Thirty-four

Pov

Benett

As we entered the dark warehouse, our hearts were pounding frantically, fueled by anxiety and uncertainty about what we would find inside. Every sound seemed to echo like a threatening whisper, filling the empty space with palpable tension.

Armed and ready for anything, we advanced cautiously, our senses alert for any movement or noise. The darkness was suffocating, but our determination was unwavering.

Suddenly, a muffled sound cut through the silence, a distressed cry that echoed through the shadows. We ran toward the sound, our weapons drawn, prepared to face whatever we found.

And then, in the faint glimpse of light, we saw Tessa. She was there, bound and defenseless, while Loomis, a sinister figure in the darkness, violated her in a repulsive manner.

"No!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the empty space as I ran towards her.

"Bennett, wait!" Mason yelled, but I could barely hear his words over the frenetic pounding of my heart.

I aimed my gun at Loomis, my vision blurred by rage and the urgency to save Tessa. "Let her go, you bastard!" I growled, my voice loaded with all the fury I felt.

Loomis turned to us, a cruel smile dancing on his lips. "Ah, the heroes come to save the day," he mocked, his voice tinged with contempt. "But it's too late. She's already mine."

Every fiber of my being trembled with rage and helplessness. "We will destroy you for this," I vowed, my voice dry and rigid. Tessa was moaning as he penetrated her body, and that only filled me with even more hatred and the desire to kill him.

Loomis only laughed, a sound that echoed like a death sentence in the dark air around us. "Come then," he challenged, his voice soaked with malice. "Come and try."

As I pull the trigger, the deafening sound of the gunshot erupts through the air, cutting through the darkness like a bolt of lightning. A piercing scream tears through my soul, echoing through the corners of the warehouse. My heart leaps into my throat, freezing at the moment the bullet leaves the gun.

Tessa!

Desperation overtakes me, my gaze darting to her in panic, hoping to find her eyes filled with terror.

Pov

Tessa

The deafening sound of the gunshot tears through the air, echoing through the warehouse like thunder. My whole body trembles with the impact of the sound, while a muffled scream escapes my lips. My mind is in turmoil, unable to fully process what just happened.

A sharp pain erupts in my back, as if I've been hit. Instinctively, my hand flies to my back, searching for where the bullet should have struck. My fingers find only the fabric of my blouse, no blood, no wound.

Confusion and relief mingle within me as I realize I haven't been hit. But then, the brutal reality settles in again as I turn to see Loomis lying on the ground, an expression of shock and pain etched on his face.

"Bennett!" I call out, my voice echoing in the warehouse's silence. My legs tremble as I approach him, my heart still beating uncontrollably.

"Bennett, what have you done?" Mason's voice sounds beside me, full of urgency and concern. But my eyes are fixed on Bennett, who is moving away from Loomis's body with a look of fury and determination.

"It was him or her," Bennett replies, his voice rough and terse. "He deserved it."

I shudder at the brutality of the situation, Bennett's words echoing in my ears. The violence of the moment hangs over us, a dark shadow amidst the chaos.

Bennett and Mason rush to my side, their arms enveloping me in a protective embrace. Their touch is both comforting and grounding, anchoring me in the midst of the chaos and confusion.

"Are you alright, Tessa?" Bennett's voice is filled with concern, his eyes searching mine for any sign of distress.

I nod weakly, unable to find the words to express the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me. The relief of being unharmed mingles with the horror of what just transpired, leaving me feeling shaken and vulnerable.

Mason's grip tightens around me, offering silent reassurance and support. "We're here for you, Tessa," he says softly, his voice a beacon of strength in the darkness.

Tears blur my vision as I bury my face against Bennett's chest, seeking solace in his embrace. Despite the turmoil surrounding us, I find a measure of peace in the warmth of their presence, knowing that I am not alone in this ordeal.

They stay by my side, holding me gently as I try to process what just happened. My mind is foggy, filled with flashes of the violence I just witnessed, but their comforting touch helps me feel safer, more protected.

"Bennett, what are we going to do now?" My voice trembles, laden with fear and uncertainty.

He holds me tighter, conveying reassurance through his embrace. "We're getting you out of here, Tessa," he replies determinedly. "We'll take you to a safe place, and then we'll deal with Loomis."

Mason nods in agreement, his gaze fixed on the void as he processes the situation. "We need to make sure you're okay, Tessa," he adds, his voice firm. "And then we'll take care of that damn Loomis."