9

The shooting pain stole my breath, and I sagged against the wall. I gripped my chest, wishing there was a way I could take his suffering away.

“Callie!” Samuel placed his hands on my shoulders. He hunched over so he could stare into my eyes. “What’s wrong?”

I couldn’t speak, not with all the emotions and sensations bombarding me. I linked with everyone, It’s Bodey. He’s hurting.

A tear dripped onto my hand as I took a shaky breath. Bodey, I’m here. I tugged at our connection, trying to figure out a way to help him. I wish it was me instead of you.

I’m fucking glad it’s me and not you, he replied, his sincerity pushing through to me. They kicked me to see if I was awake. I managed to fool them into thinking I was still asleep.

Under normal circumstances, those words would have warmed me, but not now and not like this. At least they might leave him alone if they thought he was unconscious. It wasn’t fun to hurt an unconscious person.

“How badly is he hurt?” Jasmine’s brows furrowed. “I