Then I grab the bucket and stumble back, dumping the ice into the tub with a loud clatter.
No one comes.
No one calls my name.
I strip down and climb into the tub wearing nothing but the shirt from Arden. The cold water hits hard, stealing my breath.
Then relief floods in.
The burning under my skin dulls. The cramps ease. I sag against the side of the tub, shaking.
The ice floats around me like little shards of salvation.
For a while, I can breathe.
Then the ice melts.
My body heat devours it fast. The relief slips away until I feel the heat surge again.
"No," I whisper. "Please—"
A cramp seizes me so hard I scream.
The sound rips out of me raw, echoing off the bathroom walls. My whole body locks up. I scramble, slipping against the tub floor.
I can't stay in here.
I can't do this alone.
I have to get to an alpha.
I drag myself out of the tub, water splashing onto the floor. My legs shake so badly I can barely stand. Another cramp hits mid-rise and I collapse onto my knees, sobbing.
I can't.
I can't.
I crawl out of the bathroom, leaving a trail of water behind me, arms trembling. The hallway blurs through tears.
Marie's door is down the hall.
Behind it are all four alphas.
I turn toward it anyway.
Eli.
Eli is safe.
Eli was my comfort once.
If anyone would help me—it would be Eli.
I crawl toward the door on shaking hands and knees, every movement agony. The carpet burns against my palms. My thighs are slick and sticky.
A wave hits. I pause, panting through it.
Then I push forward again.
