Chapter 17 - Siege at Lake Forest
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At 11:00 PM, the storm hit Lake Forest.
Thunder rattled the glass windows of the mansion, accompanied by driving rain that blurred the dark tree line surrounding the estate.
I sat in the fortified safe room in the center of the house—a subterranean vault built with reinforced titanium walls and independent air filtration systems. Tyler and Noah were inside, watching a movie on a small screen, blissfully unaware of the war approaching outside.
I held a small silver 9mm handgun that Dominic had taught me how to load and clear earlier that afternoon.
BOOM!
A massive explosion rocked the outer perimeter gates, vibrating through the thick concrete floors.
The estate lights flickered and went out, replaced instantly by dark red emergency runners.
Outside the safe room, heavy gunfire shattered the peaceful night air. Automatic rifles, shattering glass, and grenade detonations echoed through the ventilation shafts.
I stood near the heavy vault door, holding the gun with both hands, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird.
Suddenly, footsteps sprinted down the corridor toward the safe room.
The electronic lock clicked. The heavy steel door swung open.
Dominic stepped inside.
His black shirt was torn, covered in soot and blood—none of it his own. His eyes were fierce, breathing heavily, carrying a broad tactical shotgun in one hand.
“Is everyone safe?” he demanded, his voice hoarse from shouting orders over the roar of battle.
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“We’re safe,” I said, running to his side. “Is it over?”
“Vincent’s main force was wiped out in the courtyard,” Dominic said grimly. “But Vincent slipped past the perimeter. He’s in the house.”
