Beneath The Ashes

Zayn scooped me up without hesitation, but careful. My body shook uncontrollably against him, my mind still trapped in the terrifying moment when cold steel pressed against my skull.

Jaxon and Vale followed close behind, Jaxon carrying a glass of water, his knuckles white from how tightly he held it. None of them spoke at first—just the urgent but controlled sound of their footsteps against the hardwood floor as they rushed me upstairs.

I felt lightheaded, my breath uneven and shallow. The world around me blurred, as if I were watching myself rather than existing in my own body.

Zayn's voice cut through the fog of my panic. "Hey, hey, look at me." His arms tightened around me slightly as he settled onto the bed, cradling me against his chest. "Breathe, Ivy. Just listen to my heartbeat, okay?" His tone was gentle yet firm, his words laced with concern.

I pressed my ear against his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart beneath my cheek. It was so calm. So strong. The complete opposite of the storm still raging inside me.

"I'm here," Zayn murmured, his fingers brushing against my back in slow, soothing motions. "No one is going to hurt you. I swear it."

I blurred out something incomprehensible, my hands still shaking violently. My body refused to calm down, the adrenaline still flooding my system.

Zayn shifted slightly, adjusting me so I was fully on the bed before Jaxon stepped in, lowering himself beside me. He offered the glass, his expression unreadable but his actions carefully measured. "Drink this baby," he said softly.

I tried to grip the glass, but my fingers were too unsteady. The water sloshed dangerously near the rim, and Jaxon immediately covered my hands with his own, helping me bring it to my lips. The cool liquid ran down my throat, easing some of the tightness in my chest.

Vale, climbed onto the other side of the bed. He pulled me into his arms as if it were second nature, his warmth enveloping me in a way that made my trembling body slowly start to relax.

He let me cling to him, his chin resting lightly against the top of my head. "It's okay," he murmured. "I promise, Ivy, there's nothing to be scared of."

I let out a shaky exhale, my fingers curling into his shirt.

"Felipe's a friend," he continued, his voice softer now. "He must have misunderstood something. Massimo and Declan will handle him."

Zayn hummed in agreement beside me, his hand still rubbing slow circles on my back.

Vale tightened his hold just a fraction. "He wouldn't hurt you, Ivy. I swear it."

I closed my eyes, but the memory was still fresh.

The feel of the gun.

A sob I hadn't realized I was holding back finally escaped. "I was so scared," I whispered. "I thought... I thought he was going to kill me."

Zayn's hand stilled for a second before he pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. "That's never going to happen," he promised. "Not while we're here."

Jaxon sat on the edge of the bed, his jaw tight, his muscles coiled with barely restrained anger. "You don't ever have to feel like that again." His voice was low but full of a dangerous kind of certainty.

Vale sighed, squeezing me slightly. "You're safe, Ivy. You're safe."
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The door swung open with a sharp push, and before I could even lift my head from Vale's shoulder, Massimo and Declan were already inside.

Both of them took in the sight before them—me curled up between Zayn and Vale, Jaxon still perched on the edge of the bed, his hands clenched into fists. But their eyes weren't on my brothers for long. They were locked on me, scanning, assessing.