The thought of her being pregnant, and of an injured Manfred with no one to rely on nearby, made Charles' heart pound so violently it felt like it might burst from his chest. A metallic, coppery taste filled his mouth, and his mind teetered on the brink of insanity.
"Don't be reckless, Charles!" Brian shouted, catching him just as he tried to leap from the helicopter. Black Hawk had already made their move. There would be no parachutes—they had anticipated everything, except the courage of a few desperate men.
"I can't take it! I need to see her—just once more, even if it kills me!" Charles roared at the figure ahead. The helicopter lurched violently again, and his heart sank. How could they have ignored the most crucial step? They thought escaping would mean safety, but he had selflessly chosen to stay with his brothers, leaving her in danger…
