Page 130 of Rescuing Mia

“Mia, stay close. Blake, let’s gear up.” I spring to my feet, my heart pounding.

“A step ahead of you, brother.” Blake produces a sidearm from between the cushions of the couch.

Mia’s eyes widen with fear. “What’s happening?”

“Trouble. Stay with me.” I grab her hand, pulling her to her feet. “Stormy, protect Mia.” I give Stormy the hand signal to Protect.

Stormy positions herself in front of Mia, her stance protective and vigilant. The tranquility of our movie night shatters, replaced by the stark reality of our situation. We rush to prepare, every sense on high alert, knowing that danger is closing in.

“Damn, we didn’t even get to order that pizza.” Blake shakes his head.

Chapter Forty-Five

RIGEL

Stormy’s ears perk up.A low growl rumbles from her chest as she stares intently at the front door. Mia and Blake immediately tense beside me, their relaxed movie-watching posture replaced by high alert.

“What is it, girl?” I ask, trusting Stormy’s instincts.

As if in response, Mitzy’s sensors blare to life, confirming the breach we expect. The screen fills with warnings of multiple intruders on the property.

Blake springs into action, grabbing his weapon and moving to a defensive position near the window.

“Remember the plan.” My eyes lock with Mia’s. “Stay close to Stormy. She’ll protect you.”

Mia takes a deep breath, steeling herself. She runs her hands over the tactical vest she’s wearing, feeling the slight bulge of the fake blood packets hidden beneath the fabric that will activate if she’s hit.

When she’s hit.

There’s a lot about this plan I hate, but there is no other way.

“I’m ready.” Determination girds her frame. Beneath that, pure terror races through her veins.

I’d be scared, too, if I was in her shoes. The worst part is I wouldn’t have as much faith in Blake and me as she demonstrates now.

I check my weapon and move to another window, scanning the darkness outside. The vineyard, once a place of peace and sanctuary, now feels like a battleground.

I glance back at Mia, my heart clenching at the thought of what she’s about to endure, but this is the only way to keep her safe and finally put an end to Red Phoenix’s relentless pursuit.

Stormy positions herself next to Mia, her keen senses attuned to any sign of danger. She’s more than just a loyal companion; she’s a highly trained Navy SEAL dog, ready to defend her humans with everything she has.

The faint sound of footsteps on gravel reaches my ears, and my grip tightens on my weapon.

“Multiple heat signatures on approach.” Mitzy’s voice rings through the comms. “Count four.”

Only four?

“Copy that.” I turn to Blake.

“Game time.” Blake catches my eye and nods, a silent communication born of countless missions together.

We’re ready.

Prepared to fight tooth and nail to protect Mia, while also orchestrating a believable death.

Which looks, sounds, and feels counterintuitive, but it has to look real if we’re going to fake Mia’s death and give her any semblance of a normal life after this is done.

“Mia, put on the hoodie.” I help Mia with the specially designed garment. “Keep your head down.”