“Machine guns are scary. Enough bullets got through that we got showered with wood splinters and pieces of shingles,” Audrey said lightly. She had wood chips in her long hair and scratches on her face and arms.

Gabe said she’d kept shooting in the roost by herself after he’d left to provide backup for Bull and Kit.

Hell of a woman.

“That’s when Knox’s rifle barrel got hit. Chevy said Knox bitched about his bruised fingers, grabbed another rifle, and went back to shooting.”

Hawk could only smile. They grew them tough in Alaska.

Still, everyone—except the PZs—had been fucking lucky.

“Aric, how are you doing, sweetie?” Scooting closer, Audrey leaned forward to kiss Aric’s cheek.

He didn’t release his hold on Hawk’s shirt but gave her one of his crooked smiles.

Finished cleaning Hawk’s arms, Caz glanced up. “I’ll glue and tape, but only if you try not to mess up my work.”

“Sure.”

Holding out a butterfly strip for Caz, Audrey frowned at Hawk’s wrists. “Did Nabera do all that? Or was it that Milo guy?”

Oh, hell.

Aric stiffened, and his big eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.” Hawk gave the kid a comforting squeeze. “Gonna catch a few cuts if you use a knife in the dark.”

Catching on, Caz confirmed with a nod. “Sí.”

Audrey’s expression held dismay. She hadn’t realized what she was asking.

“You got me free; that’s what counts.” Hawk kissed the top of Aric’s head. “Might get new scars to remind me of the bravest kid I know. I’d like that.”

Aric stared up as if trying to see if Hawk was being honest. Then he relaxed and went limp against Hawk’s side.

It was way fucking past the kid’s bedtime.

But—Hawk tightened his arm about the boy—they were both happier being together.

Hours later, in Mako’s place, Kit was snuggled up against Hawk’s side. Aric lay, sound asleep, across their laps. She was exhausted, one shoulder throbbing from the impact of the bullet, the other one from shooting a rifle. Her fingers ached. Scratches burned.

Yet the oddest contentment filled her.

Her loved ones were alive and safe.

Tilting her head, she rubbed her cheek against Hawk’s arm. “I didn’t think those law enforcement people would ever leave.”

Outside, dark clouds had covered any hint of dawn, and rain pounded from the sky, washing away the remnants of the battle. It might have helped send the Feds and troopers on their way.

“I know, right?” Audrey agreed.

Sitting beside her, Gabe gave her curls a tug as he smiled. “We actually got off lightly, Goldilocks.”

“Lightly?” Frankie sniffed. “Sooo many questions. They even managed to wear Lillian out.”