Page 13

L ily

The room was shrouded in shadows, the only source of light coming from a lamp positioned on a desk across the room. The soft glow cast elongated silhouettes on the walls, lending an ethereal quality to the space. I blinked, my eyes slowly adjusting to the dimness as my consciousness fully returned. I was still in the clinic, my surroundings familiar yet surreal.

Turning my head slightly, I saw Kai seated nearby, a reassuring presence in the darkness. My lips curved upward, and as our eyes met, his gaze warmed.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice deep and rough.

“Hey,” I whispered in reply. “Time?”

He glanced at the far wall. “Three in the morning,” he answered, his hand reaching out to touch mine, a gesture of comfort that I needed.

I nodded, my fingers lacing through his as I found myself drawing strength from him. “Where’s Creeg?” I asked.

“He was just here. Checked on you, then stepped out,” Kai replied, his gaze unwavering as he studied me. “He’ll be back with something to eat.”

My mind wandered, thoughts drifted back to the painful memories that lingered just beneath the surface. Fingers that caused pain, a diabolic mind that enjoyed hearing my pleas. Images that were like ghosts haunting my consciousness. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath in an attempt to steady myself.

But the memories were relentless, clawing at my mind, threatening to engulf me in their darkness once more. The violation, the loss of control, it all came rushing back, as vivid and painful as if it were happening all over again.

Kai’s hand tightened around mine, his touch holding me in the present. “You’re safe now,” he murmured, his voice filled with empathy. “You’re not alone in this.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “I feel so ... violated,” I confessed, my voice quivering with the weight of my words.

Kai leaned in closer, his eyes filled with fierce determination as he looked at me. “You’re not defined by what happened to you. You’re strong, and you’re a survivor. You’re already taking steps toward healing by sharing your feelings with me. And I’m here, every inch of the way.”

His words gave me courage. I’m not alone in my pain. “You saved me.”

“We’ll face this together,” he continued, his voice unwavering.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice filled with emotion. Kai had found me. Against all the odds, he’d found me.

Kai flinched, then looked away. “Don’t thank me. It never should’ve happened.”

As we sat in the dimly lit room, our hands intertwined, a renewed sense of strength filled me. There was still so much left unsaid between us. And I knew it was now or never.

“Kai,” I began, my voice carrying a firmness that mirrored my resolve, “we’ve both talked about not keeping secrets anymore. It’s time for you to tell me everything. I need to know what you’ve been keeping from me.”

Kai’s expression flickered with apprehension. And is that guilt I’m seeing? He sighed, his fingers tightening around mine. “You’re right. I should’ve been honest with you from the start.”

I nodded, a sense of validation washing over me. “Start with Patterson. Why did he target me? Why is he so interested in you and your family?”

Kai took a deep breath, his eyes clouded with anger. “He’s not just some random psycho. He used to be part of Cedar Haven. Government experiments. Top secret type shit.”

“He asked me odd questions. Wanted to know if you and I had ... mated. He used that term. Why, Kai? What is Patterson to you?”

“Patterson has it in his head that my DNA holds the key to something he’s been after for years.”

DNA? I couldn’t have heard correctly. But something Patterson had said weaved its way through my mind. I’m on the brink of something profound , he’d said. “What is he after?”

“Immortality,” Kai answered, a crease forming between his eyebrows. “Lily, you’ve been pulled into this because of me.”

I didn’t have time to be angry with Kai. Yet. “Patterson is insane. Immortality isn’t possible. Why would he think your DNA holds the answer, Kai?”

He ran a hand over his face and sat back in the chair, his legs spread wide. “My family ... we aren’t like you. We’re different.”

I watched him carefully, noting the fear in his gaze for the first time. I would’ve thought Kai impervious to such emotions. “You’re survivalists. That’s a very different way to live, sure, but nothing about that would make someone like Patterson so obsessed with you.”

“We aren’t survivalists. We’re ... not human.”

My brow furrowed as I processed the information. “Kai, you aren’t making any sense.”

He took a deep breath, then held up his hand, spreading his fingers wide. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.”

I swallowed hard, apprehension swamping me. “Okay.”

Kai flicked his wrist and claws appeared at the ends of his fingers. They were long and lethal talons, appearing as sharp as blades. What is happening? Had I somehow lost my mind? Was I still in that cell, unconscious, my brain misfiring? “What...”

“Easy.” He groaned. Another flick and the claws disappeared. “I won’t harm you.”

“What are you?”

Kai’s gaze dropped, his voice thick with the weight of long-held secrets. “ Yucilon .”

The term sent me back to that moment in the woods when the wolf-like animal had leaped into the clearing, baring its teeth at me. “You said...” It all made so much more sense. “Fostine. Your sister and that creature are one and the same,” I surmised. “Oh, God.”

He hesitated, as if grappling with the truth. “Yes. You would call us shapeshifters. Our family has been around for a very long time.”

Time. Suddenly the word held so much more meaning. I struggled to contain the fear riding my spine. “Just how long is a long time?”

“My father is over three hundred years old.”

I pressed a hand to my mouth, then instantly regretted the action as pain sliced a path from my forehead to my lip. “This can’t be happening.”

“I know this is overwhelming, but you need to understand that we aren’t savage beasts, Lily. I won’t hurt you. My family would die to protect you.”

“Why? Why me?”

“Because you and I have a bond.”

The memory of being able to communicate with Kai with only my mind slammed into me. “That’s how you did it. That’s how I was able to speak to you telepathically.”

His eyes darkened. “Yes. Normally that isn’t possible until after the mating is complete. Somehow you managed it, though.”

The note of pride in his voice was woefully inappropriate considering the out-of-control rollercoaster barreling through my head. “You might look a little less excited right now.”

“What you were able to do has never happened before. Linking your mind to mine before the mating is complete shows how strong our bond is already.”

“Bond. Mating,” I groused. “I’m still trying to figure out what you are, Kai.”

“I’m the same man who tasted your lips last night. The same man who made your heart race.” He leaned closer, his finger touching my chin, distracting me beyond reason. “Admit it, Lily. You feel something for me.”

“I do, but...”

“I’m throwing too much at you. You need rest more than explanations.”

I shook my head. “No. I need to know why Patterson tortured me. I deserve that much.”

“You do, but you’re exhausted. And I’m not going anywhere. You will get the truth. All of it. I swear it.”

All the fight in me disappeared. I shut my eyes and attempted to block out the last twenty-four hours, but it was no use. Patterson’s twisted smile stayed at the forefront, taunting me. “He took my blood,” I whispered, my lower lip trembling. “He took so many things. And I’ll never be the same again.”

“Because he knows about us, about our relationship,” Kai explained. When I opened my eyes again, our gazes met. His jaw clenched in fury. “He believed that by hurting you, he could control me. He wanted to use you as leverage.”

My heart raced, a rush of fear mingling with the determination that burned within me. “So, all of this ... everything that’s happened ... it’s not over, is it?”

Kai shook his head, his grip on my hand reassuring. “No, but I won’t let him near you. Ever again. Patterson’s a dead man walking. He’s driven by his twisted fantasies. But you’re safe, Lily.”

Tears welled in my eyes as emotions swirled within my chest. I was glad for his honesty, for his willingness to share the truth. The weight of it threatened to drag me under, though. Kai had a mad scientist gunning for his family. And I had just been thrust into the middle of it all.

The air was thick with the weight of the conversation that had just unfolded. My eyes fixed on the ceiling, our words hanging in the air like the remnants of a storm just passed. The pain medication that Creeg had given me, offering a respite, was starting to wane, allowing the persistent ache of my injuries to creep back into my awareness.

“I do think I need time to figure this all out,” I admitted grudgingly. “After all, it’s not every day you meet an immortal shapeshifter.”

“I’m sorry,” Kai murmured. “I wanted to ease you into my world. It wasn’t my intention to have you dragged into it this way.”

“I know. It’s not your fault that Patterson kidnapped me, Kai. I know you think it is, but it isn’t.”

“It never would’ve happened had you not met me,” he grumbled. “There is no one else to blame here.”

I smiled over at him. “I don’t regret meeting you.”

His hand reached for me, cupping my chin gently. “No?”

“I’m not sure what happens next. I’m not sure what role I play in this, but Patterson won’t come between us.” My fingers traced the edge of the blanket that covered my legs as thoughts swirled like leaves caught in a gust of wind. Knots tightened in my stomach, a visceral reaction to the secrets Kai had shared. The truth was both a balm and a torment.

The door swung open, revealing Creeg with a tray in hand. The rich aroma of something hearty permeated the air, providing a stark contrast to the emotional intensity that lingered. My gaze flickered to the tray, my appetite grappling with the tumult within me.

Kai nodded toward his brother. “Thank you,” he offered, his tone conveying his gratitude. For the food or the reprieve from the conversation? I wondered.

Creeg’s gaze warmed with a touch of compassion, then shifted to me, lingering for a moment before placing the tray on the small table beside the bed. “Bone broth will nourish you, and I brought you a cup of hot tea to soothe your nerves,” he explained, his words filled with the reassurance only a doctor could provide. “Are the pain meds wearing off?”

“A little, yeah.”

Creeg nodded, then picked up a bottle sitting on the desk and brought it to me. “I know you don’t like pills, but these aren’t addictive, I promise.”

“Under the circumstances, I’m perfectly happy to shelve my normal contempt for those things.”

Concern furrowed his brows as he handed me two small round pills. “I didn’t get a chance to say this before, but I think you’re very brave, Lily.”

I didn’t speak, couldn’t without crying. Instead, I snagged the pills, popped them into my mouth, and swallowed. After Creeg departed, my fingers trembled as I reached for a cracker. My body felt heavy, a manifestation of the pain and the weight of the revelations I’d just heard. I took a tentative bite, my eyes distant, as if staring into the depths of my thoughts.

Beside me, Kai’s presence grounded me. He reached over, his touch gentle as it covered my hand. Our fingers intertwined and my breathing slowed.

“Take your time,” he whispered, his voice a calming murmur. “There’s no rush.”

Tears welled in my eyes. I was grateful that I was no longer in that dark, cold cell. Thankful that Kai had come for me. That he appeared content to watch over me like a dark guardian. I met his gaze, my heart raw with the intensity of my emotions. “Thank you,” I breathed, my voice tinged with a fragile sincerity.

“I will keep you safe, Lily.”

I leaned in closer, my forehead resting against his, our breaths mingling in the stillness of the room. “We’ll face whatever comes our way together.”

He nodded, his eyes locked onto mine, determination burning within his gaze. “Together,” he echoed, his deep voice carrying an unwavering promise.

As we resumed eating, I felt stronger. I wasn’t sure if it was the food or Kai. Both, I suspected. The darkness began to recede. Ironic that in the depths of Patterson’s prison, the bond between me and Kai had strengthened. Patterson only wanted to destroy, but that plan had backfired. The thought made me smile.

****

K ai

I watched as Lily slept. It’d been an hour since she’d finished eating. She seemed more at peace now. The pain medicine had kicked in and she’d nodded off, the spoon still clutched tightly in her hand. I released it from her grasp and placed it aside, then covered her with a thicker blanket, content to watch her sleep. All that she’d been through, the pain and the revelation of my true nature, and yet she hadn’t run screaming. Her strength was admirable.

The door behind me creaked and I craned my neck to see Fostine entering the room. I quirked a brow. “What is it?”

“Wyatt wants a meeting.” She nodded toward Lily. “I’ll sit with her in case she wakes.”

Reluctant to leave Lily even for a moment, I asked, “Is there news of Patterson?”

She shrugged. “Wyatt didn’t go into detail, but he wants you in his office now.” When I still hesitated, Fostine nudged my arm. “I won’t leave her, Kai. Swear it.”

I slowly got to my feet, then bent and placed a gentle kiss on Lily’s forehead. She didn’t stir. A testament to her fatigue. “If she wakes, I want to be alerted.”

“Of course.” Fostine fell into the seat I’d vacated. She crossed her legs at the ankles and added, “I’ll text you.”

I made my way to Wyatt’s office. When I shoved open the door, I found my brothers filling the room. Our father sat in a chair near the desk. He bore the visible marks of being at Patterson’s mercy. His face, once full of life, now carried a pallor. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, telling of sleepless nights. Bruises adorned his skin like morbid artwork, mottled shades of purple and blue that stood out starkly against his complexion. Everyone watched the man, who was once their alpha, with equal amounts of concern and curiosity.

I cleared my throat. “What is it?”

Wyatt stood in the center of the room, his overwhelming presence setting me on edge. “Dad’s been filling us in on Patterson’s motives.”

“He wants our DNA,” I replied. “This isn’t new information.”

“It’s more than that,” Wyatt explained. “He isn’t just after immortality. He wants to create his own army of super soldiers.”

“That’s nuts,” I grumbled. “Even for that crazy bastard.”

Wyatt nodded. “That’s what I said, but it’s true.” He glanced at our father. “Tell them all what you told me.”

He shifted in the chair, his movements slow. “He didn’t just have Fostine and me prisoner. He had others. Humans. He’s been experimenting on them. Injecting them with our blood. I think he’s made some kind of breakthrough, because he’s been different lately.”

“Different how?”

“Like he won the fucking lottery,” he muttered.

I ran a hand through my hair. “There was only you and Lily at that old prison. No others. We would’ve picked up their scent.”

“Not there,” our father said. “The last place Patterson had me. The place Fostine escaped from.” He sighed. “I think Patterson moved them to the new facility. He kept me behind when he went after Lily. I think ... I think I was bait.”

My chest tightened. A feeling of impending doom filled me. “Bait for what?”

“I think he’d gotten all he could from me.” He waved a hand over his body. “I mean, look at me, he’s all but drained me dry.” His lower lip curled in disgust. “He wanted a fresh guinea pig.”

“Jesus,” Miggs grumbled, running a hand over his short spiky hair. “Sick fuck.”

I ignored him, keeping my attention on our father. “He was going to kill you once he got his hands on fresh meat,” I surmised. “Trakker.”

“That son of a bitch!” Cage roared. “Our brother is at the mercy of that maniac.”

“Shut up, Cage,” Wyatt ordered the youngest of us. “There’s more. We were correct about there being others involved in this.”

“Patterson has help,” Father said, adding fuel to the fire. “People are funding his experiments. Maybe even military. Black ops kind of shit.”

It was far worse than I feared. I braced my feet apart, staring at our dad. “So even if we shut down Patterson, it wouldn’t matter. Our DNA is already in enemy hands.”

“That’s the gist of it,” Wyatt groused. “Regardless, we have a lead on Trakker.”

“Yeah?” It was a small piece of good news, but we all needed it, clung to it.

“Miggs found a few new sites under Patterson’s name,” Wyatt replied, nudging his chin toward our computer genius brother. “We’re leaving in an hour to scout them out. With any luck, Trakker is being held at one of them.”

I was skeptical. Patterson wouldn’t risk losing his latest catch. “Think he’d be dumb enough to put the place in his own name? Again?”

Dad spoke up. “I think he’ll have the place as secure as Fort Knox. And he’s arrogant enough to believe we won’t be able to get over the wall.”

“He’d be wrong,” Wyatt assured us. “We’re getting our brother back. Tonight.”

Several grunts of agreement filled the room. After everyone settled, I said, “I’ll be ready. Let me talk to Lily first.”

“No, you’re staying behind,” Wyatt ordered. When I would’ve argued, my brother let out a low growl of warning. “This isn’t up for debate. We got lucky when we found Dad and Lily. Your only job now is completing the bond. She needs to be brought into our world, Kai. No more waiting. You put her at risk if you do.”

Creeg cleared his throat and spoke up for the first time. “It’s a good idea,” he said, adding his weight to Wyatt’s. “The transformation will aid in her healing. She’ll be stronger. With your blood flowing through her veins, she’ll be less vulnerable.”

I knew my brothers were right, but it still rankled to be sitting on the sidelines while my family went into battle. Wyatt seemed to sense my apprehension and closed the distance separating us. “I’m not leaving you behind solely to complete the bond. I also need you to watch over Tessa. I need to know she’s safe, Kai. She cannot leave here. It wouldn’t be safe for her.”

“Terrific,” I groused. “And if she insists on leaving, you’d like me to tie her to the bed or what?”

Wyatt’s gaze went cold. “Do whatever you have to. Tessa doesn’t leave this house until I return.”

“I was sort of hoping to take Lily to the cabin,” I replied, needing to be alone with my mate. Needing to feel her close. “I can’t do that if I’m babysitting.”

“Hey!” Dad exclaimed. “I might be injured, but I can still keep a small human female from bolting. Shit, I’m not dead yet, boys.”

Wyatt nodded. “And Fostine is staying, too,” he announced. “She’s needed here. I know she’s going to bust my balls about this, but Fostine has seen enough of Patterson’s depravity to last a lifetime.”

“Agreed,” I replied. “Besides I think it’ll be good for Lily to talk to another female who understands what she went through.”

Wyatt nodded, then pulled out his cell phone and checked the screen. “Now, let’s go find Trakker and bring him home.”

Everyone filed out of the room, but before Wyatt could leave, I caught him by the arm. He quirked a questioning brow at me.

“I should be going on this mission with you. We both know it.”

“No, you should be taking care of Lily.” My brother’s gaze softened. “You found your mate, Kai. There’s nothing more important than her right now.” He paused, then added, “Before she arrived, I believed that our family wouldn’t live to see another century. Her presence here changes everything. For the first time in a long while, I have hope.”

“The next generation of Yucilon s, you mean,” I concluded. And how did I feel about being a father? Petrified pretty much covered it. But there was also excitement. And if the child looked like Lily...

“Maybe,” Wyatt replied. “It’s never been done before, but Lily is strong and your bond is powerful.” He clutched my shoulder and squeezed. “Protect her with your life.”

I didn’t need to be told. Lily was my life. And I wouldn’t lose her again.