Something cold settled in his chest, sharp and unfamiliar, and he didn’t fucking like it.
Sloan felt Viktor watching him, he glanced his way. “What’s up?”
“I just left Becky with Katrina and Mira.” Viktor said, and Sloan didn’t miss the concerned tone in the Warrior’s voice.
“And?” Sloan stood slowly.
“Listen, I told her I wouldn’t tell you, but I came in a little bit ago. She overpaid me. When I showed her, she got really upset, then took off.” Viktor explained. “Katrina and Mira followed her. Once I caught up to them, they were outside with Becky throwing up.”
“Where is she?” Sloan was already heading toward the door.
“South exit.” Viktor called out.
It didn’t even take Sloan a minute before he hit the south exit door, shoving it open hard enough it slammed against the wall. He stepped outside, his eyes already searching. Spotting Becky sitting on the ground surrounded by Katrina and Mira who were all three now looking at him, he rushed that way.
“Becky?” Sloan’s eyes assessed her as he made his way toward them.
“I’m fine, Sloan,” Becky said, and he knew she was lying. Why she was lying to him was still a mystery, but not for long. He was done standing back and watching...wondering. She was going to give him answers today.
“The hell you are,” Sloan said, keeping tight control over the anger in his tone.
Taking the hint, Katrina and Mira stood. “Let us know if you need anything, Becky,” Katrina said as they turned to leave.
“Thank you,” Becky mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
Once they were gone, Sloan sat down in front of her and reached out, gripping her chin and lifting her gaze to his. “I’ve been patient, Becky, and I’m not a patient man,” he said, his voice even. “I know something is wrong. It’s time you tell me exactly what’s going on.”
Her gaze searched his, and what he saw there had him close to losing control.
She was afraid. It was right there in her eyes, clear as day, and it hit him like a sledge hammer to the chest.
And then he saw it coming—the lie—right before her gaze shifted away from his. Becky didn’t lie to him. Not like this. She wasn’t okay. That much he knew. But whatever was going on with her, he was completely in the dark. The only thing she had ever told him was she had some female issues, but it was nothing to worry about and yet, deep down he knew it was much more than that.
Sloan watched her closely, the battle inside her written all over her face. She looked lost.
His jaw tightened.
His mate should never feel that way. It was his job to protect her, to make sure she was okay, had everything she needed and somehow… he felt like he’d failed her.
“I’m scared, Sloan,” she whispered, then moved so fast it caught him off guard, her arms wrapping around him, her face buried against his neck as she held on tight.
Sloan pulled her in, his arms tightening around her. “I’ve got you,” he said quietly. Losing her wasn’t an option. He held her tight as he stood and headed for the compound. Becky kept her face pressed against his neck, trusting him, not questioning a thing.
Inside, he didn’t slow. He wanted to take her home, but not yet. Not until he had answers.
He passed Jax and Caroline without a word, turning down the hallway toward his office. Slade was there with Daniel, both of them looking up as Sloan came straight for them.
“Don’t leave,” Sloan told Slade as he went past, already moving into his office toward the private room in the back. Slade was the main reason he was staying here and not taking her home.
He sat Becky on the bed, then reached out, lifting her face to his. “What are you afraid of, Becky?”
“I don’t know,” she whispered, a tear slipping down her cheek.
Sloan caught it with his thumb, his gaze locked on hers. “Then we’ll figure it out. Together.”
Her fingers tightened in his shirt, her breath catching. “Sloan… I think they did something to me.”
Sloan went still. For one second, everything inside him went tight as rage tore through him. His eyes darkened, something cold and deadly settling in.
