Chapter 46

Who trusted Emmett with his life.

“Jack!” Emmett’s cry echoed through the pavilion, distracting the guard. As he turned, Emmett launched himself at the man, knocking the gun from his hand. One single shot fired harmlessly into the air, tearing a hole through the canopy above. Women screamed, scattering, and the crowd rushed in sudden panic. A few people ran into the street, directly in the path of the dogs, who yelped as their leads tangled together. Some raced under the pavilion as if seeking protection, others trampled those who fell as they hurried to clear the area.

The guard who had fired lunged for Emmett, snarling like a wild dog. His teeth caught Emmett’s cheek, and bright pain erupted along Emmett’s face. Emmett forced an arm between them, pushing the man away, but those vicious teeth bit into his forearm, sinking into the thick fabric of his coat. “Jack!” Emmett kicked out, hoping to dislodge the man, only to find himself pinned against the back of Lin Ji’s chair. “Jack!”