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CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

GRACE

“ W hat the hell is going on?” Raphael demands, and I wish I knew as I splash around the flooded DECK searching for essentials.

We need to get on a raft. It’s our only hope, I plead, my heart racing from sheer adrenaline while also aching every second I’m away. Nakoa isn’t safe up their alone, without us. He’ll get himself killed.

Leo holds me firm as Raphael takes Nakoa into his arms. He doesn’t pretend not to cradle him, to spare his stupid pride. He can barely walk with the wound, and I’m not sure if the bullet hit something major.

Or maybe Grace it just really fucking hurts to get shot.

Probably the latter seeing as he’s not bleeding everywhere nor has he blacked out.

As secure as we’re going to be on the life raft, I kiss Nakoa’s sweaty forehead and try to remember a lullaby mama used to hum to me as a kid. I don’t know what tune I’m carrying but it seems to calm my alpha enough that he shuts his eyes, and loosens his death grip on Raphael.

Now we’re heading to the most dangerous sector on Providence without our supplies or sufficient weapons, with no way to turn back as we watch Salvation sink.