When was the last time an alpha purred to settle me?
I can’t remember. My mind is too groggy.
“What did you give her?” Tristan asks as a Band-Aid is stuck on my arm. Even in my drugged state, I know how stupid that is. I’m still covered in bruises, scrapes, and cuts. Who cares about hiding one small mark?
“It’s a vaccine.” The nurse puts the cap back on the needle before pushing it into the front pocket of her scrubs. “It’s standard procedure and required. The last thing we want is another plague killing off what few omegas we have left.”
Basil says something, but I can’t hear him. I can’t hear anything other than the rhythmic beating of my heart. It thump, thump, thumps, urging me to close my eyes. To let go and sleep.
To let the darkness take me far away from here.
And before I know it, I take a deep breath and slip into a deep sleep.
My body swaysas if rocking on a gentle ocean wave. Except I’m not on a boat. I can feel arms cuddling my back and under my knees. And warmth. So much warmth.
Awareness settles over me and I realize I’m being carried. I try to lift my arms, but they’re still too heavy. Opening my eyes, I’m greeted by the full moon. It hangs large and round in the dark night sky, casting an electric silver-blue light over everything.
“It’s okay,” the man carrying me whispers, and my eyes snap to his face. It’s the alpha with the long blond hair. He did it. He bought me. “You’re safe now,” he says and his dark eyes sparkle.
“No,” I manage to whisper the single word. I don’t want this. I don’t want to be carried off into the mountains and forced to mate these strange men.
I want to go home.
“Is she awake?” Basil asks, but I can't see him. I’m sure he and the other alpha—Tristan?I think that was his name—I’m sure all three of them are thrilled at the thought of having me, but I can’t think about that right now. I need to figure out how to get out of this, and I’m willing to do whatever I have to.
I killed one alpha already. What’s three more?
If only I could lift my head.
“There’s a stream not far from the cave,” Basil says.
“That’s a good idea.” Killian picks up his pace. “I can’t believe they didn’t clean her up before throwing clothes on her.”
Someone growls in agreement. It’s a deep and angry noise, making me shiver. Killian holds me a little tighter, pressing me to his big body. He radiates so much wonderful heat that I can’t help but lean into him. And he smells good too. Like cherries and whiskey. Not the homemade stuff that my fathers drink. But the expensive stuff that Linden’s parents would bring to our dinners.
“It took the bastards twenty fucking minutes just to find her a shitty shirt that doesn’t even fit,” Tristan says, ruining mypeaceful moment. His voice is so loud with barely controlled anger. He’s clearly the most unhinged of all three of them. I hope he won’t hit me in the face. Those kinds of bruises take forever to heal.
“Tristan. Go get things ready,” Killian says. “Basil. This way.” The alpha carries me down a steep hill, his movements bumping me around, but he still manages to hold me gently.
Careful hands remove my shirt and a pair of cheap, gray sweatpants. I didn’t realize how uncomfortable the waistband was until it was pulled off of my body. But the second the cool night air hits my exposed skin, panic sets in, and I want those horrible pants back.
“No,” I whine, turning my head one way then the other. But no one listens to me.
There’s an awkward moment as Killian and Basil pass me back and forth so they can both strip down naked. I hate the waiting. They’re obviously going to hurt me, but the way they're holding me, prolonging the inevitable, makes my fear twist and churn, squeezing my throat so tight I’m scared I won't be able to breathe anymore.
“It’s actually not that cold,” Basil says. “There must be a spring nearby.”
“That’s good. I don’t want to shock her system.” Killian holds me tight as he walks forward. Water kicks up with each step, spraying cool droplets against my exposed backside. But it’s not soothing. It’s scary. I’m completely naked and trapped with three horrible alphas.
I have to get out of here.
“Stop.” I manage to lift my head, and everything spins. The stars overhead somersault, and the ground pitches up, then down. A wave of nausea rushes over me and I brace myself to get sick.I hope I throw up all over this asshole.
“It’s okay,” Killian dips my lower half into the stream as he purrs. The sound is rough like he’s not used to doing it. “Just breathe. You’re safe.”
The cool water crawls across my bottom and up my spine as I’m slowly lowered inch by inch. It settles my stomach and I pull in a deep, calming breath.
“That’s a good girl,” Killian whispers as he settles in the water. He rests my butt on his knees, keeping one arm around my shoulders. Then he drips water over my chest and arms. This stream isn’t connected to the river near my home. The water isn’t cold enough.How far away from my family am I?
