“I just need to know you’re safe.” Silence. “Your brothers have been in touch, but I haven’t told them you’re here. I won’t, not unless you tell me to.” I wait, hoping that’ll make her say something.
It doesn’t.
Slowly, I back away from the door.
“If you need me, I’ll be right here—”
The handle turns.
The door creeps open.
A small sliver of Revea’s face is revealed. Enough to show her cheeks are flushed, tear-streaked, and one bright eye is bloodshot.
And, finally, the door opens fully.
She stares up at me, voice barely a whisper. “I think I need help—”
She’s in my arms.
I tried to hold it back, but the tremor in her voice, the fresh tears spilling from her eyes. It’s too much.
She’s against my chest, her hands clutching my t-shirt. The warmth of her tears seeps through the material as I nuzzle her hair.
Fuck, she smells incredible, rich cherry and vanilla, even if it’s edged bitterly with fear.
“I’m here, I’ve got you,” I soothe into her hair as I step into the room… and freeze.
Everything about Revea has always been meticulous. Her salon, her hair, her clothing, down to her nails. Which is why this room has a tight knot forming in my stomach.
It’s dark, pitch-black, except for one small light. The mirrors are covered by towels, air vents blocked by sheets. The mattress is tipped over on the floor, her laptop is on the ground, and there are pieces of paper everywhere.
“Kaiden,” she whispers.
My chest cracks open at the small sound. She doesn’t look at me, keeping her head tightly bundled to my chest.
“I think...” she starts, then leans up to my ear. “Someone’s watching.”
I can’t stop my growl, but Revea can. She whimpers, and it instantly halts.
“I’ll keep you safe, baby,” I murmur, kissing the top of her head. “Let me get you out of here. Okay?”
I wait, and she nods slowly.
Keeping her held against me with one arm, I grab all the things I see that I think are hers. I stuff them into her suitcase and take it with us.
When I get to the lobby, the alpha behind reception takes one look at us and rushes to open the doors.
“Fuck, I should have let you up sooner. I’m sorry.”
“No, you were right.” Revea shivers against me, and my pace increases. “Don’t let anyone else into that room. I’ll send my packmates soon. Okay?”
He nods, eyes wide, as I leave with Revea and her suitcase.
When I open the car door and try to put her down, she clings to me.
Her scent is stronger out here, away from other smells, and the burnt cherry zest has my alpha pacing.
Her omega is at the forefront, her instincts on high alert, and all I want to do is chase away whatever has scared her so badly.
