Page 53

Chapter fifty-three

VIOLET

I feel numb, somehow detached from myself, watching as Gray slowly pulls the coat off my shoulders to reveal the tatters of my shirt. Gray gently grabs the fabric, almost as if he thinks I’m going to fight him but I don’t. I know I’m safe here and yet what could have happened in that house freaks me out. No one would have heard my screams.

He would have ruined me. And then how would I be able to come back to this pack when Marion stole a piece of me? But he didn’t. He didn’t take anything. I got away. My Alphas saved me. I’m okay. I’m okay.

Gray presses a kiss to my forehead, crouching down in front of me. “Princess, we can leave if you need us to but I want to get you in the shower before we put you to bed.”

I swallow nervously, chancing a glance at Hawk. I can’t read him, his eyes so dark they’re almost black. “It wasn’t your fault,” I mumble, wondering if he blames himself. “I would have never let him hurt you.”

Hawk lets out a growl, his hands twitching at his sides. He wants to reach for me, grab me, roughly yank me around and god, I need it to forget Marion. “Violet, you’re just as important as every single person in this house. Your life isn’t less. Fuck, we almost lost you and you’re still thinking about us.” His fingers are still twitching, his nostrils flaring as he fights his own desire.

“Touch me,” I breathe, needing their hands on me. I’m not ready for anything full on but I still feel the ghost of his fingers gliding down my back, against my cheek, the curve of my ass. I need it gone. “ Please ,” I plead. I don’t have to ask again as Hawk pulls me against his chest, holding me there as he blocks out the rest of the world.

Gray stands up behind me, slowly hooking his fingers into my jeans but pauses when I tense. “Princess, he didn’t…”

“No, but he was at my back. I’m fine. Just go slow. Fuck, I hate this.” I’m withering between them, needing their touch and hating it all in the same moment. My body aches from being thrown around, my vision blurred by tears I’m trying not to shed. I lean farther into Hawk’s chest as Gray finishes undressing me, both of them moving me into the shower and holding me there.

I have no idea how long we stand under the hot spray but the fear soon morphs into weariness. I’m so goddamn tired from trying to be strong, my legs giving out. Gray’s right there, holding me up as Hawk gathers some soap in his hands. “Let’s get you cleaned up, Trouble. You did so fucking good, baby girl. You were so strong, so brave.”

The tears fall as I lean back against Gray, unable to rein in the emotions. Gray presses feather light kisses down my cheek, nibbling softly on his bond mark. “You were fierce and I’m sure you fought like hell until we got there. God, I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to let you go.”

“Don’t.”

It’s not a plea. It’s a command.