CHAPTER 2

Dorian was in he room arranging his guns and snipers. He knew the organisation would look for him, and he wanted to be prepared when they got there. He cleaned his guns, put them together, and finally closed the bag. He took his burner phone and dialed Ray's burner, listening to it ring.

"What the fuck man? Are you okay?". Ray voice pitched through the burner.

"I'm good Ray is there a bullet on my head?". He heard Ray sighed.

"Yeah. There's a good amount for it and don't worry I'll never betray you, but expect two or more people coming your way as we speak". He whispered.

"Don't they suspect you'll know about my whereabouts?". Dorian asked.

"They already know where you are so, sooner or later you'll hear gun shots your way". He nodded.

"I'm ready for anything coming my way".

"But Dorian can I ask you something?". He groaned a little.

"Shoot". He walked to his wardrobe and took out his bullet proof vest and started putting in on and three the other one on his bed.

"Why her? Is she worth all of this?". He sat down on the bed heart beating fast thinking about Astrid. Her beauty caught his eyes and he never wanted anyone touching her. He wanted to be the only one protecting her. He wanted to see her smile. He wish to accomplished all these things. He has been trained for any years not to let his heart betray him and when he laid his eyes on Astrid everything changed. He knows many people in the organisation will want him dead and whoever succeed in that will be recognised and be on top. Dorian Reed is number one on the list for the most ruthless hitman. He has taken a lot of people out. He never missed on his target. This will seem to be his weakness which means the organisation will now have a leverage over him. This won't be easy for both of them.

"My heart betrayed me that's all I'm going to tell you". He heard Ray cussed.

"That has never happened before why now Reed? Damn we were trained for such things". He sounded pissed.

"I know, but something happened when I first lay my eyes on her. She's beautiful Ray and most definitely doesn't deserve to die for something that happened years ago". He clenched his fist feeling angry.

"So, you will be protecting her from now on?". Asked Ray.

"I will with everything I have".

"Alright, then that means it's my job too to protect her". He hang up not waiting for Dorian to ask why would he say that. He sighed taking the bullet proof vest walking to Astrid room. He knocks the opens the door. His eyes widen at the sight of Astrid wearing a black rope with a book on the floor and three white candles and one black with a bowl filled with white water. He closed the door waiting to see what will happen next.

"By the light that surrounds me, I am safe and free, With the love as my armor, no harm shall come to me. In shadows that linger, I stand strong and bright, protected and guided, I embrace the light". Dorian drew a sharp breath standing at the door witnessing this. Astrid did not want to ask anything she continued with her spell. "Negative forces, you cannot draw near, this shield of protection, I cast out all fear. As I walk through this world, I carry my grace, In the warmth of this light, I find my safe space". The white water on the bowl turned green and smoke filled the room. Astrid was grunting loud her head snapped back eyes turned white. Dorian walked out not wanting to witness any of that. He waited outside listening to hear the grunting but there was none. He moved back when the door opened. Astrid smiled at him but he did not return it.

"Why did you walk out? I thought you wanted to see that?". She asked.

"I never wanted to see any of that put this on". He handed her the vest she frowned.

"Um, what is this?".

"That's a bullet proof vest that you should wear". She blinked.

"I won't get hurt if that's what you think. I'm a sorcerer Dorian my body is protected didn't you hear the spell I just casted now". He glance at her as in disbelief.

"Astrid". He drew a sharp breath "I don't know if you think this is a movie but bullets will be flying inside this house and you need to be protected". She deeply sigh.

"So, people will be coming here to kill us and you don't look nervous at all". He chuckled.

"Nervous for what? I've dodged a lot of bullets before been shot a couple of times this won't be the first time". She gasped.

"So, you have bullets wounds in your body can I see them?". He moved back shocked.

"Most definitely not you won't see them wear this quickly we need to be ready".

"Why can't we run away and go to a hotel or something my mom's house is out of this town I can't suggest that".

"I know what I'm doing Astrid just trust me". She nodded.

"Um, how do you wear this and it's late why am I wearing this now aren't we going to sleep?". He huffs.

"Wear it like a vest and I don't need to be here when you are doing that and we need to be prepared for anything even at this time". He walked out leaving Astrid staring at the vest. She takes off her top and wear's it then put her to back. She walks to the mirror.

"Alright. I guess this is how you wear it then". She glanced at the mirror. She felt something strange happening to her and she instantly knew that they were in danger. She ran downstairs and found Dorian standing near the window looking outside. "Someone is coming". He turned fast looking at her.

"I know I'm just waiting to see the car". Her eyes widened.

"And why are you standing there unfazed?". She screamed.

"Because Astrid I don't fear no one and this glass is bullet proofed my whole house is". She sighed in relief.

"But I don't get why you want these people to find us here. I know you are not scared but I didn't sign up for this". He huffs walking towards her. She watch his movement blinking. He stood in front of her breathing heavily she stare at his eyes.

"Are you scared?". He asked with a voice that is raspy. She blinked.

"A little. I don't want to die or see you get hurt trying to protect me". He exhale loud moving back. He doesn't want to be this close to her.

"No one will touch you. I'll protect you".

"Why are you doing this? Why can't you hand me in the organisation they not me not you". He could not believe his ears were hearing the right thing.

"Are you crazy? Do you want to die because they will kill you the moment you step foot in there". She swallows hard.

"Then maybe you need to be honest with me on why are you protecting me". He shook his head walking back to the window. "Alright, so you'll ignore me then". He sighed.

"I'm not ignoring you, but I can't tell you that now. I need you to hide because they are here". Her eyes widened. He run fast towards her they go down and bullets are being shot. "I need you move to your room and hide Astrid. I'll take care of this". She nodded running to the room getting inside and locking the room. He quickly moved at the back. Dorian leaned the rifle against the wall; it wouldn't do him any good in the dark. He made sure he had the hunting knife at his belt, zipped up his jacket, and drew the SIG. Then he eased his body sideways out the door, diving immediately toward the deep shadows of the woodshed. It wasn't a proper shed, just a lean-to, one wall and a roof against the short side of the cabin, but the thick walls of stacked wood provided some cover. He was just about to slip into the underbrush that surrounded the clearing, when a soft groan and suppressed, "Fffck," from the trees towardsthe back of the cabin, froze him in his tracks. Somebody had stepped into one of his nail boards. Somebody coming from the back, while someone else was shooting over by the trail. Dorian could almost hear his brain switch gears. Recalculating. They were under attack from two sides. At least. Neither of them had ever expected more than one hitman. Now Dorian suddenly wondered how many were out there. Two? Five? A small army? Though even that would easily buy twenty or more guns. He snuck to the other end of the shed and tried to spot anything between the trees. If only the clouds would break, he'd at least have a bit of moonlight. But after that bright cold sunshine three days ago while he was here, the sky had become more and more overcast. It would probably snow again soon. All he had was the faint fire shine from around one side of the cabin. It barely reached the trees. He couldn't see a thing. Another round of gunfire rang out from the trail, same pattern as before. In its wake, Dorian heard a soft rustle ahead: Someone trying to sneak in under cover of the louder sound. He drew the knife with his left hand, and crouched into the bushes at the edge of the shed, so the deepest darkness would be at his back. He didn't even have to wait a minute, before a shadow detached itself from the wall of trees, and ran the six or seven steps to the cabin in a low crouch, pausing at the opposite corner of the shed from Dorian. He was maybe five feet away, barely visible against the wall, more sensed than seen. Having the dark trees at his back, Dorian was sure, he himself would be completely covered by the night. He eased the SIG into his pocket, slipped the knife into his right hand and stood. His steps, as he closed the distance to the crouched figure, were completely silent. Hoping fervently that the guy hadn't budged, he shot out his left arm around his victim's head and pulled it against his body, in the same movement drawing the blade an inch below his underarm from elbow to wrist with some force. A desperate gurgle and surprised struggle told him he'd found his mark, even before the metallic smell of the blood hit his nose. The struggling weakened quickly, then stilled. Dorin dropped the body, wiped his blade on it, then crossed back through the shed to the front. It worried him that he didn't hear anything from Astrid side, though the last two shots had come from his gun. That was a good sign, right? That means Astrid is still hiding. There was no scream or anything. She's a real sorcerer after all he thought.

Dorian was picking his way through the vegetation on instinct in the dark, the unseen space around him making him expect a bullet to tear through his flesh any second. Gawd, he really hated not being able to see what came at him. He froze at the sound of heavy breathing an arm's length away, then quickly brought up the knife. He crouched low, readying his muscles for the jump, when it hit him that it was Ray in front of him.

"Don't shoot," he whispered under his breath. Immediately, Ray's body crashed into him, bringing him down. The big Magnum barked again, closer now, and Dorian's face got sprayed with pieces of disintegrated tree from above. Ray's hand briefly covered his mouth, and Dorian nodded against it to say he understood; whoever the marksman was, he had ears like a lynx. Ray tapped his shoulder, then grabbed Dorian's hand and pulled it against his side. His wet, sticky side. Fuck. He was shot. Before Dorian could think any more about that, Ray had moved past him like a ghost. Dorian followed, very aware of the hole a. 45 could make it in his back and chest. They reached the wood shed without being shot again. Was the shooter saving bullets? Banking on his partner? As always, the possibilities ran through Dorian's head like so many chess moves, but he had to shove them to the back. Ray was hurt. Dorian sheathed the knife, formed his hands to a tube around his mouth, and whispered to Ray's ear.

"Inside. I'll cover you." Not waiting for an answer, he drew the SIG, lay flat on the ground, and fired a burst of five rounds in the direction the last shot had come from. The answer came immediately, from a little to the right of that spot. Wood splinters like shrapnel in the air. Dorian rolled to the other side, adjusted his aim, and fired another burst. Again, the answering fire was instantaneous, and lower this time,

kicking up dirt. Fuck. He retreated deeper into the shed, just as Ray started firing from the door, returning the cover favor. Dorian ducked through the shed, picked up the body he'd left at the other end, and carried it around the back of the cabin to the far side. Then, holding the body like a shield in front of him, he ran towards the door. He drew fire almost immediately, felt several bullets smack into the dead meat like hard punches, then a searing burn along his thigh, when one of the bullets went right through the morbid shield. He dove headlong through the half-open door, leaving the body outside. The door slammed shut behind him, and Ray kicked a sandbag against it, then reached up to throw the bolt. He looked white as a sheet in the low light of the lamp. But when Dorian tried to check him over, he thrust the rifle at Dorian.

"Guard the door," he murmured. "I've got this." Dorian scanned the clearing through the gun embrasure. He could just make out the shoulder of the dead body in front of the door. Nothing moved outside. He glanced behind him, where had removed his jacket and sweater and was sitting against the bunk, the first-aid kit between his legs, pressing clotting sponges to his side, right under the ribcage, one front, one back. His pants were soaked.

"Eyes front," he commanded. Then, when Dorian resumed his post, he added more quietly, "Bleeds like the dickens, but I don't think anything vital took a hit. I'll be having raw steak for breakfast the next few weeks, though."

"I can help." They heard a voice turning to see Astrid.

"Astrid, what are you doing here?". He was almost angry seeing her there. Ray chuckled.

"Now I see why you want to protect her." He winced a little.

"You stupid asshole," Dorian growled. "You're more lucky than you deserve." Ray laughed. Of course he did.

"My careful friend." It sounded like a caress and deflated Dorian's anger. A shadow flitted into the woodshed. Unfortunately, it was an impossible

angle for the rifle. Astrid's breath hitched.

"He's in the shed." Said Ray.

"Fucker. I swear to God, that man can hear the grass grow. Good thing he's not a crack shot." Growled Dorian and stole another glance at Ray who'd managed to tape the dressings in place, and was now wrapping a bandage around his middle to hold them more securely.

"I did say I can help you with that I'll be fast let me". Said Astrid. Ray glance at Dorian who nodded. Astrid started chanting weird names and rubbed Ray's gun wound with some black oil and it started healing. Ray cussed under his breath. His eyes widen in disbelief. Dorian gasped watching Ray's wound disappear just like that.

"He's good enough to hit both of us....I mean the three of us." Said Dorian. "There were two of them, by the way."

"You're hit?" The concern in Astrid's voice was unmistakable.

"Only grazed. It's almost stopped bleeding already." Dorian answered back.

"You'd better clean it up, though. I'll take the lookout." Said Ray standing up. They switched places while Dorian cleaned the graze high on the outside of his thigh. The bullet had half-cauterized it, so the worst part was trying toremove the cloth fibres from the edges.

"He shot you in the ass?" Ray quipped. "That's my job." Astrid wanted to laugh at that but remained silent. Dirian threw him a reproachful look. "My ass is fine."

"Getting way too bright out there," Ray said. He had his face pressed against the door, peering toward the woodshed. Ice water washed through Dorian's veins. He scanned the wall above his bunk, right as the first tendrils of smoke curled around the rafters.

"The asshole set the house on fire." Astrid screamed. She quickly run upstairs getting her bag she swore not to leave even things get out of hand.

"Where the hell did she run too Astrid!". He yelled for her she was back quickly breathing heavily.

"Fuck. Grab her we need to move." Pressing his body against the sandbagged wall, Ray pulled the door open, but slammed it shut again, when bullet splintered the wood.

"Fuck!" cussed Ray. Smoke poured in like water, drawn across the cabin by the draft from the fireplace. The crackling flames soon followed. Dorian pulled the neck of his t-shirt up over his nose and hunkered down on the floor. Ray tied a bandana over the lower half of his face while Astrid used her shirt to cover her nose.

"Do we have a plan B?" he coughed. Dorian shook his head. That was the one drawback with planning everything. If something this unplanned came up, he was screwed.

"Okay," Ray said. "Here's what we'll do. You crawl up on the top bunk with your rifle. I'll open the door, and when he fires, you shoot at his muzzle flash."

"Jesus." Astrid gaps hearing what Ray just said.

"That's not a plan. That's a blaze-of-glory scenario even though Astrid can see that," Dorian growled. "For one thing, you'll be dead before you let go of the door. For another, he moves after every shot—"

"He's shot bursts the last couple of times. How quickly can you reload that thing?" Asked Ray. Dorian looked at the Ruger No.1

"As fast as you can re-chamber a bolt

action." He said.

"So? If you don't get him with the first shot, you'll get him with the second. You're the target wizard here."

"Except you're not asking me to aim. You're asking me to guess at the target." Ray made chicken sounds.

"Fuck you." It was the most desperate plan Dorian had ever heard of. But then they were desperate.

"I'd rather go out in a blaze of glory than a blaze of barbecue," Ray said, more serious now. "And we're running out of time."

"Fuck." Dorian grabbed the rifle and box of .45-70, whispering fucks under his breath as he climbed into the upper bunk, rolling onto his belly and getting into shooting position and the very outside edge for the widest possible field in the direction where the fire had started.

"He'll be off to the side, at an impossible angle," he groused. Ray shrugged, barely visible through the smoke. "If he can hit us, you can hit him." He coughed again, holding his side. "Ready?" Dorian brought the stock up to his cheek. The scope would be as good as useless in the dark, but he had neither the time nor the tools to remove it. Astrid was scared of what might happen next. She never wanted them to get hurt but here they are two men trying to protect her. He closed his eye against the cheek pad. "Go." Ray reached across the door, quietly raised the bolt, then, hanging on to it, flung himself back and the door wide.

Dorian barely had time to sight through the scope, before a barrage of shots started to take the frame apart. He put the shot into the centre of the flash grouping that had been tracking to the right, then immediately reloaded. The fucker had been moving as he shot. Dorian's ears rang, then the crackle and pop of the fire slowly came back.

"Did you get him?" Ray asked from his corner. Dorian tried to answer, but his throat seized and a series of coughs racked it.

"Don't know," he wheezed.

"Fuck you never missed before". Dorian groaned .

"It's fucking dark can't barely see a thing can you blame me". His voice was sharp. Ray pulled the jacket towards himself that he'd discarded earlier, when he'd patched himself up. He hung it over the back of a chair.

"Let's go again ready?" Dorian tried to gauge how far the shooter might have moved. If he'd moved. Fuck this guessing game. He picked a spot. "Go." Ray moved the chair into the door opening. A single shot rang out, and Dorian adjusted and fired. Another shot rang out while he reloaded,this one thudding into the bunk by his left elbow. Shit. He aimed a little to the left, thinking that if it was him out there, he'd try a tack to the other side, and fired again, then buried his head in the mattress, bracing himself for the return fire. Silence. He reloaded.

"Try the chair again," he whispered. His back was getting hot, but at least the open door had taken a bit of the smoke out. The legs of the chair scraped across the floor as Ray moved it as far as he could reach. Still, nothing happened. Dorian slid off the bunk and landed in a crouch. When nothing happened, he straightened up, took a couple of steps, rifle at the ready, until he was standing in the open door frame. A loud crash behind him had him wheel around. One of the beams had given way, and the back corner of the roof had caved in, now resting on the

edge of the bunk.

"Go," Ray said behind him. "I've got Astrid."

They quickly moved over to the Jeep like that: Ray in front with the rifle, Ray behind him with Astrid. Ray leaned against the side of the Jeep, breathing hard. Dorian handed him the rifle and pulled out the SIG, and glanced at Astrid.

"Stay here. I'll see what's up with our friend on the other side." The fire in the pit had died by now, but the clearing was brightly lit by the burning cabin. Dorian kept his face turned away from the flames to keep his night vision and moved as quickly as he dared along the perimeter of the clearing to the point he'd last shot at. The flickering shadows made the trees look alive, and he raised the gun a couple of times, only to find himself aiming at a bush. At this rate, he was as likely to step on the shooter as anything else. He pulled the flashlight out with his left and turned it on, beam low. Keeping his eyes on the edge of the cone of light, he worked in sweeping semi-circles. The shooter knelt in front of a sapling, rifle caught in the V of the branches. He was wearing black from boots to ski masks, his head in a dead loll on his shoulder. Dorian stepped around him, careful not to get in front of the rifle. The beam of his flashlight caught in the broken eyes; there was no doubt those eyes were never going to see anything again. Dorian pulled the rifle out of the dead hands, and the body slid past the tree that had caught it when it fell, keeping it in that kneeling position. He secured the rifle and his gun, then hefted the body, which was surprisingly light, and returned to the clearing. The whole right-hand side of the cabin was alight by now, and the roof nearly gone. Sparks flew into the night sky, and Dorian paused briefly to check for any spreading flames. The hard-packed dirt around the cabin was keeping things in check for now, but it was a precarious one. He removed the shooters ski mask, spilling long, dark hair.

"I'll be damned." She'd been in her thirties, maybe, with high cheekbones and a scar in the corner of one eye. Ray came over and handed Dorian a half-empty bottle of water. He took a long look at the body while Dorian drank.

"You know her?" Dorian asked.

"Never seen her in my life. Do you think they were a couple?" Dorian shrugged. He didn't really care. He went through her pockets, removed any extra ammo he found, then lifted her up again, walked as close to the cabin as the heat let him, and threw her into the flames her partner was already feeding by the side of the door. Or where the door had been,

anyway.

"Talk about a warrior funeral," Ray said.

Dorian had only another shrug. "Less questions that way." He turned toward the Jeep. "How's Astrid?"

"Okay, I think. I gave her some of the water."

"You?"

"Holding up. We should probably keep an eye on this until it's burned out. There's a small shovel in the Jeep, in case we need it." Said Ray.

"I hope we don't. One shovel is not exactly an overwhelming arsenal against a forest fire." Said Dorian. He did have to use the shovel a few times to put out a fire one of the sparks had ignited, but he patrolled the area carefully to catch them before they spread, and the vegetation and grounds were wet enough not to catch easily. Ray sat in the Jeep. He offered his jacket to Astrid, who smiled, taking it.

"Thanks for healing my wound. That was amazing what you did there." She smiled. Every now and then, Dorian threw them a worried glance.

"Why are the fuck are you even here Ray?". Dorian finally asked.

"Ahh I've been waiting for that you took your time". He chuckled. "I wanted to come and save my friend". Dorian groaned.

"Did I asked for your help? You almost got killed man don't ever do that". Astrid kept quiet not wanting to get involved in this friend tension fight.

"Man I helped a lot look now you are even driving my jeep. Drop me off at Cole's house". Dorian kept quiet.

"What about the organisation? Won't they suspect anything about you?". Asks Dorian.

"I don't even want to think about that right now. I just want to sleep next to my boyfriend without any care in this world". Astrid glance at Ray shocked. "What? Don't I look gay to you?". She opened her mouth to answer but no words were found. Ray laughed.

"Ray stop scaring her let her be". He nodded.

"I'm Ray Gray and I'm gay it was a pleasure meeting you Astrid you really are beautiful. I see what he sees in you". The car stops outside Cole's apartment. "You can take the car. There's no tracker here you'll be fine". Dorian nodded watching Ray got inside the apartment.

"Are you okay?". He asked her.

"I'm fine just shaken up by what happened. Your house is gone". He nodded.

"I have a lot of houses that the organisation don't know about. That one was the only one they knew of so right now we are going to my other house". She admits that she doesn't know this man and questions herself to why is she trusting him with her life.

"How rich are you?". She asked.

"Let's just say I can start my own organisation that's how rich I am". She nodded. "Why can't we go separate ways they won't know my mother's house and I have nothing to lose my mom is no longer alive". He deeply sighed.

"Can your magic protect you?". He asked ignoring what she said.

"The Samhain I casted always protect me and yes my magic protects me". He was driving faster.

"We've killed three hitman that were sent to take us out so you have to expect more coming our way and if you want to go to your mother's house that's fine by me I won't hold you back". he said sharply, clenching his fists through a fresh bolt of pain. She saw this and kept quiet. This man almost got shot just protecting her and now she wants to leave him like that. That was unfair of her to do.

"How's your thigh is it painful?". She asked concerned remembering he got hurt there.

"I'll live I've been through worse Astrid this is nothing". he said, taking a sharp breath.

"Your house is far isn't it?". She asked.

"Yes it is but we are about to arrive now". She nodded closing her eyes. He watched her sleep shaking his head a little. He has never seen such a beautiful lady he vow to protect her at all costs. He drove fast and took a turn. The house was also in the woods he liked the peace in these places so that is why most of his houses are not in the city. He pressed the remote opening the gate and drove in pressing the one for the garage door and drove in slowly. He walked out going to the backseat. Astrid was sleeping peacefully he scooped her up careful not to awake her. He opens the door walking inside she was not heavy. He went upstairs and kicked he guest room open and slowly place her down on the bed covered her with the sheets. He walked out this burner phone rang inside his pocket.

"Hello". He said sharp.

"Damn you Dorian what the hell did you do to piss off the organisation?". That was Karl one of the best hackers in the organisation and he trusted him and they are friends. He knows Karl won't stab his back.

"I broke the rules now I'm a wanted man". Karl laughed loud. He poured himself a scotch and guilps it at once.

"Man I was so confused when they told us to track you down. I thought maybe something happened to you and that you were in danger fuck it I didn't know they wanted to take you out until I heard John mention that you betrayed them for a mere sorcerer Astrid". Dorian inhaled sharply.

"I never touch a woman Karl you know that. The only woman I killed was Sasha and she deserved it, but Astrid didn't do anything man Caspian was the one who sold his daughter to the devil". Karl swore under his breath.

"Fuck does that mean our boss sold his daughter for riches and now he is blaming the poor woman for nothing damn Caspian is crazy". Dorian nodded taking another sip.

"They destroyed my house they set it on fire". He was breathing harder than usual and Karl could hear it.

"Man calm down don't do anything stupid please so, is she with you?". He glance upstairs thinking about Astrid sleeping peacefully.

"Yeah. She is sleeping right now". He said.

"Do you have enough guns for the war coming your way?". He knew Karl would do anything to help him out. He was grateful for such friends in his life.

"Yes ever house has it's safe room and if they come here they won't find us don't worry".

"I'm glad man I don't want you to get hurt even though I know that won't happen you are the best there is fuck it the organisation just made an enemy with their best sniper and hitman". He groaned while Dorian laughed bitterly.

"Caspian will lose a lot of men if he keeps sending them my way. I'll kill everyone of them. If he wants Astrid he must come get her himself".

"Fuck it man this is bad". He groans.

"Yeah bad for the organisation". They laughed. "How's Stephanie?".

"She's gonna go crazy when she finds out what happened to you man. Does Ray knows about this?". Karl asked.

"Yeah he knows and he got hurt saving me tonight". Karl gasped.

"Fuck man they attacked you tonight wow that's not cool is he okay?". He asked.

"He is doing fine man. I need some shut eye talk you some time alright".

"Alright be safe man". He hang up going to his room locking the door. He changed his clothes then remembered that Astrid didn't take off the bullet vest. He quickly walked to her room as opened the door and to his surprise the vest was on the floor which meant he took it off. He sighed in relief walking to his room. He shut his eyes when he got inside the bed.