Kaiden finally understood, but it was too late. He hadn't imagined his elaborate plans targeted the instructor's boyfriend, and that his kidnap victim was her future mother-in-law. "No wonder the instructor played two matches for Clusia," he realized. "Braydon truly ruined me. If he'd told me Jeremiah was the instructor's boyfriend, I wouldn't have dared kidnap Aurora, even with a hundred lives. I wouldn't have brought this disaster upon myself… I've been a colossal joke, a walking dead end!"
His eyes darted around; he refused to die like this. Feigning calm, he drew a black pistol, aiming it at Yvette's chest. He'd spoken at length to lower her guard.
He thought his plan foolproof, but Yvette had already seen his gaze linger on her chest; his intentions were obvious.
A mad glint flashed in Kaiden's eyes, his murderous intent and resentment erupting. Threatening Yvette, he cried, "Instructor, I know you'll kill me, and you can! But I don't want to die! Please, let me go! I'll do anything! I beg you! I don't want to point this gun at you. Just nod, and I'll put it away." He watched her intently, missing nothing.
Yvette sat languidly, her long legs slightly bent, her expression unchanged. She smirked. "Why do so many think they can threaten me?" she mused. "I've been too lenient."
She looked at the trembling Kaiden, raising an eyebrow. "Tell me, is your gun faster, or am I?"
Charles, standing behind, remained calm, a hint of mockery in his eyes. What a fool! he thought. He's seen the instructor's speed in competition, and still dares threaten her! He remembered the training camp, the instructor dodging bullets with impossible speed and agility. Kaiden was insignificant in comparison.
Kaiden refused to yield. The initiative is mine; why is she so confident? he thought. No one outruns a bullet. The gun bolstered his confidence. He smirked, shedding his meekness, his murderous intent and hatred flaring. The gun was his shield.
"Instructor, if you won't let me go, we'll both pay. Losing a finger has tormented me for years; it's time for payback. Spare me, and I'll put the gun away."
Yvette stood, raised an eyebrow, and surveyed him. "Let you go?"
Hope surged in Kaiden's heart, but Yvette's next words crushed him.
"Dream on."
Fury ignited. He cocked the pistol, but within seconds, Yvette stood before him, as swift as in the competitions. The gun slipped from his nerveless grasp as she disarmed him with a swift kick. Their positions reversed in an instant.
He tried to plead, but it was too late. Yvette squeezed the trigger. The shot echoed.
Kaiden clutched his chest, collapsing as blood flowed from his mouth, ears, and eyes. He raised a hand towards the light, his life flickering out.
Yvette walked past him without a glance, opening the door and leaving.
Charles approached the dying Kaiden. "Kaiden," he whispered, "your life was pathetic. If you hadn't used those children, the instructor would have taken on Chief Braydon's apprentice. You dug your own grave." He left.
Kaiden heard, gasped once, and died, his eyes wide open.
Outside, Jeremiah waited in a Jeep, his gaze sharp and deadly. His phone rang. "Is everything settled?" he asked sternly.
"Master, it's done. Tomorrow, the Ybaullan will be dealing with the Steel Serpents. They won't bother you."
Jeremiah's expression darkened. My girl kills, I clean up.
He smiled at Yvette emerging from the hotel. His icy gaze softened. He greeted her, taking her slightly cold, blood-stained hand. "Let's go home. I made meatballs and your favorite milkshake."
Yvette nodded. "I'm starving." Jeremiah's eyes sparkled. "Hmm, let's go."
Charles watched them, shivering. It's freezing… and my heart's even colder.
In the car, Yvette received a text from Eagle King. "Boss, we're too late. Steel Serpents' headquarters is wiped out. Larry's hanging in the main hall. Guess who?"