Page 68 of Dark Christmas

Sasha raises an eyebrow. "A twist, huh? Like what? You hiding something spicy in those cupcakes?"

I laugh. "No, no, although that’s not a bad idea. We do fun flavors. Like, for Christmas, we have peppermint mocha cupcakes that are insanely good. They sell out quickly every year."

"Sounds dangerous," Sasha says, grinning. "You must have a cult following."

I shrug. "It’s definitely picking up. Claire’s got all these plans for expansion, too. We’ve been talking about opening up a second location."

Sasha gives me an impressed nod. "That’s legit. You two sound like you’ve got it figured out. Is this her first kid?"

"Yes, and she’s been a total trouper throughout her pregnancy. Still working up until last week. I don’t know how she does it."

"Well, you’ll have to bring me one of those cupcakes sometime. I’m a sucker for sweets." Sasha winks. "I’ll even pay full price."

Melor, who’s been quietly focused on driving, finally cuts in with a small smirk. "He’s lying. He’ll try to bargain you down for at least half off."

Sasha clutches his chest, mock offended. "Come on, man, I’ve got some dignity. Not a lot, but some."

As we pull into the hospital's underground parking garage, my laughter fades into nervous excitement. The reality of it hits me—Claire’s about to have her baby. "This is really happening," I mumble, mostly to myself.

A noise catches my attention. I glance at the sideview mirror and see a car turning in behind us, but I immediately disregard it when my phone buzzes. It’s a text from David.

"Contractions are getting closer," I read the message out loud. "They’re thinking it’s gonna be soon. Like,reallysoon."

Melor gives me a small smile. "I’ll find a parking spot fast. We’ll get there in time."

I can't help but wonder if he’s going to be this calm when I’m the one in labor. The thought hits me like a freight train, and my stomach does a flip. I really need to tell him about this baby sooner than later.

We circle the garage, and I watch Melor scan for an open spot, still cool as a cucumber. Sasha cracks a joke from the back about how all hospital parking garages are mazes and I laugh, but my mind’s wandering again.

Melor parks in a spot with no other cars around, and I’m practically bouncing in my seat, ready to jump out the second the wheels stop moving. I throw the door open, but before I can take a step, Melor’s firm voice cuts through the air.

"Wait.” He’s already hurrying around the side of the car, but I’m so excited to get to Claire, I can barely stand still.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the car I noticed earlier drive past us and stop a few spaces away. I frown, my instincts flaring. It’s probably nothing but something about it sticks with me.

“What?” Melor asks, instantly picking up on my hesitation.

"I’m sure it’s no big deal," I say, “but that car followed us into the garage."

Before I realize what’s happening, the back doors of the car swing open, and two men step out. I freeze, eyes widening as I take in the guns pointed right at us.

"Get down!" Melor yells, his voice filled with an urgency I’ve never heard before.

Everything happens in a blur. I drop to the ground, my heart pounding in my chest as the unmistakable sound of gunfire rings out.

Chapter 34

Melor

Gunshots ping off the steel of nearby cars, thudding into the concrete.

I keep my head low, instincts firing, my mind on the safety of Amelia and Sasha. I spot Sasha first, relief flooding through me. He’s got Amelia on the ground, covering her, yelling at her to stay down and out of sight.

I draw my gun, cursing under my breath. I’m not as armed as I was at Daniil’s—no submachine gun, no vest. Still, I’ve got enough, and I know Sasha’s carrying.

Sasha’s already drawn his weapon. Our eyes meet, and we both know what needs to happen.

I move quickly, crouching low, and make my way over to them. “You okay?” I ask Amelia.