Page 19 of Freed

Her eyes drop to the side, and my stomach tightens with worry. “I’m okay,” she whispers, clearly a lie as she won’t look at me.

I glance over her head at the others and see Bain, Maddox, and Chase all looking like they’re ready to punch a hole in the wall, only worrying me further.

Looking at Maddox, I ask through the bond, “What happened?”

His jaw clenches as he visibly takes a deep breath then tells me, “We found her in a room with Dr. J. He had a knife at her throat and a hand down her pants.”

My eyes widen, and my skin starts to heat as the anger coils inside me, my wolf begging to get out. “He touched you?” I’m barely able to get the words out as I watch her face.

She flinches before whispering, “Just a little.”

I wrap my arms around her, and a strange sound starts to rumble from my chest. I glance up at the others in confusion, and it’s Maddox who tells me, “You’re purring.” I remember Bain doing this, after she had the nightmare. I didn’t realize I could do it too.

“Baby,” I whisper against the side of her head. “I’m so fucking sorry we didn’t get here fast enough.”

“But you did,” she sniffles. “He was trying to make me shift. And Blaze wanted to bond with me.”

“He didn’t, did he?” Hunter asks from where he’s still kneeling at our side, his hand rubbing her back.

She looks at him and shakes her head. “For some reason, he thought Dr. J needed to bond us.”

Looking at Bain, I ask, “Please tell me you haven’t killed that asshole doctor yet?”

“He’s alive, although he may be missing a few fingers,” Chase tells me. “Finn’s watching him.”

Cherry wipes her cheeks as she offers me a strained smile. “I’m really glad you’re okay, Gage.”

“Me too,” I say, squeezing her hips.

“Is it okay if I say hi to Hunter now?”

I grin at her and nod. She’s so sweet, wanting to make sure she spends time with all of us, even in the midst of her rescue. Hunter doesn’t waste time, pulling her from my lap into his as he hugs her tightly, swaying them back and forth as they whisper words of affection to one another.

“There’s something else you two should know,” Maddox says through the bond as he reaches his hand out to help me stand.

I take it, letting him pull me to my feet as I question, “What is it?”

“It appears that while she was here, Dr. J…”

He trails off, stares at her, and I have to place a hand on his shoulder and shake him a little to get his attention. “Dr. J, what?”

“He skinned her.”

I blink at him, not understanding. “Excuse me?”

“Are you serious?” Hunter asks out loud as he stands up with Cherry wrapped around his front like a monkey.

“What?” Cherry asks, pulling her head back and glancing around at us. Then her face pales, and I think she’s realized what we’re talking about. That is, until she speaks. “You’re speaking through the pack bond.” She shakes her head, looking devastated. “It’s gone. I’m not a part of it anymore.”

A tear rolls down her cheek as Hunter hugs her tighter against him, and Chase steps closer, rubbing her back as he tells her, “Don’t worry, pretty girl. I’m sure it will come back.”

Turning to Bain, I crack my knuckles as I tell him, “I think it’s time I pay this doctor a visit.”

Chapter 8

Cherry

Hunter holds me tightly as we follow the others out of the cell. My entire body feels like a live wire from so much emotional whiplash, combined with my recent regeneration.