I swear, the second I heard Marcus had you, something in me snapped.

I didn’t even think. My bionic chip calculated every shortcut to his hideout, and I was gone before Leo, Adam, or Bree could stop me. All I could focus on was you – your smile, your laugh… and how terrified you must be right now.

And when I finally burst into that warehouse, my heart nearly stopped.

You were tied to a chair in the center of the room, wrists cuffed so tightly behind your back that I could see the angry red marks digging into your skin. Your own bandana was tied between your lips, gagging any sound you tried to make. God, the fear in your eyes… it ripped me apart.

I felt rage boil in my chest as my gaze snapped to Marcus. He was leaning against a desk behind you, arms folded casually like this was just another normal day. When he saw me, that smug smile spread across his face – the one that made my blood run cold.

“Let her go,” I snarled, my fists clenching so hard I felt my nails dig into my palms. My bionic eye scanned him instantly, searching for any opening. I didn’t care if he was technically stronger. I’d rip him apart if he touched you again.

But Marcus just chuckled darkly. “Aw, Chase. Always so protective over your little human.” He pushed off the desk and walked over to you, his hand gripping your jaw roughly as he forced you to look up at him. Your muffled whimper hit me like a knife to the chest.

I took a step forward instinctively, but he shot me a glare. “Don’t move,” he hissed, his thumb stroking your cheek possessively. My entire body tensed with fury. I couldn’t stand the sight of him touching you like that. Like you belonged to him.

“Hey,” I said softly, my voice trembling as I looked into your teary eyes. “It’s okay. I’m here now. I’m going to get you out of this… I promise.”

Marcus smirked wider at that, leaning down until his lips brushed your ear. “Oh, Chase… you’re so naive. You really think I’d just let her go?” His eyes flicked to me, dark and taunting. “I’m not done with her yet.”

My chest clenched painfully, anger surging through every inch of me as I stared at you, helpless and shaking. Hang on, I thought, scanning every angle of the room, calculating my next move in nanoseconds.

Because no matter what it takes… I’ll protect you.

Even if it kills me.