#Chapter 177: Brothers in Arms

The sound of gunfire split the night, and I sat up, my heart racing. I didn’t give myself time to think as more shots sounded in the distance. I ran to the dresser and pulled on the cargo pants and jacket Matt had bought me the day before. I laced up my boots and did up my belt. I grabbed a handgun and loaded my pockets with mags. I also put a knife in my boot and added one to my belt. Before I left, I double-checked that my gun was loaded, and that the safety was off. Then I was out the door, running toward the noise. I had to find Matt. When I fell asleep, he was still guarding Jack. I headed into the forest where the noise was loudest. Silver moonlight washed over the trees, illuminating the ground. Growls split the night, followed by a few gunshots. Someone grabbed me from behind and I yelped, fumbling with my gun. “It’s me,” Jack hissed. He was holding the back of my jacket. I released a breath and turned to him. He was crouched in the undergrowth, a splatter of blood on his