefully neutral Ava noticed the subtle flick of his gaze toward the window brief but deliberate it was nothing nothing to worry about still as she handed him a few crumpled Bills she felt a tiny prickle of unease creep up her spine

she tucked her small bag under her arm as she stepped out of the store the Bell above the door chiming again in her wake outside the late afternoon sun had dipped lower washing the streets in gold and Amber casting long wavering Shadows that stretched across the pavement like reaching fingers the city seemed to pause caught between two worlds the lingering warmth of daylight and the Quiet anticipation of Nightfall The Streets weren't exactly empty but something had shifted in the air a subtle quiet a change in Rhythm a Stillness she hadn't noticed before she didn't look

up right away instead she kept her Pace steady the rhythmic tap of her sneakers against the pavement matching the beat of her own heart just a few more blocks home then she felt it a presence that creeping instinctual awareness that someone was watching her Across the street a group of men loitered near the boarded up laundromat their figures swallowed by the lengthening Shadows four maybe five they weren't talking much just standing there waiting one of them a tall man with a shaved head and a thick jacket despite the lingering warmth in the air leaned lazily

against the wall flicking open lighter the small flame briefly illuminated his sharp features before Vanishing plunging his face Back Into Obscurity the others stood in the dimming light their postures casual but calculated their attention unmistakably fixed on her Ava's stomach tensed she kept walking her fingers tightening around the strap of her purse ignoring the tight coil of unease twisting in her chest she had dealt with this before cat calls lingering stairs the weight of unwanted eyes following her every move she had learned how to brush it off how to keep her head high and her

steps Purposeful this was no different right the moment she passed the mouth of an alley a figure emerged Trey ghost Grayson she didn't know his name but she didn't need to there was something about him the way he moved deliberate confident like the city belong to him like he owned everything in it including the space she occupied the late afternoon sun stretched long distorted Shadows across the sidewalk The Fading light catching on the sharp angles of His face his skin was smooth his features sharp his build lean but solid beneath the dark hoodie he wore

his hands were tucked into his pockets but it wasn't a casual stance it was controlled calculated his expression was smooth practiced but it was the smile the slow easy curve of his lips that set off every alarm in her body a predator's grin sharp amused certain now hold up sweetheart Trey ghost Grayson said lifting a hand like he was stopping Traffic his fingers adorned with silver rings that caught the last remnants of daylight his voice was smooth unhurried like he had all the time in the world like he already knew how this was going to

play out where are you rushing off to Ava didn't stop walking didn't acknowledge Him keep moving don't engage but as she stepped forward the Shadows shifted and two more figures peeled away from the Alley's Darkness moving in from either side her pulse spiked trapped Trey took a lazy Step Closer hands still in his pockets his stance easy but imposing come on now he continued his tone dipping into something almost playful almost you can't say hi Ava finally met his gaze forcing herself to keep her expression neutral don't show Fear don't give him anything I'm just

trying to get home she said evenly Trey clicked his tongue shaking his head like she had disappointed him that's so cuz you look like you got all the Time in The World Behind him the other men chuckled the sound low and knowing one of of them a broad-shouldered guy with a scar running along his jawline cracked his knuckles while the other a wiry man with a gold tooth watched her with a smirk Ava clenched her jaw calm stay calm she took a slow breath if she panicked she lost I don't want any trouble she said

carefully shifting her bag against her hip Trey's gaze flicked downward to her stomach a flicker of Recognition then Amusement damn Trey whistled low shaking his head like he had just stumbled onto something real interesting the smirk tugging at his lips deepened the corners of his mouth curling like he was savoring some private joke you carrying huh he took a step closer slow and deliberate like he had all the Time in the World close enough that Ava caught the scent of cigarettes and cologne cheap sharp clinging to his hoodie like a second Skin the air between

them grew tight char Ed with an unspoken challenge how far along Ava stiffened don't answer don't engage doesn't matter she said her voice steady even as her fingers curled tighter around the strap of her bag Trey chuckled the sound rich with Amusement oh but it do his eyes gleamed as he tilted his head sizing her up like she was a puzzle he was piecing together see you out here all alone this late in the day walking like you got no wor in the World his smile widened all teeth all threat that's either Brave or stupid

the men around him shifted the movement subtle but suffocating a noose tightening Ava's throat went dry this wasn't a robbery this was something else her pulse pounded as her gaze flicked toward the street toward the golden Haze of the Setting Sun toward the distant Rumble of a passing car the daylight was fading fast stretching Shadows long long across the pavement people were still Out a man stood outside a corner store digging into a paper bag a woman pushed a stroller a block away a group of kids rode bikes laughter echoing faintly but no one was

coming Trey leaned in his voice dropping lower smoothing into something almost intimate almost bet your man don't know you out here like this Ava swallowed hard her pulse hammering against her ribs but she forced her self to meet his gaze Hold Steady don't blink don't let them see it You don't want to do this tre's grin widened flashing teeth full of something dark and easy mocking amused oh I think we do behind her one of his men the one with the scar along his jawline Broad and looming like a wall chuckled under his breath a

low knowing sound laced with anticipation they were enjoying this the power the fear Ava's mind raced think think think her pulse pounded so hard she could hear it in her ears drowning out the distant sounds of the Street her fingers twitched toward her phone muscles coiled but try caught the movement too sharp too quick like a predator catching the flick of a rabbit's tail oh no sweetheart heed his voice dipping into something almost amused almost he reached forward fast too fast his fingers barely grazed her wrist Ava jerked away her breath catching as she ripped

her arm back for a split second silence Trey's face darkened his jaw tightening Amusement Flickering into something colder irritation control slipping and that's when everything changed the air shifted subtle but undeniable not just a presence not just eyes someone was here Ava knew it before she even turned turned a voice low and lethal cut through the late afternoon Stillness like a gunshot take your hands off my wife try froze his men stiffened their postures snapping from loose to alert hunted Ava exhaled her entire body Unclenching for the first time Malik he stood a few feet

away feet shoulder width apart hands relaxed at his sides but his presence was anything but casual coiled controlled unreadable Malik Carter was not a big man not in the way Trey's guys were broad-shouldered heavy with muscle but he didn't need to be his strength was in the way he carried himself the quiet confidence the absence of fear his dark eyes flicked across the scene quick calculating cataloging Threats in seconds four men Trey in front two flanking Ava one lurking near the Alley's mouth strategic positioning a trap damn Trey's grin didn't waver if anything it stretched

wider his teeth flashing like a wolf who had just found a new game to play this him the baby daddy a chuckle rippled through the crew low amused a shared joke at Malik's expense Malik didn't even blink he ignored them completely his Focus locked on Ava you okay I'm fine she said voice Steady but she knew him she knew what he heard beneath it the tightness the edge of fear she couldn't quite hide Malik exhaled through his nose slow measured calm calculating his shoulders didn't tense his stance didn't shift but something in him changed a

decision made he didn't look at Trey yet instead he took a slow deliberate step forward positioning himself between Ava and them a shield a warning you have 5 Seconds to walk away his voice was low even but Final a tone that didn't beg or Bluff that made Trey laugh ain't that something he mused glancing at his boys his Amusement was real but beneath it something else a flicker of curiosity testing weighing we got us a tough guy Rees the tallest of the crew took a step closer man thinks he can tell us what to do

he muttered rolling his shoulders the leather of his jacket creaking with the movement his hands were big scarred Knuckles cracked from too many street Fights a Bruiser a brawler the kind who didn't need much reason to swing Ava caught it the shift in Malik's shoulders small subtle but unmistakable he was ready Trey tilted his head his grin never slipping lazy taunting you really think you scaring Us big man Malik didn't so much as Flinch his expression remained calm unreadable controlled no his voice was almost bored flat I think I'm warning you that made Trey whistle

low amused he shook his head laughing Under his breath see now you just making this fun for me he moved first fast his hand shot out toward Malik's chest quick testing meant to provoke Malik didn't move didn't Flinch didn't blink Trey smirked oh you one of them stand still and look hard types then without warning he threw the first punch it came fast a sharp practiced swing aimed clean at Malik's jaw but Malik was faster he tilted his head just enough the punch whiffing past by an inch and in the same Breath he struck quick

precise brutal his right hand snapped out a sharp bone crunching strike to tra 's throat Trey staggered back choking coughing eyes wide with shock the second man lunged from the side a flicker of movement in Ava's periphery fast Reckless desperate Malik turned smoothly like he had already seen it coming his hand shot up snatching the man's wrist midair twisting sharply a sickening pop the sound echoed off the alley walls the man Howled his knees buckling as he crumpled to the ground around clutching his ruined arm his face Twisted in agony the next two rushed at

once big mistake mik sidestepped the first letting the man's own momentum carry him forward off balance wide open in a single motion Malik brought down a precise devastating elbow strike to the back of his skull lights out the second swung wildly a right hook sloppy full of panic Malik bar had to react he ducked moving like Water fluid and controlled then drove his knee hard into the man's ribs once twice a harsh choked gasp tore from the guy's mouth as he collapsed hands clutching his side Ava barely had time to process it four men down

in seconds Trey stumbled back rubbing his throat eyes flickering with something that looked eerily close to fear but then he did something unexpected he grinned a slow stretching predatory grin all right Trey rasped his voice rough from the hit His breath still uneven now I'm interested Malik didn't respond he just stood there watching waiting letting the silence press in Trey rolled his shoulders cracked his knuckles the amusement in his eyes shifting into something darker he didn't run didn't call off his boys he wanted to fight and this time he wasn't alone the alley mouth darkened

more figures emerged back up this wasn't over Ava felt her stomach twist they weren't just going to let This go Trey licked his lips eyes Gleaming the glint of street lights catching on his teeth as he grinned round two he taunted his voice a low mocking draw Malik exhaled slow measured his stance didn't change still controlled still ready but Ava saw it the subtle shift in his gaze he was preparing for the worst and Trey knew it the air in the alley pulsed with tension thick and suffocating a moment stretched tight as a wire Trey

stood loose his Posture relaxed rolling his shoulders like a man stepping into a ring but his eyes his eyes were hungry he didn't Flinch when Malik put three of his men on the ground he was enjoying this see Trey murmured cracking his knuckles the joints popping in the quiet slow deliberate now I got to make an example out of you his voice was different now not teasing not amused colder can't have people thinking they can just embarrass me like this Malik didn't react didn't Rise to the bait he wasn't here to prove a point he

just wanted Ava out of there but the second he shifted the moment he even looked toward her the next next wave came three at once the first came in swinging a wide sloppy right hook fueled more by anger than skill Malik caught it midair fingers locking around the man's wrist like a vice before the guy could register the mistake Malik Twisted hard a choked cry pain flashing in the man's face then with brutal Efficiency Malik yanked him forward and drove his forehead straight into his nose a sickening crack blood sprayed dark against the dim alley

light the guy let out a garbled curse before his knees buckled his body hitting the pavement like a dropped weight the second man lunged before Malik could reset low and fast a fullbody tackle impact the momentum slammed them both into the rough brick wall the force rattling Malik's ribs Ava gasped her heart Lurching Malik gritted his teeth the burn radiating through his side but there was no time to recover because the third man was already coming stocky heavy set a brawler a brutal punch to the stomach thud Ava flinched as the sound echoed Through the

Alley Malik absorbed the blow exhaling sharply to keep his core tight it hurt but he'd taken worse the moment the man reared back for another Malik struck first a sharp elbow to the jaw bone on bone The man's head snapped sideways his balance faltering his knees buckling Malik pivoted grabbed the second guy fingers twisting in his collar muscles flexing and threw him hard the bodies collided midall crashing onto the pavement in a tangled heap of Limbs and curses a breath two left standing Trey and Reese the last two standing reys looked at Trey his stance

no longer as firm his weight shifting between his feet yo what we doing man his voice Lacked the bravado it held minutes ago doubt hesitation Trey smirked but it wasn't as easy as before Blood Stained the corner of his mouth and his breathing was uneven ain't nothing changed Malik exhaled slow steady rolling his shoulders loosening the tension he was done waiting reys hesitated Trey didn't he moved fast too fast for someone built like him his first punch clipped Malik's jaw a sharp sting but before Malik could reset the Second came low precise aimed for his

ribs a calculated strike Malik blocked absorbing the impact against his forearm before countering a brutal open Palm strike straight to Trey's sternum a solid hit Trey St staggered back coughing one hand instinctively going to his chest his smirk was gone for the first time his eyes flickered not with arrogance but with something dangerously close to doubt Malik didn't hesitate he closed the Gap in a single step grabbed Trey by his hoodie and slammed him against the brick wall the impact echoed Through the Alley Ava flinched at the sound Trey groaned his head Ling forward but

then he laughed low rough amused damn he muttered coughing past the pain all right all right Malik tightened his grip you done Trey lifted his head and there it was again that slow dangerous grin stretching across his bloodied face nah and just like that Rees moved he snatched a glass bottle from the ground Grip tight Knuckles white and swung straight for Malik's head Ava gasped but Malik was faster Malik ducked fast and fluid just as the bottle whistled past his head and shattered against the brick wall behind him glass sprayed scattering across the pavement in

Jagged shards before Reese could recover Malik pivoted quick precise and drove his knee straight into his gut a sharp brutal hit Reese's breath hitched a wheezing choking sound his body folded in on Itself legs buckling beneath him as he crumpled to the pavement arms wrapped around his stomach Ava clutched her bag tighter fingers pressing into the leather her breath uneven her pulse a drum in her ears it was over or at least it should have been Trey still sat slumped against the wall one hand lazily wiping the blood from his Split Lip rolling his jaw

testing it his expression was readable then he grinned slow easy dangerous you really think This is over his voice was horar but steady still laced with that undeniable confidence I got people everywhere big man you and your girl he whistled low shaking his head mocking almost amused yall just put a Target on your backs Malik said nothing didn't blink didn't Flinch Ava reached for him her hand brushing his arm her voice barely above a whisper Malik let's go he didn't move at first his muscles were still coiled his breathing steady but deep his Instinct screamed

to finish this to end Trey right here to make sure he never got back up but he couldn't not now not like this his jaw tightened his fingers twitched every part of him wanted to act to put an end to the threat instead Malik took a slow breath forcing the tension down with one last glare dark and full of warning he released Trey his fingers loosening his body stepping back with deliberate control then without another word he reached for Ava his grip Firm but careful and led her out of the alley they didn't look back

behind them Trey coughed shifting against the wall then his voice sharp loud echoing this ain't over you hear me we coming for you Malik's grip on Ava's hand tightened he knew this wasn't the end it was only the beginning the door to their apartment slammed shut behind them the sound reverberating through the quiet space echoing in the Stillness like a final exclamation mark to the night's chaos Ava stood just inside her chest rising and falling too fast her breath shallow and uneven she clutched her purse to her chest fingers curled so tightly around the strap

that her Knuckles turned white she was safe they were safe but she didn't feel safe her skin prickled her body still caught in the Aftershock of adrenaline every nerve in her system screaming that the danger wasn't over Malik locked the door the heavy click grounding the room in silence then he Bolted it once twice checked the peephole moved to the side window his mind was running in sharp tactical motions his breath steady but measured he was still on high alert Ava exhaled but it came out shaky too shaky she lifted a trembling hand running it

gently over the swell of her belly her Palm pressing against the fabric of her shirt as if to reassure herself I thought her voice wavered cracking under the weight of everything unspoken she Stopped pressing a hand to her chest mik turned finally facing her his voice was level too level controlled you're all right it wasn't a question it was a command a certainty she nodded even though she didn't feel all right she studied him her eyes tracing every line of tension in his body the stiffness in his shoulders the tightness in his jaw the way

his fingers flexed and curled at his sides as if he were still waiting for the next fight he wasn't just Standing there he was calculating processing preparing tearing Ava's chest clenched they're not going to stop are they she asked Malik didn't answer right away because they both already knew the truth his breath left him in a slow controlled exhale not fear not hesitation acceptance then he stepped forward his hands rough steady warm came up to cup her face his thumbs brushing lightly over her cheeks I won't let them touch you a vow a promise a

war already Won in his mind Ava leaned into him seeking warmth seeking certainty that's not what I asked her voice was soft but there was no mistaking the weight behind it Malik didn't reply because he wasn't the kind of man to make promises he couldn't keep instead he pressed his forehead against hers the contact brief but grounding a silent reassurance a quiet vow then he pulled back and just like that his entire demeanor shifted back to war mode I need to check the Area Ava stiffened Malik we just got home I won't go far he

moved toward the bedroom his movements quick precise a soldier readying for battle he pulled open a drawer just the block he murmured fingers brushing over the cold steel inside I need to know if they followed us Ava's stomach Twisted a slow sinking weight you think they did Malik didn't answer which meant yes Ava clenched her jaw frustration clawing up her throat so what she snapped you're just going to go Out there alone Malik didn't hesitate he stepped to the closet pulled out the small heavy safe and entered the code with steady fingers the latch clicked

open cold Metal Dark steel he pulled out his Glock checked the magazine with a swift practiced motion then slid it into his waistband no hesitation no second guessing he wasn't Taking Chances Ava's throat went dry she had never seen him like this not even when they argued about the baby's name or when he got Protective about her taking the train alone this was different this wasn't overprotectiveness this was war Malik finally met her gaze his voice softer now gentler I'll be right back Ava hated this she hated every part of this but she also knew

Malik wasn't a man who could sit still when a threat was looming so she just nodded her fingers curled into the fabric of her shirt pressing against her stomach as if shielding the baby from something unseen Be careful outside the city was quiet too quiet Malik's boots barely made a sound as he moved along the sidewalk his eyes scanned everything every shadow every parked car every window where a curtain shifted just a little to too late he knew how this worked Trey wasn't going to charge in guns blazing Reckless and loud no he was going

to watch first he was going to make Malik's sweat make him wonder when the next move was coming where how Malik walked the block twice His Pace steady his senses sharp tuned to every flicker of movement every shift in the air but no one was tailing him that didn't mean no one was watching as he turned back toward the apartment a throat cleared nearby low deliberate Malik slowed Mr Davis the old man sat slouched on the stoop of his Brownstone a cigarette dangling from his fingers smoke curling in the dim glow of the street light

his face was weathered lined with age and things he didn't talk About a retired Marine a man who had seen war and lived to tell the tale he had been on this block for decades he didn't look up didn't turn his head just dragged on his cigarette exhaled and muttered word travels fast son Malik stopped a few feet away he didn't need to ask what that meant yeah Malik said instead his voice calm too calm Davis nodded still staring at the street like he was watching something unfold that hadn't happened yet them boys they Coming

Malik's jaw tightened he already knew that Davis took another slow drag then flicked his cigarette to the curb Embers dying against the pavement you should lay low Carter now he glanced at him really looked at him his gaze drifted over Malik's bruised Knuckles the slight tension in his stance the quiet fire burning in his eyes a man Ready for War Davis exhaled sharply through his nose shaking his head you done pissed off the wrong kind of man Malik's hands curled into Fists he put his hands on my wife Davis nodded slow like he understood like

he'd been there once then he sighed that don't change what's coming Malik didn't respond because he didn't run he didn't hide but he wasn't alone anymore Ava the baby they were his priority Malik exhaled rolling his shoulders trying to shake off the tension sinking into his muscles appreciate the heads up Davis just grunted A sound full of knowing you know I ain't the only one that saw what happened right he tapped the side of his head these young ones they got phones Carter they got mouths and that's when it hit him Trey didn't have to

look for them he already knew the next morning Ava woke to the sound of her phone buzzing against the nightstand the low vibration rattling through the quiet she squinted at the screen Jasmine she almost didn't answer too early too tired but something In her gut Twisted an instinct she couldn't ignore she swiped to pick up the moment she did jasmin's voice hit like a gunshot Ava girl tell me Malik did not go and fight Trey Grayson last night Ava's stomach dropped she sat up so fast the sheets Tangled around her legs how do you know

that Jasmine scoffed the sound sharp through the speaker how do I Ava it's all over the neighborhood her voice was edged With Ur urgency frustration you know Trey ain't The type to take an ass whooping in silence everybody's talking about how some dude put hands on him and his crew is Out For Blood Ava pressed a hand to her Temple fingers pressing hard trying to fight off the headache creeping in her worst fear was unfolding Alec doesn't know yet she muttered Jasmine's reply was instant well you better tell them before someone else does Ava hung

up and threw the covers back her pulse pounding as she untangled herself from The sheets and swung her legs over the side of the bed she didn't have to go far in the living room Malik was already awake he sat at the dining table his back straight shoulders tense scrolling through his phone jaw clenched eyes hard he knew Ava hesitated at the doorway her heartbeat thrumming against her ribs you saw Malik nodded his thumb still moving slowly across the screen people are talking Ava's throat throat tightened how bad she already knew the answer she Just

didn't want to hear it what do we do she whispered before Malik could answer a knock at the door made them both freeze Ava's breath caught Malik moved first his body shifting into defense mode before his mind could even register the fear crawling up her spine his hand wrapped around the gun on the table quick steady he tucked it behind his waistband and moved to the door shoulders squared every muscle in his body ready he Checked the peephole then he exhaled just slightly it's hail Ava let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding

Malik unbolted the door and pulled it open his grip firm on the handle body still tense detective Marcus hail stepped inside his usual worn suit slightly rumpled his tie loosened just enough to show the long night he'd had his sharp knowing eyes swept the room in one practice glance taking in everything Malik's stance Ava's tension the barely Touched coffee on the counter then his gaze settled on Malik busy night hail said dryly arching a brow Malik didn't blink didn't Flinch what do you want hail sighed dragging a hand over his face his features drawn with

exhaustion I should be asking you that then he turned to Ava his voice softening just slight lightly you okay Ava nodded but it wasn't convincing hail saw right through it hail exhaled shifting his weight his gaze flicking between them Look I don't have all day so let's cut to it I know what happened last night and so does half the damn City his voice was edged with frustration but beneath it there was something else concern Trey ain't the type to take a loss quietly and he sure as hell ain't the type to Let It Go

Malik leaned against the wall arms crossed over his chest his posture was relaxed but his eyes weren't I can handle it hail's expression turned sharp his brows pulling together yeah you Going to handle it when they come for Ava Ava tensed when they come for you while she's out alone hail's voice dipped lower deliberate pressing against the tension in the room you think this is a fair fight Carter cuz it's not Malik's jaw clenched he knew that but knowing it didn't make it easier to hear hail ran a hand down his face frustration seeping into

his movements look man I get it you don't want to run you don't want to back down but you're Not thinking long term here his voice softened just slightly but his words stayed firm Trea got money connections and a whole crew ready to follow him off a cliff you can't fight them all Malik didn't respond because what was there to say hail exhaled shaking his head I got a place for you to off grid No One Knows It But Me you lay low give us time to put some pressure on tre's crew otherwise you're putting

a Target on her back silence then Ava didn't even Hesitate we'll take it Malik's head snapped toward her his brows furrowed Ava no her voice was firm unshaken final she met his gaze unflinching I'm not arguing with you about this his eyes dark but she didn't care she wasn't just his wife she was carrying his child and she refused to put their family in danger because of Pride Ava swallowed her voice quieter now but no less strong Malik please a muscle ticked in his jaw but when Malik finally exhaled it wasn't In Anger just reluctant

acceptance a slow measured breath letting go of control letting go of the fight at least for now he turned back to hail when hail noded his expression unreadable tonight Ava sagged in relief her shoulders loosening just a fraction the tension gripping her spine finally easing Malik though he just clenched his fists at his sides because he knew leaving didn't mean they were safe it just meant the hunt had begun the safe house was quiet Too quiet no traffic no city noise just the hum of an old fridge in the corner and the faint Creek of

the floorboards beneath benath their feet Ava sat on the worn out couch its cushions sinking slightly beneath her weight her hands rested protectively over her belly fingers sped tracing idle circles against the fabric of her shirt trying to ignore the tight coil of anxiety pressing against her ribs the house was small just two rooms and a kitchenet Barely furnished but clean secure hidden and yet it still didn't feel like home safe or at at least that's what hail had promised Ava wanted to believe it she glanced toward the single window the curtains drawn but the

faint hum of the outside world still pressing in distant muffled but never quite gone it was strange being here in an unfamiliar Place away from their home away from everything they knew the walls felt too bare the space too still the kind of Silence that didn't soothe it unsettled Malik on the other hand hadn't sat down once since they arrived not even for a second he moved through the house in sharp calculated sweeps his body tense his every motion purposeful focused checking the locks peing through the blinds double-checking the exits again and again because safe

was just a word and Malik trusted actions not promises Ava swallowed watching him reading every subtle shift in his posture his Movements were controlled precise but Restless she had seen him like this before not at home not as her husband this was Soldier Malik the man trained to anticipate threats before they came the man who had survived on Instinct alone she hated that he had to be like this now not overseas not on some Mission but here in what was supposed to be their Refuge Malik she said softly her voice barely breaking the silence he

didn't answer didn't even look at her Just kept checking the front door lock for the third time fingers testing the bolt shoulders tight with unspent energy Ava stood her pulse steadying as she closed the space between them Malik this time he looked at her dark eyes guarded sharp like he was still somewhere else still fighting something she couldn't see you need to sit down she said keeping her voice steady measured careful his jaw tensed I'm fine no you're not she said gently her gaze Searched his not with doubt but with understanding you're wired like you're

expecting an attack any second Malik's gaze flicked toward the window again his body still taut with tension that's because I am Ava's stomach Twisted he wasn't being paranoid he was being Malik the man who didn't take chances the man who had seen what happened when you let your guard down she stepped closer reaching for his hand her fingers curling around his warm strong tense Hail wouldn't have put us here if it wasn't safe Malik exhaled through his nose his chest rising and falling in a slow measured breath not convinced safe doesn't exist his voice was

low firm unshaken not when Trey's still out there Ava hated that she couldn't argue with that because he was right instead she squeezed his fingers grounding them both then at least rest for a little while her voice softened pleading for me Malik's lips pressed into a tight line His jaw ticking as if he were fighting some internal battle then after a long moment he gave her the smallest nod he didn't sit but he did wrap an arm around her strong and steady pulling her against his chest Ava closed her eyes pressing her forehead against him

letting the tension in her body ease for the first time in hours but outside the safe house the hunt had already begun reys sat in the front seat of the black SUV fingers tapping a Restless Rhythm Against the steering wheel his knee bounced his jaw tight man this is getting ridiculous Dante slouched in the passenger seat checked his phone the dim glow casting sharp Shadows across his face they ghosted Rees scoffed shaking his head they didn't ghost they just ran his fingers drummed against the steering wheel his jaw tight with impatience he hated waiting but

I know that guy Rees muttered his tone was smug certain he ain't that smart he'll surface Dante Grinned but there was no humor in it just cold calculation and when he does Reese cracked his knuckles the sound sharp in the tight space of the SUV we finish it their eyes flicked toward the figure standing just outside the car Trey hands stuffed into his pockets still silent dangerous his expression was unreadable his gaze fixed Down The Empty Street taking it all in calculating the neighborhood was quiet too quiet Trey knew Malik was hiding but He also

knew something else fear had a way of making people slip up Trey turned toward Reese his movements slow deliberate like a man who had all the time in the world hit up his people every single one his job his neighbors that old vet down the block what's his name Davis Rees nodded already pulling out his phone tre's smirk widened his eyes gleaming with something cold ruthless yeah start with him Reese chuckled Darkly shaking his head he Won't talk Trey's grin didn't fade didn't even flicker they all talk one way or another Malik jolted awake a

sharp inhale A Rush of awareness he hadn't even realized he had fallen asleep instantly he sat up muscles stiff mind snapping back to full alert his eyes darted toward the window something had woken him up he turned toward the bedroom Ava she was still asleep curled up under the blankets one hand resting over her belly her breathing soft and Even good Malik swung his legs over the couch pushing up slowly his heartbeat steady but his mind buzzing the house was silent too silent something felt off his eyes swept the space scanning the door still locked

the windows secured but he knew better than to trust appearances he moved to the side of the window pressing his body against the wall as he peaked out nothing no movement no figures lurking in the dark AR and yet the uneasy feeling wouldn't Leave him his gut was telling him something and Malik never ignored his gut he knew how these things worked first they waited then they searched then they closed in he had been on the other side of this before he had been the hunter now he was the prey and that meant it was

only a matter of time before Trey found them the next morning Ava stirred the first light of dawn filtering through the blinds she blinked stretching expecting to find Malik Beside her but the bed was empty she pushed up onto her elbows eyes adjusting and there he was already awake already dressed already watching the window her heart sank she sat up rubbing her eyes trying to push away the exhaustion weighing her down did you even sleep Malik didn't answer right away his gaze stayed on the window his body too still too tense then finally they're looking

for us Ava's breath caught in her throat her pulse quickened how do you know mik Turned toward her his eyes dark unreadable because I would be Ava's stomach Twisted she didn't ask what he meant she already knew this wasn't just some random street beef anymore this was personal and personal meant Trey wasn't going to stop not until one of them was gone that evening as the sky darkened out outside the safe house the first sound came a knock Malik was on his feet before Ava could react his body moved on Instinct his gun was already

in his hand Silent steady ready Ava held her breath as he moved toward the door slow cautious controlled he peered through the peephole muscles tight heartbeat steady then his shoulders eased just slightly he unbolted the door and pulled it open detective hail he stood on the other side worn weathered looking like he hadn't slept in days tired but sharp his expression was Grim he stepped inside shutting the door behind him with Deliberate care then he said exactly what Malik had been expecting they found you the air in the safe house shifted heavy tense suffocating Ava

felt it the moment hail shut the door the exhaustion the unease the creeping certainty it wasn't just in Malik anymore now it was everywhere hail's voice was low urgent edged with something even he couldn't mask concern Trey's crew is closing in Malik's fingers twitched at his side the only crack in his otherwise unreadable Expression how close hail exhaled rubbing a hand over his jaw the kind of breath a man takes when he knows he's delivering bad news close enough my gu intercepted a few of his people asking around a couple blocks over someone's been watching

Carter they know you're here maybe not the exact house but they're narrowing in Ava's stomach clenched the walls of The Safe House suddenly felt smaller tighter how long do we have Malik asked his voice steady Hail ran a hand down his face tired frustrated could be tonight could be tomorrow but it's coming Malik's jaw tightened then we handle it Ava's breath caught handle it like it was that simple she turned to hail searching for something some kind of reassurance a way out a reason to believe this wasn't inevitable Can't you stop them hail's eyes softened

just a little but his silence was the answer Ava swallowed hard her hand pressing protectively over Her stomach and if we leave hail side they'll follow Ava felt it then the walls closing in she was tired of running tired of waking up in a place that wasn't home tired of waiting of holding her breath of feeling like every second was just another countdown to the next nightmare Malik turned to her his movements measured deliberate I won't let them near you his voice was calm steady unshakable but his eyes his eyes were sharp cold because he

wasn't Thinking about Escape anymore he was thinking about stopping this before it got worse before Trey could come knocking before Ava ever had to feel afraid again the night stretched on thick with tension the weight of it settling into every corner of the small house mik sat near the window his silhouette rigid against the dim glow of the outside street lights his gun rested on the table beside him his fingers tapping lightly against the wood slow Methodical waiting hail had left an hour ago promising to get back up but Malik didn't count on that he

counted on himself Ava barely spoke she sat curled on the couch arms wrapped tightly around herself her fingers pressing into her sides as if bracing against a chill only she could feel her gaze flicked to the window every time the wind stirred the curtains her breath catching with each shift of the Shadows then movement Malik's back went straight every muscle Locking into place his fingers wrapped around his gun before his mind even registered why Instinct there across the street a figure standing just outside the wash of the streetlight not moving not speaking just watching one

of TRS Ava's breath hitched her body going rigid as she followed Malik's gaze oh my God Malik didn't blink didn't breathe waiting watching calculating then the figure moved not toward them but toward the house next door Malik's stomach Turned to stone because he knew this wasn't just Recon anymore this was positioning they're checking houses Malik murmured his voice barely above a whisper Ava's breath stuttered what her pulse pounded in her ears they don't know which one we're in Malik's voice was low measured but tight controlled their clearing possibilities Ava's blood ran cold door too checking

every shadow every window every entrance it was only a matter of time Malik stood no Hesitation no doubt Ava barely had time to react before he was already moving toward the back door his steps silent deliberate a soldier slipping into the dark her body lurched forward before she could think where are you going he didn't stop didn't even slow to stop this before it starts her fingers closed around his wrist tight desperate Malik no we should stay inside they'll find us either way his voice was calm but final unshakable I'm not waiting for them to

Kick the door down Ava's heart pounded against her ribs sharp and insistent she wanted to fight him on this wanted to tell him to stay to be with her to protect her here but she knew if Malik thought waiting was an option he'd wait and he wasn't waiting her fingers curled tighter around his wrist for a brief second then slowly she forced herself to let go Malik didn't hesitate didn't look back he moved toward the back exit slipping into the shadows and just like That he was gone Malik kept to the darkness his steps light

measured moving with the kind of quiet that only came from years of training the Scout was still moving checking porches peeking through Windows searching Malik crept closer measured precise calculated then he struck in a blink Malik closed the distance silent Swift deadly his hands locked onto the Scout from behind yanking him off his feet and dragging him into the Alley's Shadows a choked Gasp a struggle a flailing of Limbs but Malik was Stronger Stronger Faster more controlled he slammed the guy against the wall the impact sending a dull thud Through the Alley his forearm pressed

hard against the man's throat pinning him in place who else is out here Malik murmured his voice low smooth dangerous the man gasped fingers clawing at Malik's arm trying to pry himself free man screw you Malik's grip tightened wrong long answer the Scout's body Stiffened his eyes widened darting over Malik's face recognition realization understanding fear you he coked voice raw Trey said heun going to kill you man Malik leaned in voice like ice let him try the guy's eyes flickered and in them Malik saw it doubt hesitation fear who else is out here Malik repeated

his voice colder this time the man hesitated a split second too long mik pressed harder his forearm digging into the guy's windpipe cutting Off just enough air to make his vision blur You've Got 5 seconds before I put you to sleep and find out myself the man wheezed his fingers trembling against Malik's arm his resistance slipping fear Panic the realization that he wasn't walking away from this unless he talked two cars He rasped few blocks down Trey said to wait for him before they hit the house Malik's pulse slowed good that meant there was still

time he didn't give the guy a chance to talk again Didn't wait for an excuse a lie a plea with one clean effortless motion he knocked him out cold the body slumped against the alley wall limbs limp head Laing forward Malik stood over him unmoving expression blank one down more to go he turned turned back toward the house toward Ava toward What mattered Ava sat in the dark arms wrapped around her stomach her fingers pressing protectively against the curve of her belly every shadow stretched too long Every Creek felt too loud her pulse spiked with

every shift of the silence Malik had been gone too long then a noise Ava's breath hitched footsteps right outside the door she felt it before she heard it the faintest press against the handle testing checking searching Ava's fingers dug into the couch her Knuckles white The Whisper of movement a pause a hesitation the slightest Creek of the porch step then a low curse sharp frustrated the footsteps Retreated Ava didn't breathe didn't move her heart slammed against her ribs her ears ringing with the silence Left Behind then the back door swung open Malik stepped inside his

eyes already scanning his presence already steadying she sagged in relief her entire body untensil they're close he cut in his voice tight clipped focused Ava's stomach Twisted a cold knot forming deep inside her she wanted to believe this would end soon that hail would come Through that they'd find a way out of this but then she saw it the look in Malik's eyes sharp unforgiving prepared this wasn't ending this was just beginning the safe house felt smaller now tighter the walls pressing in suffocating Ava sat at the edge of the couch knees drawn up hands

cradling her stomach she wasn't shaking not yet but it was coming mik stood by the window his body coiled wound tight like a spring ready to snap Ready for War his gun sat Within Reach fingers grazing the edge of the table every few minutes like he needed to remind himself it was there his mind was somewhere else planning calculating it had been hours since he'd taken out Trey's Scout since he'd come back into the house his voice sharp with urgency his movements clipped efficient since she'd realized once and for all that this wasn't going to

end not until someone was dead and Malik he wasn't planning on waiting for that Someone to be him Ava took a breath forcing her voice to steady even as her hands curled into the fabric of her shirt we need to leave Malik didn't turn didn't Flinch didn't even acknowledge her at first she swallowed her throat tight Malik his voice came quiet controlled too controlled I heard you Ava clenched her fists then answer me finally he turned his jaw was set his eyes hard we not running Ava exhaled sharply a bitter laugh catching in her Throat

of course of course Malik the soldier Malik The Protector Malik the man who didn't back down even when he should she stepped closer her voice raw trembling but firm Malik listen to me I don't care about Pride I don't care about proving a point I care about our family I care about this she gestured toward her belly her fingers shaking her breath hitching and I care about you his expression softened barely Ava no she pushed up from the couch her movements Sharp Urgent desperate stepping closer closing the space between them you're not a soldier anymore

this isn't a battlefield Malik's gaze darkened his posture shifting just slightly that's exactly what this is Ava flinched not because she disagreed but because the worst part he was right she hated it hated that this felt like War hated that her home her safety their future had turned into a battlefield Malik refused to leave but that didn't mean she had to Accept it you don't get it she whispered her voice raw straining under the weight of her fear you're not the only one in danger Malik her fingers dug into her sides her chest tightening every

time you step out that door every time you disappear into the night I don't know if you're coming back Malik's face didn't change didn't break didn't soften but his fists clenched Ava shook her head her throat burning the ache in her chest growing sharper I can't do this anymore The words hit the air like a gunshot Malik inhaled slow and deep his chest Rising his jaw tight then what his voice was low even but not calm you want to keep running hide forever you think Trey's just going to stop Ava's breath shook her vision blurred

I don't know her voice cracked but she pushed forward but I know we can't fight them alone silent stretched thick suffocating then a knock Ava flinched Malik moved before she could react gun already in hand Shoulder stiff ready another knock lighter familiar relax came a voice through the door it's me Ava exhaled relief but not enough Malik didn't lower his gun didn't trust it he checked the peephole waited processed then finally he unbolted the door Jasmine she barely made it two steps before she pulled Ava into a tight hug girl I've been losing my damn

mind Ava sagged into her her throat closing her eyes burning me too Jasmine pulled back taking her in you Look like hell Ava let out a short humorless laugh thanks Jasmine turned to Malik arms Crossing and you you really thought you could just disappear and not have me show up Malik didn't blink it was safer Jasmine scoffed yeah how's that working out avaide Jasmine no for real Jasmine cut in turning back to her you can't keep doing this Trey people they're all over they're hitting up everybody asking about about y'all about Malik Ava's stomach turned

what did you Tell them Jasmine's face hardened what the hell you think I told them Malik watched her closely you seen Trey Jasmine hesitated no but I've seen Rees and trust me if he's out Trey ain't far Ava pressed a hand to her forehead Jaz please tell me you have something anything Jasmine exhaled I got a friend knows a guy who can get you to out of the city quietly Malik's jaw locked no he said Ava snapped Malik for the love of God running doesn't fix this he cut In voice hard Jasmine's face darkened neither

does dying silence Ava swallowed just think about it Malik said nothing then another knock Ava's body went ice cold but Malik knew this knock his gun was still in his grip but this time he didn't raise it he opened the door detective hail stepped inside face Grim we got a problem hail wasted no time we picked up a couple of Trey's boys last night thought we could press them Malik's gaze sharpened and hail side They ain't talking aa's Nails dug into her Palms then what are we supposed to do hail looked at Malik we make

a move before they do Malik tilted his head you got something in mind hail hesitated then he nodded yeah he said but you're not going to like it Ava's head spun she couldn't breathe hail and Malik were already talking talking strategy tactics counter measures like this was a war she pressed a hand to her stomach swallowing the nausea building in her throat then She turned and walked out Malik blinked Ava she didn't stop didn't turn not until she was outside hands braced against the cool metal railing sucking in gulps of air it was too much

she felt him before she heard him Malik's Voice Low talk to me Ava squeezed her eyes shut I just I don't know how much more I can take Malik's hand brushed her shoulder I know she let out a shaky breath then end it Malik find a way because I can't live like this Malik Stilled then after a long pause he nodded and Ava knew this was going to end one way or another Malik sat at the small dining table gun disassembled in front of him his hands moved with calm Precision checking cleaning reassembling he wasn't

rushing there was no hesitation across the room Ava sat curled up in the armchair watching him in silence she had said what she needed to say find a way to end it and Malik had understood now he was getting ready To do exactly that the war was coming and he wasn't planning on losing the first thing he did was inventory his Glock was good clean loaded but one gun wouldn't be enough hail had confiscated his military weapons years ago telling him that life was over mik had agreed at the time but now now he needed

every Edge he could get he slipped on his jacket and stood I'll be back Ava's head snapped up where are you going getting what I need she exhaled Malik he crossed The room in three strides kneeling in front of her I promised I'd keep you safe let me do that she searched his face you're really going to do this aren't you he didn't blink yes Ava swallowed hard then nodded then come back to me he squeezed her hand once always then he was gone mik's first stop was an old connection he parked in front of

a rundown auto shop the neon open sign flickering weakly the city had changed but some things stayed the same Inside the scent of oil and metal filled the air behind the counter a stocky man in his 50s looked up from a ledger Leon Parker the man's gate flicked to Malik's face then to his bruised Knuckles he sighed I was wondering when you'd come knocking Malik leaned against the counter need something from the back Lon exhaled through his nose tossing his pen aside figured he glanced toward the garage door you bringing heat my way Malik shook

his head it won't come back To you Lyon studied him for a long moment then with a grunt he reached under the counter and pressed a button a hidden door near the back back clicked open don't make me regret this Carter Malik didn't answer he just walked inside Leon's back room wasn't for car parts it was a vault shelves lined with metal cases a small Armory hidden in plain sight Malik moved with muscle memory grabbing only what he needed a second Glock holster ready extra Magazines a combat knife his preferred Close Quarter weapon a shotgun

not subtle but effective he slung the bag over his shoulder and walked back into the shop Leon raised a brow guessing this ain't just protection Malik zipped the bag shut didn't confirm or deny Leon sighed then do me a favor don't get killed Malik paused not in the plan then he walked out Malik didn't drive back to the safe house not yet instead he parked a few blocks from Trey's territory it Was time to pick the battlefield Malik did want a war zone that would put Ava at risk he needed a controlled environment somewhere isolated

limited Escape Routes somewhere Trey would follow he knew just the place an abandoned warehouse on the west side of the city Malik had fought in tighter spots overseas he could use the angles the blind spots make their numbers useless but first he had to lure Trey in and that that would would require bait Back at the safe house Malik pulled out his phone Ava sat up when he walked in what did you do he didn't answer instead he scrolled through his contacts and pulled up a number he hadn't used in years he hit call the

line rang once twice then a voice thought you was hiding Carter Malik smirked if I wanted to hide you'd never find me Rees chuckled Darkly so what's this you finally ready to face the music Malik leaned against the table voice cool Calculated I'm giving Trey one shot me and him no crew just us Rees hummed and why would he agree to that because if he doesn't I start hunting first silence then a slow laugh you got a death wish huh Malik's smirk faded tell Trey where to meet me heun's got one chance to finish this

one Rees exhaled you really think you're walking out of this Malik glanced at Ava then back to the phone yes he hung up Ava's face was pale Malik what did you just do he met her gaze I Just ended this Malik set his guns on the table checking each magazine each safety he felt Ava's presence before she spoke you're really going aren't you he turned to her she wasn't crying she wasn't breaking she was terrified Malik stepped closer cupping her face this ends now her breath hitched and if it doesn't Malik didn't blink didn't hesitate

then I don't come back Ava sucked in a sharp breath eyes shining then finally she nodded because she knew This was it no more running no more waiting tomorrow it would all be over one way or another the warehouse was silent except for the faint Creek of the Wind Through broken windows mik moved through the space with deliberate care his boots crunching softly against the dirt streak floor this was the place it was vast but not too open filled with rusted machinery and stacks of old shipping crates Shadows curled in every corner providing enough cover

for what He needed he scanned the room again his tactical mind breaking the space into zones kill zones blind spots Escape Routes this was where it would end his Battleground Malik spent hours preparing the shotgun was tucked behind a stack of crates in the far Corner aimed toward the largest entry point a backup weapon one of the Glock pistols was loaded and ready on his hip the other stashed under a piece of sheet metal near the catwalk just in case the knife that stayed with Him Close Quarters were inevitable He adjusted a pulley system above

one of the doorways tying a length of rope to the beam a trap Malik wasn't just preparing to fight he was preparing to win by the time the sun set the Warehouse had become a battlefield one that only he understood mik's truck sat parked a block away from the warehouse partially hidden behind a rusted chainlink fence he had made sure it was visible enough to be found to be Followed ree's number was already blocked after their last conversation Malik didn't need confirmation Trey would come he always would and when he did Malik would be ready

back at the safe house a was silent she sat on the edge of the bed hands folded over her belly her thoughts racing Malik hadn't given her the details not all of them but she didn't need them to understand what was about to happen he had kissed her goodbye before he left his hand Lingering on her cheek I'll see you soon he had said and she had nodded but now in the quiet with only the hum of the heater for company her resolve cracked her phone buzzed on the night stand it was Jasmine Ava hesitated

then picked it up Jasmine she whispered her voice shaky I think Malik's going to do something something he might not come back from Jasmine's voice was sharp where is he Ava swallowed hard I don't know he wouldn't tell me Jasmine exhaled loudly Ava listen to me you need to trust him I do Ava said tears spilling down her cheeks but I'm so scared Jasmine softened he's not just doing this for him you know he's doing this for you for the baby he's not going to let them win Ava nodded even though Jasmine couldn't see her

because deep down she knew Jasmine was right Trey leaned against the hood of the SUV flicking ash from his cigarette onto the pavement he stared at the warehouse in the distance His expression unreadable this the spot Rees asked stepping up beside him Trey nodded slowly his gaze narrowing yeah this is him Rees glanced at the building then back at Trey you really think he's dumb enough to fight us on his own Trey smirked dumb nah he took another drag of his cigarette but desperate yeah behind them two more SUVs idled engines humming nine men total

Trey wasn't taking chances this time Rees frowned you think it's a trap Trey let the cigarette drop Crushing it under his boot don't care if it is he turned gesturing to his men either way he's dead by the end of the night Reese nodded a smirk tugging at his lips about time Trey looked back at the warehouse his grin widening letun go say hi Malik crouched in the shadows of the warehouse his breathing slow and measured he could hear them now the low Rumble of engines the scrape of tires against pavement they were here the

SUVs came to a stop outside the building Headlight lights cutting through the dark Malik stayed perfectly still as car doors opened and Boots hit the ground he counted nine sets of footsteps Trey's voice carried through the night Carter the sound echoed through the warehouse bouncing off the walls Malik didn't move come on out big man Trey called again his tone mocking you wanted a face to face didn't you Malik's grip on the Glock tightened he didn't answer not yet the sound of footsteps grew louder as Trey's crew moved toward the entrance Malik shifted slightly positioning

himself behind a stack of crates he had already memorized their path they'd funnel in overconfident underestimating him again and when they did he'd be waiting Trey stepped into the warehouse first his boots crunching against the dirt floor he scanned the space his smirk unwavering where you at Carter he called his voice echoing hiding already Rees and the others fanned out behind Him weapons drawn they moved with confidence their numbers giving them a sense of control but Trey Trey was savoring this because to him this wasn't a fight this was the end the Trap is ready

mik exhaled slowly his finger brushing the trigger this was it the Calm before the storm he could feel the tension in the air the weight of what was about to happen and as Trey and his crew moved deeper into to the warehouse Malik's lips curved into a faint cold Smile they had no idea what was waiting for them the warehouse swallowed Trey and his crew whole mik crouched in the shadows of the upper catwalk motionless watching as Trey's men moved below him they spread out their movements confident cocky even like they were here for a

routine execution amateurs the dim light of their flashlights flickered across crates and rusted Machinery but they weren't looking with the sharpness of Trained Hunters they thought Malik was cornered and that would be their downfall Trey's voice rang out echoing against the steel walls Carter Malik didn't move you really think hidings going to save you Trey taunted man I gave you an out could have been quick he chuckled his tone almost casual but no you wanted to make this hard Malik's grip on his Glock tightened but he stayed silent waiting the first of Trey's men stepped

into the Kill Zone A stack of crates Malik had rigged with a pulley system the second he saw the man step into position Malik pulled the rope from the Shadows above the crates Came Crashing Down with a thunderous Roar hitting the man dead on he didn't even have time to scream before the impact knocked him unconscious chaos erupted yo what the hell ree shouted spinning around gun un raised Trey's grin faltered but only slightly relax He barked it's just him he's trying to Scare us another voice called out panicked Dante's down Trey's jaw tightened spread

out find him mistake number two Malik shifted silently moving along the catwalk toward the second trap divide and conquer that was the goal Malik's next Target was two men moving together trying to clear one of the corners of the the warehouse they whispered to each other their nerves palpable as they passed under a loose beam Malik pulled another rope the beam Swung down slamming into the first man and sending him flying the second man turned startled but before he could react Malik dropped silently behind him the Glocks Barrel pressed into the back of his head

drop it Malik growled the man froze his weapon clattering to the floor Malik didn't hesit itate he struck the man in the temple with the butt of his pistol sending him crumpling to the ground two more down Trey stood in the middle of the warehouse his smirk Finally cracking as the sounds of his men being taken out one by one echoed through the space this ain't funny anymore Carter he shouted his voice edged with anger no response he turned to Reese his last remaining Lieutenant you see him Rees shook his head his grip tightening on

his weapon n man heun's like a ghost in here Trey clenched his jaw scanning the Shadows heun just one guy he muttered more to himself than anyone else he can't take all of us but Even as he said it he knew it wasn't true Rees was the next to fall he didn't even see it coming one moment he was backing up trying to keep Trey covered the next Malik appeared out of the Shadows slamming into him with raw Force the two men grappled re throwing wild punches but Malik's movements were sharper more controlled he ducked

countered and finally drove his knee into Reese's ribs sending him sprawling before Reese could get back up Malik Struck him in the side of the head rendering him unconscious Trey watched it all happen his jaw tightening further and then it was just the two of them mik stood over Reese's limp body his chest rising and falling steadily his Glock was still in his hand but he didn't raise it Trey tilted his head a slow dangerous grin spreading across his face so he said his voice low this is what you wanted just me and you Malik

didn't answer try chuckled tossing his weapon Aside all right Carter let's see what you got Trey moved first lunging at Malik with surprising speed Malik dodged Sid stepping the blow and countering with a sharp jab to Trey's ribs Trey grunted but didn't back down he swung again this time connecting with Malik's jaw Malik stumbled slightly but his footing held he retaliated with a vicious elbow strike catching Trey in the side of the head the fight was brutal each man landing heavy punishing Blows Malik's training gave him the edge but Trey fought dirty grabbing gouging aiming

for weak points at one point Trey grabbed a rusted pipe from the ground swinging it toward Malik's head Malik ducked just in time the pipe whistling past his ear he surged forward tackling try to the ground the two men grappled fists flying the impact of each strike echoing through the warehouse Trey managed to throw Malik off rolling to his feet his grin was gone now replaced With something darker you're good Trey panted I'll give you that but you're bleeding you're tired and me me he spread his arms I'm just getting started mik wiped blood from

the corner of his mouth his expression cold we'll see the two men circled each other the fight far from Over the warehouse was silent except for their breathing Malik wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth his muscles aching his ribs burning Trey was still grinning but it wasn't cocky Anymore it was wild unhinged you're slowing down Carter Trey taunted rolling his shoulders that military training ain't helping you now is it Malik didn't respond he was assessing his body hurt bad his left side was stiff every breath sharp Trey had landed Some solid hits

but Malik had been hurt before he had survived worse Trey lunged first Malik dodged barely but the movement sent a flare of pain through his ribs Trey noticed and then mik made his first Mistake he stepped wrong just slightly but enough Trey saw the opening and capitalized a brutal kick to the ribs mik stumbled and then Trey tackled him Malik hit the ground hard his back slamming into the cold concrete Trey landed on top of him raining down punches heavy bone shaking the impact Jarred Malik's Vision but he forced himself to focus 1 2 three

hits each one harder than the last Trey was laughing now a low dark chuckle what's wrong Tough guy thought you were going to finish me Malik's arms felt heavy his movements were slowing Trey grabbed him by the collar and yanked him up delivering a Savage knee to his gut pain exploded through Malik's body Trey let him drop stepping back breathing hard but Victorious that all you got Trey sneered after all that talk Malik's hand clenched into a fist against the floor his vision blurred his ribs screamed his muscles were weak Trey turned away just Slightly

just for a second and that was his mistake Malik moved fast faster than his body should have allowed he grabbed the Rusted pipe Trey had dropped earlier try barely had time to register the movement before Malik swung the pipe cracked against tre's knee Trey shouted in pain stumbling back his balance faltered not much but enough mik pushed through the pain he surged forward driving his shoulder into Trey's chest slamming him against the metal railing Of the catwalk the impact rattled through them both Trey's hands scrambled for a grip but Malik didn't let up he hit

him again this time Trey's body lurched backward his back slammed against the railing his legs barely holding for the first time there was fear in his eyes Malik stood over him breath ragged his face was unreadable Trey let out a shaky laugh still trying to act unbothered you he coughed spitting blood onto the concrete you Think you're any different from me Malik stared down at him expression cold unforgiving then finally he spoke the difference is Malik tightened his grip on the pipe I'm walking out of here and then he swung one last time the pipe

crashed into the side of Trey's skull Trey collapsed his body hit the floor with a sickening thud completely still it was over Malik stood there for a long moment the pipe slipping from his fingers clattering onto the floor his Breath was Heavy unsteady his hands were shaking his side was screaming his ribs of fiery mess but he was still standing he turned scanning the warehouse the bodies of Trey's crew were sprawled across the floor some unconscious some groaning he had done it but he felt no Victory no relief just exhaustion he staggered toward the exit

gripping his ribs every step felt heavier then the sound of distant Sirens his head lifted hail the cops were coming Malik exhaled Slowly good it was finally over instead of leaving Malik stepped back into the Shadows near the warehouse's entrance he wasn't going to run not this time his body achd his pulse still hammering but he stayed alert gun still in his grip just in case the first squad car pulled up outside followed by two more their flashing lights washed the warehouse in red and blue Malik watched as hail stepped out his expression unreadable officers

poured in weapons raised Barking orders at the downed gang members Malik lowered his own gun and raised his hands just slightly signaling he wasn't a threat hail's eyes landed on him his gaze flicking from Malik's battered form to try's motionless body for a moment neither of them spoke then hail sighed rubbing a hand down his face Jesus Christ Carter Malik swallowed his throat dry told you I'd handle it hey shook his head muttering something under his breath before nodding toward the Nearest officer cuff the ones still breathing call an ambulance for the ones who need

it a cop approached Malik wearily you armed Malik nodded slowly pulling his Glock from his waistband and handing it over grip first not anymore hail narrowed his eyes you know I should take you in right Malik gave a tired smirk you won't hail let out a long sigh damn right I won't he turned bar barking orders to his team as Malik finally let himself breathe it was done for the First time in days Malik felt the weight lift just a little and soon he was going home 3 months later the hospital room was quiet except

for the rhythmic beep of the monitors and the occasional rustle of blankets mik sat in the chair beside the bed completely still his fingers rested gently on the tiny bundle in his arms she was so small delicate fingers soft skin her tiny chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath his daughter his Ava stirred beside him Her voice groggy you're staring at her again Malik didn't look up he couldn't he was too afraid that if he blinked this moment would disappear Ava smiled exhausted but radiant she's not going anywhere you know Malik exhaled shakily I

know but that wasn't what scared him what scared him was how close he had come to losing this his grip tightened slightly around the baby's blanket violence had followed him home he had spent years trying to leave that life Behind trying to give Ava something normal something safe and yet in the end it had found them anyway it had forced his hand for a long time he had wondered if he had done the right thing if meeting Trey on his terms had made him any different from the men he War he wasn't like but then

he looked down at his daughter's sleeping face she was here alive safe and Ava was here beside him and suddenly it didn't matter anymore because when it had come down to It he had protected them no regrets no doubts just this his family whole Ava reached out brushing her fingers against his she looks just like you Malik finally looked up meeting her tired gaze I was hoping she'd look like like you Ava chuckled softly give it time Malik smirked but it faded quickly as his eyes drifted back to the baby she's perfect Ava's smile softened

yeah she is silence stretched between them but it wasn't heavy for once it was peaceful mik ran a Finger along his daughter's tiny fist watching as she instinctively curled her fingers around him Ava watched him carefully you okay Malik exhaled yeah for the first time in a long time he meant it Ava shifted in the bed adjusting the pillows we still need a name mik smirked I thought we agreed on something Ava raised an eyebrow you mean when you tried to name her after a weapon Malik chuckled saraphina is a strong name Ava rolled her

eyes she's Not a battle axe Malik Malik shook his head his smile lingering all right fine what do you want to name her Ava hesitated then then softly Naomi Malik blinked the name settled into his chest like it belonged there he looked down at his daughter again Naomi Carter yeah that was right Malik leaned down pressing a kiss to her tiny forehead Naomi it is outside the city moved on Sirens still wailed in the distance people still walked streets that weren't Safe but here in this room Malik didn't think about any of that here in

this room the war was over and all that mattered was the life ahead for Ava for Naomi for him for the family he had fought for and won I hope you enjoyed that story please share it with your friends and subscribe so that you do not miss out on the next one in the meantime I have handpicked two stories for you that I think you will enjoy have a great day