“We’re here,” Max announces.
I stare at my newly unshackled wrists, twisting them around and feeling the lingering ache. Purple bands of deep bruising and raised welts wrap around my skin, and Luc scowls again as I catch him looking at them.
“Thank you.” It’s nearly silent, but he looks up anyway, a slight flush colouring his sculpted cheeks. “You’re welcome.”
The ambulance eases to a stop, and the older alpha behind me jerks awake. His gentle snoring’s been filling the air for the last hour.
“Sorry,” he murmurs sleepily when he sees me looking at him. “Early start today. Not as young as I used to be.”
He smiles at me, and I look away.
Lucien opens the doors and gets out, natural light spilling into our space. I try to push myself upright, but Max reaches out and touches my shoulder softly.
“Careful,” he warns. “You won’t be up to walking around just yet.”
My shoulders slump in disappointment, but he’s right. I can’t remember the last time I walked anywhere, truthfully. I’d probably just collapse like a sack of potatoes.
Max fusses around me, checking the machines and making sure the thin blanket covering me is in place. “We’ll get you to your room, and I’ll check you over properly,” he mutters.
My room. A space of my own.
Longing swoops low in my stomach.Freedom.
Whatever this is, it’s looking a damn sight better than my last location.
Lucien’s face appears in the doorway, and his eyes sweep over me. I wait for the familiar nausea to fill my stomach, but this feels…protective. He smiles a little and opens the door wider.
“Are you ready?” he asks. Max searches my face, uncertainty lining his features.
I stare at the light. “Who’s out there?”
“Just Nik and Bastien,” Luc says quietly. “They’ll stand back. It’s just in case we need help.”
Okay. Four… five, six, seven alphas, including the other three in here.
I can do this.
“Okay.” At my nod, Lucien grabs the metal base of my bed, and Max moves behind me to grab the other end. Gently, they lift me out of the ambulance, and the sunshine sears my eyes. It’s sobright, but I can’t close them. It’s been so long since I felt the warmth of sunshine on my face.
“Wait, please,” I breathe.
They both stop, and I pull in a deep breath. It smells like… fall. A light breeze dances across my skin, lifting my sticky hair away from my face. I suddenly realize how filthy I am, and embarrassment flushes my skin a deep red.
Max gives me a questioning glance. In the sunlight, his hair glimmers like fire. Luc’s hair shines too, and I bite my lip, glancing down. I suddenly wish they weren’t looking at me.
“Okay.”
My voice is small, but they pick up my cue and move forwards. I catch a glimpse of two males standing behind Lucien – a tall man with dark hair a shade lighter than Luc’s, and a blonde mammoth of a man. This must be Nikolai and Bastien.
They make sure to keep well back, and I don’t look as Max and Luc carry my bed past them. I feel stupid, lying on a bed as they carry me across the gravel.
Clearing my throat, I draw Max’s attention.
“Can I try to walk? Please?”
Max starts shaking his head, but Luc’s eyes stay on my face. He must see the pleading in my expression because he interrupts whatever Max is about to say.
“You’ll need help.” He’s blunt and matter-of-fact. A recognition that help isn’t an option. I won’t be going anywhere without one of them helping me.
