We’re met with bullets spraying the right side of the SUV, and then Alexei floors the gas.

Resting the one gun on my lap, I take out my phone and dial Damien’s number.

When he answers, I say, “We’re going to come in hot. Get ready. Twenty minutes out.”

“Ten,” Alexei mutters. “I’ll make it in ten.”

“You heard that?” I ask Damien.

“Got it. We’ll be ready.”

Chapter 24

ARIANA

It’s one thing knowing Yuri wants me dead, but it’s a whole different ball game actually being shot at.

My heart hasn’t stopped thundering in my chest since Demitri fired the first shot. A bullet hit my dad’s gravestone right where I was standing.

So close.

There’s a metallic taste on my tongue, my skin tingling like I just touched a live wire.

Another wave of bullets spray the SUV, and I slap my hand over my mouth to keep from letting out a shriek.

Don’t make a noise. Don’t distract Demitri.

My eyes are glued to him as he looks over his shoulder at whoever’s shooting at us. Then his eyes flick to me, and he says, “We have to stop and take care of the problem. Stay in the car until one of us comes to get you.”

I lower my hand to my racing heart. “Okay.”

“You’re doing good, Malyshka.”

I can only nod, and then I glance out the back window at the sedan and something that looks like a smaller version of a truck that’s behind us.

“Ready, brother?” Alexei asks as we turn up the road that leads to the compound.

Demitri lets out a chuckle. “Always.”

Damien and Carson have parked the other two SUVs on either side of the road, leaving enough space for Alexei to speed through.

Alexei turns the steering wheel sharp while yanking up the handbrake, and it makes the SUV spin.

God. Hello, motion sickness.

The tires screech and Demitri throws open his door, stepping out of the vehicle before we’ve even stopped.

I swear my ovaries combust from how hot and badass it looks, and then we come to a jarring halt.

Winter runs toward us, and when Alexei climbs out, she tosses him a machine gun, and then they open fire on the two approaching vehicles.

This time the blasts are loud, and I cover my ears as I watch bullets fly.

Holy. Shit.

I manage to blink and breathe, but that’s all.

A voice in the back of my mind tells me I should be horrified, but all I feel is worry for Demitri and my new friends. I don’t want any of them getting hurt.

While the war begins, one realization sinks deep.

There’s some of my father in me, after all.

Up until now, I was worried about not getting to return to my old life. But now that I’m finally in Russia and people are shooting at me, people are dying right before my eyes, I’m calm.

I feel a rush of anger, and it feeds my will to live.