From Bullets To Billions novel Chapter 418

Chapter 418: The Monster (Part 1)

Aron had been guiding Sheri carefully through the maze of containers, and as the two of them took a particular path out of the way, Sheri began to notice something strange. The large number of men scattered across the ground, rolling around, groaning in pain, were all beaten so badly that it would take them a while to stand again, if they could at all.

Sheri’s steps slowed. The sight of so many unconscious and injured men gave her chills. She knew Aron was Max’s bodyguard, one assigned to him through the Stern family, but even so, he was just one man.

Are all the Stern family guards this strong? she wondered, staring at Aron’s steady back. Did he really do all of this by himself? Why does Max have someone like him by his side?

She thought about what she’d seen of the Black Hounds earlier. They weren’t ordinary thugs. These men were trained, hardened. I saw how strong they were. The Fortis Group trains every day for situations like this, and even they couldn’t stop these people, they ended up losing, and that’s how I was taken away.

Her mind began to turn rapidly as she followed Aron up the narrow path between the steel containers. It couldn’t have just been him, right? Wasn’t Max also the head of some gang back in high school? Maybe he used them too... and since Abby is gone, maybe he has access to his money again.

But that thought only led to more questions. Even if that’s true, he always has to be careful. Because of his parents’ deaths, his family would definitely target him again if he draws too much attention. Did Max really come here himself, risking all of that, just to save me?

Sheri was confused by countless thoughts swirling through her head. Before she knew it, Aron had led her out of the sea of containers and up onto the upper level of the docks, where the wide, open loading bay stretched beneath the night sky. The moonlight glinted across the metallic surfaces, and not far away, a large vehicle was parked in the shadows.

Aron opened the door and guided her inside, checking that the area around them was clear. Then he handed her a bottle of water and spoke in his usual calm, commanding voice.

"I would drive you out of this area myself," he said, his tone steady but serious, "but honestly, I don’t think any of their men will come up here. They’ll be focused on what’s going on down there. I’ll lock the car from the outside. You should keep your head down and stay quiet, make sure no one sees that you’re inside. Understand?"

Sheri nodded quickly. Her heart was still racing, but she could tell Aron knew what he was doing. And even though Max might have been against it, she understood why Aron had to leave her. He needed to be at Max’s side. Out of all the people involved in this chaos, there was still that dangerous man, Jett, who remained free.

"I’m still at a loss," Sheri murmured, almost to herself. "How did Max know I was in trouble? I guess it was because of the Bloodline Group... and it seemed that Anton had called him here too. It makes me worried. Is he going to be okay?"

Aron was about to leave, but he hesitated. He could see the worry and fear written clearly across her face. He knew that until she was somewhat reassured, he couldn’t just walk away. So, he spoke softly, his tone different this time, more personal.

"Max is the reason why all of us are safe," Aron said. "And that includes me. His family... they have something incredibly strong and special about them. And I’m not talking about the Stern family."

Sheri’s eyes widened slightly at his words.

"Lately," Aron continued, "there have been a lot of changes surrounding Max. And I feel like, if it’s him, then he can do it. He can make the impossible possible, no matter how tall the task he has to climb. He’s the reason you’re safe right now, Sheri. All of this, every part of it, is because of his actions. He’s truly an amazing person, and I know he’ll be fine."

Sheri listened quietly. His words made her chest tighten. When Aron finished, she nodded again and, with a small gesture of her hand, signaled for him to go. She didn’t want to waste any more of his time.

Aron gave a brief nod, then stepped away from the vehicle, disappearing back into the maze of containers. Sheri was left alone with her thoughts, the sound of the waves faintly echoing in the distance.

Max has changed, she thought, resting her hands on her lap. He really has changed a lot. I can’t believe I’m starting to rely on him again... and I’m starting to wish that we never broke our engagement off.

I know I’m the weakest of the group, Joe thought, ducking as a pipe narrowly missed his head. So it’s best for me to just skedaddle out of the way while they handle the big guy. With all of them together, they should be fine.

Still, he smiled weakly to himself. They’ve got this. They have to.

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