#Chapter 17 I reject you Aaron.

Aaron’s POV The moment I hear the gunshot, I instantly recognize it as an assassination attempt. I pull Emma out of the way, reaching for my daughter as Mae pushes her toward me. But in the chaos of the panicking crowd, Mae is separated from us. I release Emma to check on Ruby, but Emma clings to my jacket, pleading with me to protect her. Irritated that she’s not putting her daughter’s safety first like Mae did, I make Emma wait while I hurriedly check Ruby for injuries. Deciding she’s okay, I hold her close as people run screaming all around us. Especially at a time like this, I still feel a responsibility to keep Emma alive. Despite everything she’s been doing recently, she still used to be a woman I loved, and she’s still technically the mother of my daughter. Besides, an assassination of John’s prized daughter would be sure to complicate matters. I make to comfort a hysterical Emma when the coppery scent of blood fills my nose. I look over Ruby again, then Emma, but I’m