Page 14

L ily

The sterile white room blurred and shifted as I slowly regained consciousness. The remnants of my ordeal with Patterson haunted my every sensation. My body ached, and each breath was a reminder of the pain I had endured. I tried to blink away the haze, struggling to piece together my surroundings. As my vision steadied, a figure came into focus by my bedside. It was Fostine. Kai’s sister. My conversation with Kai came back. Yucilon . Fostine and the creature from the woods were one and the same. As I stared at her, my brain couldn’t quite make sense of it.

My eyes locked onto Fostine’s face, reading the same conflicting emotions that stirred with me. Fostine’s guarded expression reflected the shadows of her ordeal. I felt a pang of empathy; I knew that Fostine had suffered the same atrocities at Patterson’s hands.

“Hey,” Fostine’s voice was soft, though there was unease beneath its surface. “You’re awake.”

My throat was dry, my voice barely a whisper. “I see him when I close my eyes.” Silence hung between us, heavy with the weight of unspoken words.

Fostine’s features tightened, her jaw clenching as she struggled to contain the emotions that threatened to spill over. “Me too.” Her voice trembled. “I know the kind of monster he is.”

My eyes welled with tears. Pain and sorrow mingling. “I’m so sorry,” I choked out. “I’m so sorry that you went through this, too.”

Fostine’s shoulders tensed, her gaze averted before returning to mine. “Don’t do that. Don’t pity me,” she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. “Pity is for the weak. You and I, we aren’t weak.”

I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of our shared trauma. “I don’t know how to ... how to heal from this.”

Fostine’s expression softened, a flicker of understanding breaking through her armor. “One day at a time,” she said quietly. “I’ve been down this road, Lily. It’s going to suck for a while. But we can walk it together, right?”

“Right.” Tears streaked down my cheeks as a sense of companionship settled over me. Fostine’s vulnerability, beneath her guarded exterior, was a quiet haven. “He’s evil. I’ve never known such evil.”

Fostine patted the back of my hand. “He’ll get his,” she promised, her voice raw. “Until then, we aren’t going to let him define us. Get it?”

My hand squeezed Fostine’s. “Thank you,” I whispered.

Fostine’s lips quirked into a faint, understanding smile. “Let’s take this one step at a time,” she said, her tone gentle. “We’ll heal, and we’ll show the world that survivors are more than their scars.”

In that moment, as our hands held tight, the room felt a little less cold.

“Fostine.” My voice trembled. “I’ve been thinking about Kai.”

Fostine’s gaze shifted from the window to me, her expression guarded but attentive. “What about him?”

I hesitated, playing with the edge of the blanket. “He saved me from Patterson. He’s been so kind, and he’s helping me through all of this. But I’m worried ... about what he might do to Patterson.”

Fostine’s eyes darkened, her jaw clenched. “Kai has every right to want vengeance,” she said through gritted teeth. “He’s angry for what Patterson did to you, to both of us.”

I shook my head, as conflicting emotions warred inside me. “I can’t let him do something that will ruin his life, Fostine. I don’t want revenge. I just want him to be safe.”

Fostine’s eyes held a wealth of frustration, as well as understanding. “Lily, he’s not like other people. He’s determined to protect you, to make sure Patterson can’t hurt you ever again.”

I took a steadying breath, my gaze unwavering. “But I don’t want his life to be consumed by that darkness. He’s already been through so much.”

A shadow of contemplation passed over Fostine’s features before she spoke, her tone softer. “You care about him a lot, don’t you?”

I nodded, my lips curving upward. “More than I thought was possible after everything.”

Fostine’s shoulders relaxed, her expression softening. “I think you need to have an honest conversation with him,” she advised. “Tell him how you feel, and maybe you can find a middle ground.”

My brows furrowed as I tried to imagine that conversation. “You’re right.”

“I usually am.”

My fingers traced the pattern on the bed sheet before I looked up. “There’s something else, something Kai told me. He revealed a family secret.”

Fostine grinned. “Oh, yeah? And what secret might that be?”

I took a deep breath, my voice steady. “That you’re shapeshifters.”

Fostine winked. “He finally told you, huh?”

I nodded, my eyes shimmering with wonder, and no small amount of uncertainty. “He explained it to me. About your family. Not much, but we haven’t quite had time to really talk.”

Fostine’s lips twitched. “I suppose secrets have a way of being revealed when they’re needed most.”

“I don’t know much about it, but it’s a lot to take in.”

Fostine’s expression grew more serious, her gaze holding a determined spark. “If you’re willing, I can help you understand more about our abilities. I can even teach you to defend yourself. To ... to protect yourself from anyone who might want to hurt you.”

Surprised by the offer, I asked, “You’d do that?”

Fostine sat up straighter, her demeanor one of control. “I’ve learned that facing our fears and embracing our strengths is the only way to truly heal. If you’re willing to learn, I’m here to help you every step of the way.”

As the conversation between us flowed, the room’s atmosphere radiated a sense of newfound understanding. Just as the warmth of our sisterhood settled in, the door creaked open, and Kai stepped in. His eyes found mine, and he grinned. As if happy to see Fostine and me getting along.

“Am I interrupting something?” Kai’s voice was laced with a playful tone as he entered the room.

I exchanged glances with Fostine, our expressions softening. “No, not at all,” I replied.

Kai’s attention shifted to Fostine, his smile lingering. “I’m glad you two are talking.”

Fostine’s response was a nod, a guarded but acknowledging look in her eyes.

Kai’s demeanor shifted as he continued, his tone growing more serious. “I wanted to let you both know that Wyatt and the others are going after Patterson.”

Fostine’s gaze hardened, a flicker of anger surfacing. “What? Why wasn’t I informed?”

Kai let out a heavy sigh. “It was Wyatt’s decision,” he answered, his tone firm. “He believes they might be able to retrieve Trakker.”

Fostine’s hands clenched into fists. “And you’re just leaving me behind, like I can’t handle myself out there?”

Kai took a step closer, his eyes locking onto Fostine’s. “No, it’s not about that. Wyatt thinks you’re needed here, at the house. Our father is still recovering, and Tessa needs someone looking after her, and Lily...”

As my gaze met Kai’s, I understood what he wanted from me. “I need someone here, too,” I added softly.

Fostine’s shoulders slumped, her anger giving way to a begrudging acceptance. “Fine,” she muttered. “But I don’t have to like it.”

Kai’s smile returned. “If it makes you feel any better, I’m staying behind too.”

“Good. If I can’t be in on the fun, then neither should you,” Fostine muttered, her shoulders relaxing a fraction.

“Figured you’d say that,” Kai grumbled as he glared at his sister.

Fostine stood, then pointed a finger toward the door. “I’m going to go see if Dad needs anything.”

I swallowed back a lump of emotion. “Thanks. For everything.”

Fostine shrugged, then left the room.

Kai and I stared at each other, as if neither of us were sure what to say or do. I broke the silence. “You and I have a lot to talk about, but I’m tired of this room. Tired of these cold white walls and this awful table.”

He nodded. “Let me check with Creeg to see if it’s safe to move you,” he offered, pulling out his phone. I waited, only hearing Kai’s side of the conversation. When he tucked the device back into his pocket and smiled, I knew it was good news. “Can you walk?”

“I’ll do anything to get out of here,” I replied, gently moving to a seated position. I clutched the sheet to my chest, aware of my undressed state. “Uh, I might need some help.”

Kai closed the distance and wrapped one arm around my back, steadying me with his big powerful frame, then helped me off the table. I wobbled and the room spun.

“Whoa, easy,” Kai murmured.

“The meds,” I explained. “I think they’re making me lightheaded.”

His eyes darkened, worry etched into his rugged features.

I rushed to reassure him. “I’m fine, really. Just need to get my sea legs.”

“I can carry you if you—”

“No. I can do it,” I assured him, my voice harsher than I’d intended. “Sorry, it’s just ... I hate feeling so helpless.”

“You are anything but helpless,” he swore, his voice filled with pride. “You’ve been through so much since meeting me. Most would’ve buckled under the pressure by now.”

“You’ve brought color to my life, I’ll give you that,” I teased, thinking back over the last few days. “God, has it really only been two days?”

“Time doesn’t matter,” he replied, leading me out of the room and up the stairs. “All that matters is that you are alive.”

We reached the third floor and the room I’d been using. “A shower sounds amazing right now,” I breathed out. “I want to wash away the feel of that place.”

“Let me help,” Kai urged. “I’ll be discreet.”

I could feel my cheeks heat at the idea of Kai seeing my nude body. Bruises, cuts, and all. Still, I didn’t relish the idea of being alone with my awful thoughts. “Okay,” I rushed to agree. At his surprise, I added, “I trust you.”

“You won’t regret it.” He pushed open the door and flipped on the light, bathing the room in a gentle glow.

My suitcase sat open on top of the dresser, clothes sticking out in a bundle of wrinkles. I made my way toward it and picked out a pair of soft, grey jogging pants and an oversized hunter-green sweatshirt. I remembered when my friend Lisa had gotten it for me. It’d been Christmas time and we’d gone shopping for last-minute gifts. The sweatshirt had been in the clearance bin. I hadn’t wanted to spend the money on myself so Lisa had snatched it up and bought it. It made me smile to think of the happy moment amidst all the chaos surrounding me now.

“Lily?” Kai’s deep, calm voice tore me from memory lane. He stood in the doorway leading to the bathroom. He’d already turned on the water.

I smiled. “I’m okay,” I replied, hoping to relieve his worries.

He stepped out of the way, allowing me to enter the small room. “It’s warm, but not hot. You’ll want to ease into the water because of your cuts.”

Kai stood at the doorway, commanding attention with his powerful presence. His sculpted body, every contour of his muscular form, was etched with determination. The faded jeans he wore clung to his legs, accentuating his well-defined thighs and calves, as if tailor-made to showcase his physical prowess.

A long-sleeved black shirt hugged his torso snugly, emphasizing his broad shoulders and chiseled chest. The fabric strained against the tension of his muscles, speaking to a life dedicated to physical activity. The shirt’s sleeves bunched up at his biceps, hinting at the raw power he possessed.

His hair was as usual a wild, shaggy mess that fell over his forehead and tumbled down to the nape of his neck. The unkempt strands framed his ruggedly masculine face. His intense gaze exuded an aura of brooding complexity. His facial hair lined his jaw, adding to his enigmatic allure.

However, the intensity in his eyes was momentarily softened by concern as they locked onto me. I stiffened. Concealing the bandages and bruised skin wasn’t going to happen. “Don’t do that,” I warned. “Don’t look at me as if I’m about to break.”

Kai’s brows knitted together, the anger plain to see in the tenseness of his jaw. “I see strength, Lily. Strength and beauty. That’s all I see when I look at you.”

Despite his words, his imposing presence, his concern for me was still evident. As if he were fighting to keep his emotions in check. He stepped forward, his movements deliberate, as if seeking to bridge the emotional distance that had suddenly grown between us.

“Kai,” I breathed his name, letting it linger in my mouth.

“Lily,” he murmured, his arms at his sides, fists clenched as if having a difficult time staying still.

I could relate. My emotions were swirling like a hurricane inside. His big muscular body filled the space and I felt small in comparison. I lowered my head, staring at the floor. Shyness clung to me like a second skin, my natural inclination to be bold overshadowed by a suffocating apprehension. “I can still feel him,” I confessed, desperately aching to meet Kai’s gaze, to show him the strength I knew that I possessed deep inside, but my confidence had abandoned me.

“Would you like my touch instead? Feel my hands along your skin? Would that chase away that haunted look in your eyes, my love?”

Did I? Would I panic if he held me close? “The pain from his torture is one thing. I can handle that. But the emotional hurt that accompanies it is gnawing away at my need to move on. I don’t want this to define me.” How could I make Kai understand that Patterson had left his mark on my psyche, and the humiliation sat like a heavy weight on my shoulders?

A touch along my chin forced my gaze upward. Kai stood in front of me, his eyes filled with something very close to love.

“I’m sorry,” I groaned. “Fostine, your father, they were put through much worse, and they aren’t bellyaching about it.”

“Fostine cries,” Kai admitted. “And father has a long recovery ahead of him. Trust me, they are very much affected by what they went through. Don’t doubt that.” He paused, then added, “Get angry, Lily. Scream and curse, but don’t let that bastard steal your spirit this way.”

Anger coursed through my veins like fire, directed not only at Patterson and his goons, but at myself for allowing the situation to unfold. “I am furious. In that room, I begged, Kai. Begged him to stop. Begged to be released. I hate myself for that. I hate him.”

“Look at me, Lily,” he urged, his voice dark.

Summoning a smidgeon of fragile courage from deep within, I looked up slowly, meeting his eyes. They burned with an intensity that I’d never seen before. With a trembling hand, I reached for him, cupping his strong chin. “You give me strength, Kai.”

“You will never suffer his touch again,” he swore. “That’s the truth.”

“I believe you,” I whispered.

When I grasped onto the edges of the sheet, Kai’s eyes quickly closed. He really was a man of his word. Something shifted inside of me. I didn’t want to hide from him. We’d started a relationship before Patterson had swooped in and attempted to destroy it. I wouldn’t let the bastard win. I dropped the sheet to the floor. “Kai,” I urged. “You can look.”

He never hesitated to lift his eyelids. Now, with his gaze on me, raking over my body, a bout of uncertainty washed over me. His intense eyes stopped on my chest and a low growl emanated from his chest. “I’ll make him hurt a thousand times before I grant him death.”

As I stood there, even the room seemed to hold its breath, tension thickening the air. Kai watched me, fury radiating off him in waves. As if the sight of my injuries had intensified the savage instinct within him, a fierce possessiveness that only fueled his determination to make things right. His jaw clenched, and his fists involuntarily curled as he appeared to battle against the surge of anger that coursed through his veins.

He stepped forward, his movements controlled but purposeful, his expression hardening. “You are such beauty,” he praised, his voice softening, taking away some of the tension with its sincerity.

I swallowed down my reservations and stayed still while Kai stroked me with his heated gaze. “Maybe you could undress,” I teased. “You know, so it’s fair.”

“Being with me isn’t the same as being with a human,” he warned. “I need you to accept me. All of me.”

“What does that mean?”

He shifted from one foot to the other, as if nervous all of a sudden. “I want you, Lily, as my mate.”

“Mate,” I repeated the word, unsure exactly what he was saying. “Like for life?”

“Yes,” he growled. “When we make love, it will seal the bond between us. Tying us together.”

“I think I need more information,” I said hesitantly.

Kai nodded, then stepped away. The hurt in his gaze couldn’t be hidden, though. “I’ll help you wash, then we can talk.”

“Kai, I—”

“It’s okay, my love,” he assured me, smiling for emphasis. “I’m in no hurry. When we come together, it’ll be because you ache for me the way I do you. Because you need me the way I need you.”

I reached up, cupping his unshaven jaw. “I do need you, but I’m kind of in the dark here. Your world is new to me.”

“And you need time to adjust. For now, let me tend to you. I only want to make you feel better.”

“And we’re not going to let Patterson intrude. Not here. I don’t want to think of that monster. I only want to think of you. Feel you. There’s only us. No one else.”

“Only us,” he repeated, his voice wildly sexy. A twinge in my back tore me from my erotic musings. The pain was another reminder that I needed time to heal and come to grips with what I’d endured. I needed to be whole, for Kai. And for myself.

I stepped away from him, then got into the shower. Warm water sluiced over my skin, soothing the aches. Kai stayed outside the tub, my ever-present guardian, keeping the monsters at bay. The thought filled me with love. I closed my eyes and let the water wash away the pain.