Alecia laid her head on Ryder's bare chest and caressed the soft skin of his rippling abs. They had just made love, a new promise, a new life together and perhaps a new life would form in her womb. She scratched her face as something tickled her. Ryder's lips ran along her neck, sending tingles through her. Every part of her was filled with the intense pleasure only he could produce in her. Something pressed against her skin, making her eyes pop open.

She quickly sat up. At her side sat Ryder with her father’s shotgun on his lap. His face was void of all emotion except for the darkness...