Dom's POV

I walked into the hospital, the sterile scent of disinfectant hitting me like a punch in the gut. Elena was there, talking to Hobbs, and when she saw me, she told me to go inside. I could tell something was off with her, but when I asked, she brushed it off. I didn't have time to dig into it; I had more pressing matters.

I stepped into the room, and there was Hobbs, sitting there, watching some old Hulk reruns on the TV. I could see Elena and Hobbs talking, the easy camaraderie between them making my jaw tighten.

Hobbs glanced up at me, smiling. "Thank you," he said to Elena.

I crossed my arms and couldn't help but comment, "You risk life and limb to save the free world, and what do they give you? Jello and a bad 70s TV show?"

Hobbs chuckled. "It's got its perks. Sponge baths ain't that bad."

I was still watching the two of them when I noticed a little girl, maybe six or seven, standing nearby. She turned to Hobbs and said, "Dad?"

Hobbs' face softened immediately. "I'm sorry, baby," he murmured.

I couldn't help myself. The word hit me like a freight train. "Dad?"

My mind was racing, but I had no idea how to process it. Hobbs, a father?

Before I could make sense of it, Hobbs looked at me and said, "Honey, I want to introduce you to somebody. He's an old friend. Go ahead and say hello."

The little girl walked up to me, and for a split second, I was reminded of Isabella—her attitude, her fire. She looked up at me and said, "Dominic Toretto, right? My dad said you kicked his ass once."

Hobbs quickly interjected, "Young lady, watch your mouth."

I saw Elena holding back a laugh. This kid was full of sass, reminding me more and more of Isabella. I couldn't help but wonder where she was, who she was with, and why she wasn't here.

I looked at Hobbs. "Really?"

He just shrugged in response, his expression unreadable.

"Your dad's on heavy pain meds," I said, sarcasm dripping from my voice. "I can understand his history being a little hazy."

The little girl shook her head, "I doubt it."

Hobbs, more stern this time, said, "That's enough. I want you to go eat something with Elena while Toretto and I talk."

Elena smiled and motioned for the girl to follow her. "Come on, ladies, let's get some cookies."

Hobbs gave a half-smile. "Watch that mouth."

The two of them left, and I walked deeper into the room. "Who did this?" I asked, my tone more serious now.

Hobbs didn't hesitate. "You remember Owen Shaw, the one we tore half of London down trying to get? This is his big, bad brother. He came after me, said his wife was involved."

"Wife?" I repeated, confused.

Hobbs handed me a file. "Shaw's married. Take a look."

I opened the file and read aloud. "Deckard Shaw."

Hobbs spoke again, his voice more grave. "British Special Forces. An assassin. The kind of asset no government would ever admit to employing."

"Black ops?" I asked, piecing it together.

"Worse. They created a monster. Shaw was seen as a necessary evil until they decided he knew too much. The powers that be sent in 20 elite operatives to retire him. They missed. That was six years ago, and Shaw's been a ghost since."

I stared at the file, my thoughts a whirlwind. "Until now. How do I find him?"

Hobbs didn't miss a beat. "The official answer is, you don't."

I didn't even flinch. "He killed Han. Almost killed my family."

Hobbs nodded grimly. "He and his wife tried to put me in a body bag, too. That's why, when I get out, I'm going to put a hurt on him so bad he's going to wish his mother had kept her legs closed. But until then, my official answer is stand down."

I locked eyes with him, the anger rising. "You know I can't do that."

Hobbs sighed. "I know you, Dom. That's why I'm giving you a brother-to-brother answer. Do what you have to do. But when you find him, just do me one favor."

"What's that?" I asked, already knowing what he was going to say.

"Don't miss."

A sudden thought hit me. "Wait. Who is he married to?"

Hobbs handed me another file, his eyes hard. "Meet Isabella Toretto now Shaw. Your sister, Shaw's wife, and Owen Shaw's sister-in-law. You're the brother-in-law to both Shaws."

I glanced at the file, disbelief setting in. "No. She would never marry him. She was going to marry Vince. No. I'll make sure she splits from him for good."

Hobbs' voice was steady, but his words stung. "Dom, Isabella never went to Vince. She never showed up. She went to London, and now you're going up against your family."

"No," I said, my voice firm. "Isabella would never do this. She'll choose me and Mia over him."

Hobbs' POV

I knew I wasn't getting through to Dom. He was as stubborn as they come. I sighed, leaning back into my bed. "Toretto, your sister's married to that man. She'll always choose him, not you. Now, just go do your job."

Dom stormed off, his anger palpable. I closed my eyes and took a breath, trying to clear my mind. I felt a sense of peace wash over me when Elena brought my daughter back into the room. She fell asleep beside me, and I relaxed, knowing she was safe. The guards were still watching over us, making sure everything was secure.

Deckard's POV

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Dom's words, his threats, everything he was planning to do to me and Isabella—it made me want to take him down even more. But more than that, it made me more determined to protect my wife, the woman I loved, one day I hope would be the mother of my children.

I saw Isabella walk out, and I followed her. She opened the car door, leaning in to kiss me with full passion. "I'll never leave you," she whispered. "My brother has no right or say in our marriage."

I kissed her back, my hands running over her, feeling the heat of the moment. "I'll make damn sure no one takes you from me."

We drove toward Dom and his gang, stopping at a burger joint. But it didn't take long before we were tearing each other's shirts off in the car, lost in the moment, the anger and tension between us only fueling the fire.

"Are you ready?" I asked, my voice low and full of promise.

She looked at me, her eyes burning with the same intensity. "Let's teach my family never to mess with us or our family."

I didn't hesitate. I knew where we were headed—back into the fire, and this time, no one was going to stop us. Isabella and I were a team, and we weren't about to lose.

Author's Note:

I'm back! Thanks for your patience. I've been busy with college, but I'm excited to keep writing. I'd love to know your thoughts on the story so far. And as always, feel free to DM me if you want to brainstorm about Deckard and Isabella's future, or what their kids' names might be!