The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 386

Magnus' fists clenched with a fury that had been brewing like a tempest. With a powerful swing, he struck Lucius' arm, toppling him off Hector. His voice was laced with worry as he helped Hector up, shouting, "Are you okay, man?"

Lucius lay sprawled on the ground, his energy sapped but his resolve for vengeance unwavering. Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Lucius staggered to his feet, his gun aimed shakily at Magnus and Hector. “Why are you always acting against me. You are not gonna walk out of here live. Do you hear me?"

But Magnus' focus was entirely on Hector, who had taken a bullet. Ignoring Lucius' ranting, he half-supported Hector and looked down at the man who'd been vying for his wife's affection. He'd despised Hector, yet seeing him covered in blood, Magnus’ heart ached. "Hector, c'mon man, stay with me!"

He vividly remembered Hector's heroic act to save Jonas, and how he had tugged at Lucius to deflect the bullet's deadly path. In that instant, all of Magnus' prior resentment towards Hector evaporated, replaced only by an urgent desire to keep him alive.

Hector's eyes fluttered open weakly. His chest was soaked in his blood. He managed to smile faintly at the sight of Magnus' concern. With a strained cough, he joked, "Magnus, shouldn't you be glad I'm about to kick the bucket? That way, Natalia's all yours."

Tears fell from Magnus' eyes, dropping onto the crimson stain and spreading across Hector's chest. "Idiot, you dying won't help, 'cause then you can't beat me! If you pull through, I'll give you a fair shot at winning her, deal?"

"Deal. Remember, you said it," Hector nodded faintly, his voice growing weaker. "But, I'm worried I won't make it..."

"No way! You are a man! Fight me for her, fair and square! Hold on, Hector, don't make me lose respect for you!" Magnus roared, trying to help Hector to his feet.

But Magnus had forgotten about Lucius, standing there with a gun and madness consuming him. How could he let them walk away?

Magnus struggled to lift Hector when suddenly a vicious kick sent them both stumbling forward, nearly toppling into the churning sea below the deck.

Magnus reached out, grabbing Hector, who was half overboard. "Hold on! Don't let go!"

Hector's front and back were soaked in blood. His body was hanging limply over the edge. If not for Magnus' grip, he would have been lost to the ocean depths.

"Ha! What a pair of unfortunate men! You both fall for the same woman and still treat each other with respect. How rare!" Lucius laughed triumphantly. "Well then, I'll send you both on your way!"

As he spoke, Lucius stomped down on the hands that Magnus and Hector clung to, grinding his boot with all his might. "Fuck you!"

Agonizing pain shot up Magnus' arm. He gritted his teeth, holding on, and glared up defiantly at Lucius. "Lucius, you'll pay for this!"

"I won't die, but today, you're done for," Lucius sneered, bending down slowly, pointing his gun at Magnus' arm, and pulling the trigger with a sinister smile. "Let's see if you can still hold onto your dear cousin after this."

Bang!