As they ventured deeper into the forest, the group of friends continued to enjoy themselves, sharing stories and laughter. Hampton Jr., Hemester, Alex, and Joshua were all in high spirits, reveling in the freedom of being away from their daily responsibilities.
Hemester, who was 24 years old, couldn't help but chuckle when Joshua asked him about his girlfriend, Ciara. "She's a drama queen," Hemester said, shaking his head. "She wants me to marry her, but I'm not ready to settle down yet. I have a lot on my plate, and to be honest, I don't love her."
The group burst out laughing at Hemester's candid admission. Alex, who was 25 years old, joked that he didn't know if he could handle the drama that came with dating women. Joshua, who was also 24 years old, teased him, saying that he just needed to learn how to "play" them.
As they continued to banter back and forth, the sound of gunshots echoed through the forest. Meanwhile, Bella, who had been out hunting for wild rabbits and other small edible animals, heard the shots and immediately took off in a sprint.
She knew that she had to get back to the girls and make sure they were safe. As she ran, her heart pounded in her chest, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
When she finally reached the secret hideout, she found the girls huddled together, looking frightened. "What's wrong?" Bella asked, trying to catch her breath.
The girls explained that they had heard the gunshots and were scared. Bella quickly reassured them that everything was okay and that she would protect them.
As they waited in silence, the sound of footsteps echoed through the forest, getting closer and closer. Bella's instincts kicked in, and she prepared to defend herself and the girls.
Suddenly, a group of men emerged from the trees, dressed in camouflage gear and carrying guns. Bella's heart sank as she realized that they were not alone in the forest.