Too LateTommy (Remember: he thinks of Hycinth as Abby and Luca as Whiskey)"No!" Whiskey snarled, looking back and forth between Sydney and me. His large frame shook.I didn't blame him. Abby was his sister. The sound of her tortured screams had been one of the worst fucked up things I'd ever heard, but her pitiful cries of agony had left Whiskey broken, devastated him on a level anyone would have to be blind not to see.And I didn't necessarily disagree with him. Of course, I didn't think it was a good idea for any of us to willingly walk in whatever hell Julian and Dagger were holed up in. The advantage was way too much in the jackasses's favor. But it was obvious the lil' filly had already made up her stubborn mind, and I'd rather be there for the fallout.Regardless, I waited silently for Sydney's response because I didn't have the authority to make the call here. Among my Grimm MC brothers, I had the last word and any biker who fell out of line faced severe punishment. Order and
Sydney sucked in a sharp breath.My own blood boiled beneath the surface. I was enraged to see what they had done to a helpless woman, who was pregnant, nonetheless. I'd seen some fucked up things over the years, but even the bastards in my world didn't target innocent pregnant women to torture.To make matters worse, one of the fuckers grinned as he addressed a man reclined on the dingy brown couch, "Where do you want me to put her?""Dagger, please, stop this. You know it isn't right," Sydney interrupted.Pushing himself leisurely to his feet, Dagger stepped in front of Sydney. Faster than I expected him to move, his hand shot out and he backhanded her across the face. Sydney's head whiplashed to the side but she made no sound and she didn't fight back.I, on the other hand, had no intention of letting the bastard beat up on another woman. "I don't think so, asshole." I lurched forward, my hands curled into fists.But I only got one step before three of the jackasses grabbed me from
Truth and DevastationLeanderI had known several minutes into the forest that we were in the right location because as soon as we were close enough, Hycinth's pain had exploded into my consciousness. It was like I'd crossed an invisible barrier. One moment, nothing, and then the next, agony like I'd never known crashed through the barrier of our mind link, the one-way door my bite had established. Anguished flames of hurt and trauma licked my insides, tormenting me with their intensity.I'd stumbled under the onslaught, not entirely sure I was going to survive, as it consumed every part of me. But a more severe emotion, the irrevocable force that bound. us together, wouldn't be denied -my female and my unborn pup needed me-causing me to immediately stabilize my footing and drove me forward even faster.The moment we drew close, Ever had barked orders through the mind link, and instantly, the warriors broke into strategic formation.Without one misstep or even slowing down from our br
I shot fast glances at the remaining battle. Dagger had assembled many more wolves than I'd feared. There had to be close to forty of them. Not an easy task to overcome, considering our original group of only thirteen wolves and three humans, and we'd already lost two before even entering the clearing. My heart broke at the thought of Aiden and Noah laying dead and alone in the forest. And I noticed now that two more Adamant Moon wolves were motionless in the dirt and grass. The rest were covered in blood. Whether it was their own or belonged to our enemies, I couldn't tell because we may have lost four, but far more of our opponents had fallen. Ever and I had taken out close to fifteen already, and several other bodies lay scattered on the ground.A few of the wolves in the clearing were strangers. More than likely, they belonged to Nightshade. But the rest, I knew all too well-Julian and Diamonte wolves!Another fierce growl ripped from my Wolf's chest. His thoughts mirrored mine as
He moaned, "Ple-"His words were cut off as I recognized the sound of claws slicing through flesh. Luca hadn't even bothered to say anything to Julian before he tore out his throat.Instantly, the incredible physical and mental strain on my body reduced significantly now that the assholes couldn't hide behind another Alpha. I gulped in air to catch my breath. It was easy now to maintain my hold over the remaining enemy wolves while releasing those from my pack."Take care of the bastards,"I growled to Ever through the mind link. "And make sure they live until I am ready to deal with them.""Done, "Ever replied back.Even though Ever was hurt, he sounded stable enough to coordinate the other wolves into accomplishing what needed to be done, which was good because I was in no capacity of handling it at the present moment.It took several minutes and a lot of shouting and cursing, but finally, Dagger and the rest of his wolves were restrained with silver zipties and moved inside the dwel
LEANDER'S POVNostrils flaring, my Wolf sucked in great gulps of air in an effort to control the ever-increasing thrum of hostility running rampant through his veins as he watched the Healer continue to work with Hycinth.Using extreme care, Grace gently manipulated the sensitive flesh at Hycinth's core with gloved fingers to determine the depth and severity of the lesions. Working methodically, she called certain areas to my Wolf's attention, "I think these small tears around both holes, as well as this moderate one on the side of her rectum will heal on their own without the need of stitches."My Wolf pressed forward to better see where she was pointing."From the size of her wounds, and the fact that the semen was localized to her front, I believe claws were used in the violation of both locations, but it appears penile penetration was limited to her vagina."He stared intently, a low growl continuing to vibrate in his chest, the Healers words making him want to explode with violen
Grace stepped over to the black leather bag and unzipped the middle section. She pulled out a light blue hospital gown with tiny white flowers. Open in the back, it was easy to slide the garment over Hycinth's arms. I gently lifted Hycinth's shoulders, so Grace could tie the back together.Now that Hycinth was covered, I needed clothes. I had no intention of asking Ever to step away from his guard over Dagger and the other prisoners, so I grunted to Samuel through the mind link, "Samuel, bring me clothes."Less than thirty seconds later, Samuel jogged out of the house, carrying black pants, a matching shirt and boots along with underwear and socks.As soon as I was dressed, I stepped to Hycinth's side and lifted her into my arms. As I took a step toward the house, Grace stopped me. "Leander, do you think it's a good idea to bring her inside?"I ground my teeth together, my jaw clicking. Taking Hycinth back inside that hellhole was the last thing I wanted, but I had no choice."She isn
My Wolf came to my eyes, looking for any sign of untruth in the biker's features.Tommy sucked in a sharp breath but didn't move or back down.My Wolf liked his fighting spirit.Tommy continued carefully. "What happened here today stays with me, Leroy and Frank, alone. No one else. Not even our families. We already understand the ramifications if we don't. My boys and I have stayed alive this long because we live by a motto of unquestionable discretion when necessary."I turned my attention to Frank. Tension ran through his body, but the male held my gaze without flinching. "We've already killed for you," he pointed out, "and we ain't stupid."Frank didn't bother using a lot of unnecessary words. Straight to the point. I liked that. But could I trust them?I turned toward Leroy.Again, there was no hint of deception in his countenance. He wiped blood from his chin with the back of his hand. "I'd already guessed you were a crazy fucker. Didn't quite guess the true extent of it, though,
Leander's povHycinth's startled lake-blue eyes quickly cut from person to person.Her audience sat in rapt attention, smiles and excitement radiating on their faces, waiting for her to say something.But Hycinth's countenance reflected a far different reaction from theirs. Brows furrowing closer with each sweep of her confused gaze, Hycinth abruptly clutched her rounded abdomen protectively and sank as far away into the bed as she could.Instantly, I delved into her mental state, dreading what I would find.FearApprehensionMistrustMy heart dropped.Certainly not the happy reunion I had foolishly hoped for. Hycinth sucked in a harsh breath, unable to keepup with her continuously accelerating heartbeat.She blinked back tears.Without even a word to coordinate their identical reactions, Ever, Asher and Milo all stepped forward and lifted their mates. "Time to go," Ever spoke gruffly. Expression stricken, Gwen reached toward Hycinth, her mouth opening but no sound came out as Ever c
Glancing over, I found Gwen's expression radiating with happiness, tears streaming down her face.Confused by both of their responses and fearful of the unknown, Ever asked urgently, "What...what's happening?"Eyes wide, Gwen whispered, "It's a mate bond.""What?" Ever asked blankly while I echoed with my own shocked, "What the hell?""It feels like the first time I saw you," she giggled softly.Ever shook his head. "But that's not possible.""I don't know how to explain it. It just feels that way."I had no idea what Gwen had actually felt, but I agreed with Ever. I'd never heard of such a thing before.Refocusing on Hycinth, Gwen gently smoothed a strand of hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear.After a long moment, Ever murmured, "I think we should bring Willow in." "Ooh, that's a good idea," Gwen instantly agreed and looked up at me expectantly.I held a hand up. "Wait. I don't know about that. Yes, Hycinth seemed to react well, but what if more people becomes too much
Ever squeezed my shoulder."I intend to stay by her side and take care of her until she's awake."Quiet agreement was murmured as they nodded their heads. Eagerness to help was transparent on their faces.From the corner of my eye, I saw Gwen carefully make her way through the crowd toward me. Once she reached my side, her little chin came up, fierce determination in her expression. "Leander, let me help you care for her."I hesitated. "That's okay. I can handle it."Clearly unwilling to take no for an answer, she continued, "Leander, I know you love her but she is going to need more care than just you. Ever explained a little bit of what you're dealing with. I love her too. I knew there was no way she was aware of the full atrocities her parents had inflicted. She couldn't. Her innocence was too transparent and her sweetness of spirit. Nobody is that good of an actress. I am your Beta Female. Now, let me do my job."From my back, Ever murmured, "I think it's a good idea."Somewhat su
Leander's povShort beams of moonlight descended from above, intermittent strokes of luminosity breaking through the dense forest canopy as we ran. We didn't need the light. Wolf vision provided striking clarity of the landscape in almost absolute darkness, but even without such a gift, we probably would have been able to successfully navigate the terrain blindfolded. Each of us knew these woods like the back of our hands.Within minutes, the dimness of the forest gave way, revealing a soft glow twenty feet ahead. Not much farther now. My gait slowed, legs feeling heavier with every step. I hated losing wolves. It never got any easier to say goodbye.Finally crossing the tree line, I stepped out into the clearing and stopped. The drums fell silent.To my right stood four unmistakable structures. Meticulously prepared, each fallen Wolf had been anointed with spices and dressed in noble tribal fare. Six feet off the ground, bodies cradled in suspense by an intricately woven labyrinth of
Leander"No!" Hycinth's scream pierced the darkness.Instantly awake, every particle in my body felt like it had been lit on fire. "What is it, love? What's wrong?"Little fists pummeled my chest. Her frail body thrashed in the bed next to me. "Don't touch me!"Still snared by unconsciousness, it was clear the battle was in her mind.Primal instinct drove me forward. I had no intention of letting her fight this adversary alone. Without thought, I blew our partial mate bond. wide open and delved into her subconscious. For a moment, I was disoriented by the chaos in her head. Stark fear swirled amidst nightmare images-darkness stained with slashes of red, so much blood. No concern for her own welfare, but desperately fighting for the precious innocent she carried in her belly."It's okay, you're safe!" I whispered urgently while trying to contain her flailing limbs without hurting her.Torment all-consuming, she couldn't hear me. Continuing to fight her imaginary foe, she violently wres
The cabin door opened just wide enough for Sydney to slip inside. Cool blue eyes flickering to take in the scene around her, Sydney naturally settled into the chair across the room and waited for me to speak.Not wanting to risk stressing Hycinth, I continued to use the mind link, "I need you to stay with her tomorrow night."Sydney nodded, no break in her stoic expression, ever diligent to her duties. But I knew her better than that. The slightest twitch of pain in her eyes didn't escape my attention, revealing her struggle just as all of us mourned such a heavy loss."I don't know how... I'm going to leave her, "I murmured, getting to the heart of the matter.It was Sydney's turn to read my expression, to hear all of the words I'd left unsaid, just as I knew she would. She couldn't repair my stress but immediately, the Delta in her began to plan, "For those hours, we could increase the Sentinels in number and tighten the perimeter around the cabin. Additionally, the bikers-""Bikers
LEANDER'S POV"Leander," Grace's thoughts drifted through the pack mind link we shared. "Hycinth needs your attention."Instantly, I rose to my feet.Startled by my abrupt change in position, Ever lurched to his feet, chest puffed out, ready for a fight.I expected Ever's reaction, but what surprised me was Luca's similar response. Certainly lacking of any decent Alpha experience he could trust, betrayed by the one male he thought loved him the most, I wouldn't have begrudged Luca's reluctance to blindly follow another Alpha so quickly, especially me. But there was no hesitancy in his response as he stood ready, hands out, naturally aligning himself to Ever's body to provide me with optimal cover."Sorry," I muttered as I walked away toward the lakeside cabin. I hadn't meant to alarm them. No further words were necessary. I felt their heightened emotions calm.Breaching the entryway, I watched Sydney gently release Hycinth's hand, lean forward and place a barely-there kiss on her fore
"I know," he replied, "and I'm sorry to put you through this again, but I need to know...what her body went through."I studied his expression.He explained softly, "I can't help her if I don't know.""Okay." I ran a hand roughly through my already disheveled hair as I pulled back images I never wanted to think about again. "From the glimpse I saw into her mind and confirmation from those in the room, I think only two penetrated her vaginally but her wounds indicate her bottom was also violated, probably with claws."Luca's brows went up. "You could see that...in her mind?""Yes," I ground out through my teeth. In my head, my Wolf snarled furiously at the memories. "Thankfully, it appeared Hycinth was unconscious, at least during the time those two bastards defiled her.""What else?""The bruises and wounds on her body were too many to count. She had several spinal breaks that we could feel, likely incurred from multiple kicks due to the massive boot prints left behind on her back, bu
LeanderA sudden northeastern gust of wind rustled through the trees, causing several russet-colored leaves to lose their already tenuous hold on the branches above us and flutter to the ground. Autumn had settled in since Hycinth had left me. Three long months. More than half of her pregnancy. The thought was staggering.Ever's head came up, his astute gaze automatically scanning the horizon."But I don't think so," Luca murmured quietly."What do you mean?""After Oracle Memoree visited us and we finally knew the truth, in all of its ugly glory," he flinched, green eyes losing focus for a moment before continuing, "the plan was to contact you...figure a way to reach out as soon as I returned from our old pack. Hycinth wasn't in great shape...she didn't think you or the pack would want her back...but she wanted to try.""The pack?" I raised an eyebrow. "Why would Hycinth think the pack wouldn't want her back?"Luca's shoulders pulled back, his tone clearly communicating his personal