Norman's POV
I had woken up early to make breakfast for Riley, wanting to surprise her. And now that I'm done, I couldn't wait to see the surprise on her face. I wanted her to wake to the smell of breakfast.
In one hand, I held a tray with a plate piled high with scrambled eggs, some toast, and a glass of juice. Simple stuff, but warm and filling.
As I neared the kitchen doorway, just about to step out into the main part of the room, I heard a quick, sharp intake of breath. From the corner of my eye, I saw movement. Fast. Instinct took over immediately. Years of training, of being ready for anything, clicked into place. My body reacted before my mind could even fully process what was happening.
A dark shape lunged out from the shadows near the doorway. And something hard and thin was
